“We knew it was time to reimagine the space. If we were going to stay here for years to come, we wanted something that would bring us joy every day.”
After years of living with a kitchen that no longer suited them, John and Geraldine Caplan decided it was time for a change. Inspired by neighbours who had recently extended their home, they saw the potential to elevate their own space – to make it not just more functional, but truly exceptional.
With no plans to move in the foreseeable future, the couple chose to invest in the space where they spend most of their time – often joined by their two beloved dogs, who are very much part of the family. The kitchen, alongside John’s study, forms the core of how they live – so it needed to feel considered, elegant and entirely personal.
Space to Entertain and Enjoy
Geraldine had one non-negotiable: an island. More than a style feature, it would anchor the kitchen socially and functionally, providing storage, seating and a central gathering point for guests.
The couple wanted the space to feel open and elegant, while being truly functional for entertaining. With a clear vision in mind, they explored their options – but it was Kesseler that stood out.
The Brentwood showroom was slightly further afield, but the experience made a lasting impression.
“We were immediately struck by the quality and tone of the brand. There was no hard sell – just thoughtful insight. The team really understood how we live and what we were looking for.”
A Seamless Collaboration
Working with designer Sean, the process became a collaboration – one grounded in trust, creativity and attention to detail.
John, known for his meticulous approach, particularly appreciated the design team’s shared commitment to precision. From the overall design concept to the smallest finishing touches, every detail was carefully considered – including the matt black sockets and switches, and two discreet pop-up socket with built-in phone charging, which John sourced himself to ensure both function and form were perfectly aligned.
“It was such an enjoyable process. The design team noticed the tiniest things – sometimes before we did. Their care and craftsmanship really stood out.”
The Result: A Kitchen That Feels Just Right
The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. What was once a cramped and claustrophobic room is now a sophisticated, open-plan space that invites conversation, connection, and calm.
“It’s just a lovely place to be. Everything is where it should be. We even retired a perfectly good Dualit toaster because it didn’t match the new look – now it’s Smeg everything.”
The centrepiece? That stunning island. With an initial concern that it may be too big, it’s now their favourite feature – generous in size, cleverly designed for storage and perfect for hosting. John and Geraldine even have their own ‘special spots’ they gravitate towards each day.
Crafted for the Way They Live
The new kitchen is more than just visually striking – it enhances every part of their daily life. Geraldine has everything she needs within reach when cooking. John appreciates the clean symmetry and seamless integration of tech and design.
Their guests agree. At their ‘kitchen warming party’, friends were blown away.
“We’ve had so many compliments. Everyone’s just amazed by how incredible it looks.”
Advice for Others? Dream Big
“Don’t be too constrained by budget. Think about what you truly want. You can always scale back later but start with your dream. This is a space you’ll live in every day – it’s worth getting right.”
