Breathing new life into a period kitchen: a smart Edinburgh renovation
When my clients moved from their spacious modern family home into a traditional Edinburgh flat, they faced a common dilemma: how do you make a period property feel like home without breaking the bank?
With the desire to reuse as much of their existing furniture as possible, they wanted creative solutions that would respect the character of their new flat while addressing practical challenges.
At the heart of their new home was a beautiful kitchen with high ceilings and original cornicing. The space had good bones, but the layout wasn’t quite right, and there simply wasn’t enough storage for all the family needs and an awkwardly positioned island unit. Rather than undertaking a complete overhaul of the space, JAAI focused the budget strategically on the areas that would make the biggest impact.
Before…
The transformation
The existing kitchen had white gloss units and an over-powering red brick-effect splashback, making the space felt disjointed and rather dated. Our approach was targeted rather than sweeping – we kept the white cabinetry which was in good condition but made some clever additions and changes.
The game-changer was the creation of a pantry. By reimagining the existing layout, including repositioning of the fridge freezer from the kitchen into the space we carved out dedicated food storage that transformed day-to-day functionality. This single addition solved the storage crisis and made the space infinitely more practical for family life.
We also introduced warmer tones to soften the clinical white. The red splashback was replaced with elegant metro tiles in a soft grey-green, creating a more sophisticated palette that still honours the flat’s period features. Wooden countertops and open rustic shelving above the fireplace added warmth and character.
We removed the island unit and introduced a round dining table and mismatched chairs immediately opening up the entire space.
After…
We wanted to make our period flat work for our family without spending a fortune. JAAI understood that we wanted to re-use our much-loved pieces and their help was invaluable in making it all come together. The kitchen transformation has been spot-on for how we live day-to-day. JAAI showed us that you don’t need to rip everything out to create a home that feels completely yours. We’re absolutely delighted with how it’s turned out.’
Marianne, Edinburgh
Clever storage solutions
The storage challenge extended beyond the kitchen. The flat had a generous attic room that was being underutilised – we partitioned off a section to create a substantial walk-in storage area. This wasn’t just about hiding things away – by removing clutter from the main living spaces, we made the entire flat feel more spacious and intentional.
An unexpected benefit? The attic room itself became cosier and more intimate once it was re-sized and the client gained an office rather than what had been a ‘dumping ground’. Sometimes less really is more.
Styling with personality
Throughout the flat, we focused on decoration and staging rather than structural changes. Good design isn’t always about spending more – it can also be about using what you have, more thoughtfully. We re-painted walls in Farrow and Ball Slipper Satin, a timeless white with pops of muted colour in the lounge and dining room. Plants, lots of them, bring life and freshness to every corner – from trailing greenery on shelves to statement arrangements on the dining table.
JAAI made the fireplace in the lounge a focal point. Simply by painting the wall in Farrow & Ball’s De Nimes, mirroring this shade with new cushions and throws, and adding carefully curated objects on the mantel and floating shelves above, we breathed new life into the entire room. Pendant lights – including glass shades that add a pop of personality – define different zones within the open-plan space.
The takeaway
Moving into a period property doesn’t mean you need deep pockets or a complete overhaul. My clients created a home that feels distinctly theirs by being strategic about where to invest, reusing quality pieces they already owned, and focusing on smart storage solutions and thoughtful styling. The result is a kitchen and living space that balances period charm with modern family life – practical, personal, and proof that great design is accessible to everyone.
Jane Allen Architectural Interiors specialises in making the most of your space and budget. If you’re facing similar challenges in your home, let’s talk about how thoughtful design can transform your everyday living.