White handleless mat modern style plywood core kitchen. Sheffield

Plywood kitchen furniture is one of the most durable solutions for modern kitchen layouts, especially where the kitchen forms part of an open plan living space. For this project in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, the client wanted a clean, modern impression with warmer material character from plywood, while keeping the room feeling open rather than visually crowded. Because the kitchen sits inside the living area, the furniture had to read as calm, consistent cabinetry rather than a busy working zone. The entire layout therefore had to be engineered as a single straight run with fully integrated appliances and maximised storage.

The goal in this Sheffield flat was to achieve a minimal, handleless look while still delivering practical day to day storage. Because the kitchen is an integral part of the living room, the planning focused on two constraints that often conflict:

• Keep the open plan impression by avoiding additional returns or bulky forms.
• Maximise storage and integrate all appliances within a single row layout.

This is where fully bespoke manufacturing changes the result. Instead of forcing fixed factory modules into the wall length, the cabinet widths and internal zoning can be engineered around appliance sequence, service positions, and workflow. The storage is planned first, then the external door lines are structured to keep the elevation calm and balanced.

White plywood kitchen furniture in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Photo JSDECO.CO.UK

All doors and drawers in this project are handleless to keep the design minimal and visually consistent across the full run. Wall units use a combination of opening systems:

• Selected wall cupboards use an integrated bifold soft close mechanism for improved access.
• Remaining wall cupboards open traditionally on soft close hinges.

The kitchen integrates the full appliance set within a single straight line. At the left hand end, an integrated fridge freezer anchors the tall storage zone. Moving along the run, the cooking zone includes an integrated oven and induction hob, with an integrated extractor to keep the elevation compact and avoid bulky overhead elements.

One of the key technical details in this build is the oven housing. Instead of losing space under the oven to a fixed panel, the oven is positioned above a fully functional soft close drawer. This is a common area where modular systems waste volume. In a bespoke build, the oven and drawer can be engineered as one system, recovering storage without compromising operation.

Next to the oven, a 600 mm wide soft close push to open drawer set provides practical storage for cookware and daily kitchen items. On the right hand side, a 600 mm integrated waste bin supports the cleaning zone. The sink unit is only 450 mm wide, which frees up space to include an integrated washing machine within the same run.

Wall units in this kitchen are designed as a combination of horizontal and vertical doors. This breaks up the elevation visually, prevents the run from reading as a single flat block, and improves loading access by allowing shelf spacing to be planned around real items rather than default modular spacing.

To keep the overall design compact, an integrated extractor fan was used. LED spotlights highlight the work zones and keep the kitchen practical without introducing visually heavy fittings.

The worktop is made of 38 mm solid plywood and finished in a highly durable white laminate. An aluminium profile under the worktop adds a crisp line that strengthens the modern character of the furniture. The plinth is also finished in an aluminium effect laminate to maintain a consistent base line.

The design is completed with an integrated induction hob and a hardened glass splashback, chosen for easy cleaning and a clean reflective surface that suits white kitchens in open plan rooms.

Fitted white plywood kitchen in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Photo JSDECO.CO.UK

Modern style plywood fitted kitchen. Photo JSDECO.CO.UK

3D visualisation of the kitchen at design stage. Photo JSDECO.CO.UK

This renovation is a good example of how a single row kitchen can be improved when it is engineered as bespoke furniture rather than treated as a reduced modular layout. The “after” result focuses on three practical gains:

• Recovered storage volume by positioning the oven above a working soft close drawer rather than a fixed panel void.
• Full appliance integration within one run, preserving the open plan character of the living space.
• Cleaner elevation through handleless fronts, integrated waste handling, and consistent white finishes.

Before and after kitchen renovation in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Photo JSDECO.CO.UK

Style Modern style
Location Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Materials and components

• 38 mm solid plywood worktop finished in white laminate
• White matt slab handleless doors and drawer fronts
• White laminated cupboards
• Soft close push to open Blum drawers
• Soft close bifold wall unit system
• Hardened glass splashback
• Integrated fridge freezer
• Integrated extractor fan
• Integrated oven engineered above a functional drawer
• Integrated induction hob
• Integrated washing machine
• Integrated waste bin

Designed, manufactured, supplied and fitted by JS DECO.

We work with private and commercial customers, property investors, shop owners, and interior designers. If you would like to see another more complex project in a similar handleless style, please see this case study: custom made true handleless kitchen in Ilkley, West Yorkshire.