Water Lane United Reformed Church is a warm and welcoming organisation that places enormous value on community. As any church knows, the kitchen is a vital hub for that fellowship and outreach.

They knew their kitchen needed a renovation, and they also knew exactly what they wanted it to be. Here is the result, and the transformation that got them there.

The old kitchen and the new plans

While Steelplan often advise clients on the design for their new kitchen, Water Lane URC knew exactly what they wanted, which made the early stages extremely efficient, with all discussion and planning taking place remotely over phone and email.

The previous kitchen was a small run, lacking space for shared usage and storage. They did not want the kitchen to be complex or over-equipped. All they needed was a hob, some microwaves, and a dishwasher, because they were all they every used. However, they did want to expand the kitchen area to make it more comfortable and user-friendly. That required knocking through an old toilet block that could be converted into more kitchen space.

A kitchen to match the whole building

Although there was some dramatic work to the footprint, it was important not to lose any of the kitchen’s character and features which were the same as those in the wider building — the distinctive pink walls, white beams, and peach columns.

It was also vital that the new kitchen design was sympathetic to the existing character. The oyster colour from the Steelplan range was the ideal complement to the building’s colour profile.

Simple solutions to practical challenges

The extra space also meant additional storage was possible, making tidiness and cleanliness far easier to maintain.

Likewise, the church’s choice of a Zintec polyester powder-coated mild steel carcass meant that the kitchen was wipe-clean, and durable and hygienic by design.

On Steelplan’s advice, the church opted for a mobile island. That offers both an extra work surface, and a handy storage solution for dishwasher trays, and other tray storage, which the client found especially useful.

However you are approaching your renovation, Steelplan Kitchens is ready to provide the design expertise that will help you get the kitchen that will serve your goals and your community group.

It doesn’t matter…

• whether you know exactly what kind of kitchen you need, or whether you have no idea.
• whether your kitchen footprint is fine as is, or whether you need remedial work to its shape or structure.
• whether you have a clear vision for the colour and character of your kitchen, or whether you need inspiration.

Email [email protected] or call 020 8254 0090, and our friendly team will be happy to advise. If you would like, they can also discuss your plans for the kitchen, take a look at the dimensions of your space, and provide a free-of-charge 3D virtual tour so that you can see the possible renovation in situ.