Bringing a contemporary edge to a 1970s-built home in Helsby, Cheshire, this impressive kitchen renovation showcases how thoughtful design and carefully selected materials can completely transform a space. Originally characterised by bold colours and exposed brickwork, the four-bedroom detached property has been reimagined into a modern, light-filled family home.
Working alongside Gareth Lewin of PJL Installations, the homeowners have gradually renovated the property over time, creating a cohesive interior that balances style with practicality. Having previously updated the kitchen in 2012 with support from Worktop Solutions, the latest redesign aimed to elevate both the functionality and overall aesthetic of the space.
Central to the brief was the creation of a large island that could serve as both a practical workspace and a social hub. With anthracite windows, internal glazing and bifold doors already in place, the kitchen needed to feel bright, open and seamlessly connected to the rest of the home.
Pantheon Grey by CRL Stone was selected as the ideal worksurface to anchor the design. Featuring a crisp white base interwoven with bold grey marbling, the surface delivers a striking yet timeless aesthetic that enhances the overall scheme. Its dramatic veining introduces movement and depth, while subtle warm tones echo the surrounding materials, helping to unify the space.
The choice of Pantheon Grey also reflects a growing demand for surfaces that combine visual impact with everyday practicality. As part of the CRL Quartz collection, it offers a durable, non-porous finish that is resistant to scratches, stains and heat, making it well suited to busy family kitchens.
A key requirement for the project was achieving a seamless finish with minimal joins, which was made possible through the use of CRL Stone’s super jumbo slab size of 3470 x 2010mm. The generous dimensions allowed for a clean, uninterrupted island surface, creating a strong focal point within the room and enhancing the overall sense of quality. Expertly installed by Worktop Solutions, the island also features a waterfall edge, with careful vein matching ensuring continuity across surfaces. Additional bespoke elements, including a custom-built “hide and slide” unit designed by Gareth Lewin, provide discreet storage for small appliances while maintaining the clean, handleless aesthetic.
The scale of the slab also enabled the creation of a highly bespoke window sill, fabricated entirely from a single piece. Thanks to the extra width, the worktop runs seamlessly into the bay window with no joins, forming a complex polygonic shape that incorporates the sink cut-out and drainage grooves while maintaining complete visual continuity. This level of detailing highlights the design flexibility that larger slab formats can offer.
The finished kitchen is both striking and highly functional. Natural light floods the space, reflecting off the light tones of Pantheon Grey and enhancing the sense of openness, while darker cabinetry adds contrast and depth. By evening, integrated lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, transforming the kitchen into a space for both everyday living and entertaining.
Combining elegant design with outstanding durability, Pantheon Grey brings together all the elements of this project, demonstrating how a carefully chosen surface can elevate a kitchen while meeting the practical demands of modern life.