A Complete Wakefield Oak Shaker Kitchen Transformation in Redbourne, Gainsborough
This kitchen transformation in Redbourne, near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, began with an interesting design decision. The existing kitchen was already oak, and during the design process we explored a number of different layouts, colours and kitchen styles. After considering the alternatives, the customer ultimately came back to the material he had enjoyed living with for many years - oak. But this was never going to be a simple replacement of one oak kitchen with another. The new kitchen was redesigned completely from the ground up as a Mastercraft Wakefield oak Shaker kitchen, with a new layout, central island, redesigned storage, new electrical installation, extensive lighting, quartz worktops and splashbacks, herringbone flooring and an entirely new appliance specification. Copper was then used as a carefully repeated accent throughout the room, appearing on the cabinet handles, electrical accessories, pendant lights and Qettle boiling-water tap. The result shows just how different two oak kitchens can be.Before and After. The Mastercraft Difference.
1. The Original Space
A Traditional Oak Kitchen That Had Reached Its Time
The existing kitchen was already oak, with raised-panel doors, decorative cornice, open display units and a much more traditional style. It had served the room well, but the overall design, finishes and detailing had become dated.
A Layout That Wasn’t Using the Space Properly
Much of the furniture followed the perimeter, while a large peninsula divided the kitchen from the dining area. There was plenty of floor space, but the arrangement didn’t take full advantage of it and left the centre of the room without a clear purpose.
A Complete Redesign Rather Than a Simple Replacement
The customer considered several different design directions before ultimately deciding to stay with oak. Rather than recreating the old kitchen, the brief became one of completely rethinking it – retaining the warmth of natural timber while changing virtually everything else.
2. The Transformation
Stripped Back and Rebuilt from the Ground Up
The old kitchen was completely removed so the room could be properly prepared for the new Mastercraft design. The electrical installation was renewed, the walls were prepared and replastered, and the floor was levelled and made ready for the new herringbone finish.
A Completely New Mastercraft Layout
With the room cleared, the new cabinetry could be installed to an entirely different plan. Tall furniture was introduced, the appliance positions were reconsidered and the central island became the focal point of the new kitchen.
The installation photographs show how the design was built up in stages, with the cabinetry fitted first, followed by the oak Shaker doors, lighting, appliances and quartz surfaces.
Bespoke Cabinetry and Storage Built Into the Design
The new kitchen was designed around practical storage as well as appearance. This included a tall pull-out larder with oak drawers, oak dovetail drawer boxes and made-to-measure cabinetry designed to use the available height and width of the room properly.
Even the corner wall units and tall appliance housings were planned as part of the overall composition rather than relying on standard-size furniture.
New Electrics and a Layered Lighting Scheme
The electrical work was redesigned alongside the kitchen rather than added afterwards. New ceiling lighting, under-cabinet illumination, low-level LED lighting and wiring for the three copper pendants above the island were all incorporated during the installation.
This allowed the finished room to have several different layers of light rather than relying on a single source.
Quartz Installed as Part of the Architecture
The Calacatta-style quartz was used for much more than the worktops. It continues up the walls as full-height splashbacks and wraps down the end of the island to form a substantial waterfall panel.
The sink area was also upgraded with a recessed drainer machined directly into the quartz, giving the finished worktop a much more refined appearance.
2. The Transformation
Stripped Back and Rebuilt from the Ground Up
The old kitchen was completely removed so the room could be properly prepared for the new Mastercraft design. The electrical installation was renewed, the walls were prepared and replastered, and the floor was levelled and made ready for the new herringbone finish.
A Completely New Mastercraft Layout
With the room cleared, the new cabinetry could be installed to an entirely different plan. Tall furniture was introduced, the appliance positions were reconsidered and the central island became the focal point of the new kitchen.
The installation photographs show how the design was built up in stages, with the cabinetry fitted first, followed by the oak Shaker doors, lighting, appliances and quartz surfaces.
Bespoke Cabinetry and Storage Built Into the Design
The new kitchen was designed around practical storage as well as appearance. This included a tall pull-out larder with oak drawers, oak dovetail drawer boxes and made-to-measure cabinetry designed to use the available height and width of the room properly.
Even the corner wall units and tall appliance housings were planned as part of the overall composition rather than relying on standard-size furniture.
New Electrics and a Layered Lighting Scheme
The electrical work was redesigned alongside the kitchen rather than added afterwards. New ceiling lighting, under-cabinet illumination, low-level LED lighting and wiring for the three copper pendants above the island were all incorporated during the installation.
This allowed the finished room to have several different layers of light rather than relying on a single source.
Quartz Installed as Part of the Architecture
The Calacatta-style quartz was used for much more than the worktops. It continues up the walls as full-height splashbacks and wraps down the end of the island to form a substantial waterfall panel.
The sink area was also upgraded with a recessed drainer machined directly into the quartz, giving the finished worktop a much more refined appearance.
3. The Finished Kitchen
A Mastercraft Wakefield Oak Shaker Kitchen
The finished kitchen is our Mastercraft Wakefield oak Shaker design, created specifically for this room.
Although the customer chose oak again, the new kitchen feels completely different from the one it replaced. Cleaner Shaker proportions, taller cabinetry, better symmetry and a much stronger layout allow the natural oak to become part of a more contemporary design.
A Central Island That Changes the Room
The new island now gives the kitchen a clear centre and provides a generous uninterrupted preparation surface together with additional storage.
The pale quartz contrasts beautifully with the oak cabinetry, while the waterfall end gives the island a strong, furniture-led appearance from the dining side of the room.
Copper Details Used Throughout
Copper is repeated carefully across the design through the cabinet handles, Qettle 4-in-1 boiling-water tap, socket fronts and three large pendant lights above the island.
Against the oak and pale quartz, these details add warmth without overwhelming the natural materials.
High-Specification NEFF Appliances
The kitchen was equipped with a comprehensive new NEFF specification, including an N90 oven, combination oven and warming drawer, integrated dishwasher, induction hob, tall fridge and built-under freezer.
A 400mm black wine cooler was also incorporated into the island, introducing a darker accent within the otherwise warm oak and copper palette.
A High-End Sink and Quartz Drainer Detail
A large white SCHOCK undermounted granite sink was fitted beneath the quartz worktop, paired with the copper Qettle tap.
Rather than using a conventional surface-mounted drainer, the quartz was specially machined to create a recessed draining area directly into the worktop.
Oak Herringbone Flooring and Warm Lighting
The original tiled floor was replaced with oak herringbone flooring, bringing a lighter tone beneath the richer cabinetry and helping the whole room feel more open.
Warm LED lighting beneath the cabinets and around the plinths, together with the illuminated cornice detail and copper pendants, gives the finished kitchen a completely different character in the evening.
A New Oak Kitchen – Not Simply Another Oak Kitchen
The most interesting part of this transformation is that the customer ultimately chose the same core material he already had.
But almost everything else changed.
The layout, proportions, storage, lighting, appliances, flooring, worktops and detailing were all redesigned from the ground up to create a completely new Mastercraft Wakefield kitchen.
Mastercraft Kitchen Installations
Your kitchen, fully designed, built and installed by one team.
No chasing after trades after they’ve let you down. No gaps between stages. Just a complete, project managed transformation from start to finish.
What's included, everything managed for you
Design & Planning
Build & Installation
Finishing & Completion
Fitted by People Who Take Pride in the Job
Our kitchens are installed by experienced fitters who know our products inside out. They are part of the Mastercraft team, not outside contractors, so every job is carried out with care, attention and proper workmanship. From accurate fitting to clean finishes, our fitters treat your home with respect and make sure everything is done right, down to the last detail.
Fitted by People Who Take Pride in the Job
Our kitchens are installed by experienced fitters who know our products inside out. They are part of the Mastercraft team, not outside contractors, so every job is carried out with care, attention and proper workmanship. From accurate fitting to clean finishes, our fitters treat your home with respect and make sure everything is done right, down to the last detail.
We Can Manage All Your Other Jobs Too!
Looking for a full kitchen makeover? You’re in the right place. With Mastercraft, we can also re-plaster, lay down new floors, sort out the tiling, and even handle bigger jobs like taking down walls or making structural changes. Mastercraft can project manage all your kitchen transformation needs.
Structural Work and Wall Knock-Throughs
Doors and Windows Fitted and Moved
Plastering, Rendering and Damp Proofing
Radiators Fitted and Repositioned
Flooring & Tiling
Finance Offers
Built In-House. Made Without Compromise.
Every Mastercraft kitchen is made in our own UK workshops by skilled cabinet makers. From joinery to finishing, each cabinet is built specifically for your project, with careful control over materials, tolerances and detail.
Nothing is off the shelf. Nothing is rushed. What we design is what we build, ensuring your kitchen is made properly, to suit your home and to last.
Built In-House. Made Without Compromise.
Every Mastercraft kitchen is made in our own UK workshops by skilled cabinet makers. From joinery to finishing, each cabinet is built specifically for your project, with careful control over materials, tolerances and detail.
Nothing is off the shelf. Nothing is rushed. What we design is what we build, ensuring your kitchen is made properly, to suit your home and to last.
Properly Designed Before It’s Built
Your kitchen is carefully designed and finalised before manufacturing begins. Layout, proportions, storage and finishes are all considered in detail, so decisions are made with clarity and confidence.
This ensures your kitchen is fully resolved as a design, not just planned, so what is built matches what has been agreed.
Get free expert advice from the people who will design and build your kitchen. Keely Mastercraft Designer and Project Manager Simon Mastercraft Designer and Project Manager Susan Mastercraft Designer and Project Manager Steven Builder, Designer and Project Manager John Mastercraft Designer and Project ManagerMeet a Mastercraft kitchen designer
You'll work directly with a Mastercraft designer to plan a kitchen around your home, your layout and how you live day to day. From the first sketches through to technical planning and installation, everything is handled by one experienced in-house team. Every kitchen is made-to-measure for your room, your architecture and the way you use the space. We measure and plan everything before production begins so your kitchen fits exactly as intended. See door finishes, worktops and colours in your own home before making final decisions.Start your Mastercraft design consultation
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