How an ex-display kitchen island inspired a stylish Callerton Kitchens & Interiors design

Q: What type of property was it in and who was the project for?
A: The project was in a Newcastle home belonging to interior design director Becca Bird and her partner Luke. Both are highly creative individuals, and they approached their own kitchen renovation with the same passion and vision they bring to professional projects.

Q: What was the brief from the client for this project?
A: The brief was centred around one bold, pre-chosen element: a dramatic ex-display island sourced from Rehome. Becca and Luke wanted the entire kitchen to flow seamlessly around this statement piece, creating a space that felt modern, textural, and highly personal, while remaining functional for everyday life.

Q: How did you go about meeting the brief?
A: Our role at Callerton Kitchens & Interiors was to listen carefully and collaborate fully. We worked closely with Becca, Victoria Ramez Architects, and Greens Building Solutions to ensure the cabinetry, layout, and finishes complemented the island while maximising light and functionality. By colour-matching cabinetry, refining proportions, and harmonising the layout, we ensured the whole kitchen became a coherent and considered space without overshadowing the central island.

Q: What type of cabinetry did you choose and what made it the perfect choice?
A: We designed bespoke Callerton cabinetry, produced at their North East factory. The flexibility of their furniture was key: it allowed us to colour-match to the island and adapt every detail to ensure cohesion, which wouldn’t have been possible with standardised cabinetry.

Q: What materials did you use? Did you use anything different or unusual?
The standout material was, of course, the ex-display island, rich in character and colour, which set the tone for the entire design. Around it, we introduced elegant painted cabinetry, premium finishes, and carefully chosen textures to bring depth and warmth.

What made this project unusual was the starting point: rather than working from a blank canvas, every other element had to be designed in harmony with the existing island. This also gave the project a strong sustainability story – by reusing and repurposing an ex-display piece, we not only embraced a unique feature but also extended the life of high-quality furniture that might otherwise have gone to waste, reducing the need for new materials and aligning with the client’s values.

Q: What were the particular challenges that you faced?
The biggest challenge was ensuring the striking island didn’t dominate the space but instead acted as a focal point within a balanced design. The north-facing orientation of the room also presented a challenge with natural light. Working alongside the architects, we used colour, glazing, and layout adjustments to frame and reflect the available light, effectively turning the kitchen into a gallery-style backdrop for the cabinetry and island.

Are there any design elements that you’re particularly proud of?
We’re most proud of the way collaboration shaped the project. The harmony between the bold Rehome island, the bespoke Callerton cabinetry, and Victoria Ramez’s architectural framing created a kitchen that feels unique yet timeless. For us, the colour-matching and detailing that tie everything together are stand-out elements, beautifully captured by photographer Kate Buckingham, whose imagery brings out the textures, light, and atmosphere of the finished space.

Q: What is the client's favourite part of the finished project?
A: Becca and Luke originally expected the island to be the undisputed heart of their new kitchen, but what they love most about the finished project is the harmony created between all the elements. The cabinetry, architectural framing, and layout don’t just support the island — they elevate it, transforming the whole space into something far greater than the sum of its parts. The result is a kitchen that feels dramatic, balanced, and deeply personal.