Heather’s dream kitchen: A Japandi-inspired space for family and living

At Gardiner of England, we believe the best kitchens are about people, stories, and the way life unfolds in the space. Every dream kitchen tells a tale of how someone wants to live, and today we’re sharing that vision through the eyes of our designer, Heather.

Heather spends her working days helping contract clients design kitchens that fit specific budgets and specs. However, when asked about her own dream kitchen, she spoke with such clarity and enthusiasm that it was impossible not to picture it. Her vision is practical yet personal, rooted in family life but guided by a deep love for style. What emerges is a kitchen that feels warm, with a strong influence from the serene Japandi aesthetic that blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian comfort.

Heather's Dream Kitchen - Design Breakdown

When describing her dream kitchen, Heather immediately thought about balance - the marriage of storage and style, utility and personality.

“I’d love some tall units mixed with shelving on the walls,” she explained, “for my recipe books, for artwork, and of course, as many plants as I can fit!” 

It’s a vision that captures both order and character. For Heather, those open shelves aren’t just about function but a way of surrounding herself with life and beauty. And while she has a designer’s eye for display, she’s also practical: “Lots of storage is a must,” she added, knowing all too well how quickly clutter builds in a busy family kitchen.

Heather's Dream Kitchen | Japandi Practicality & Style

At the heart of her layout is the island. Heather is very clear on this:

“A large island with a hob and bar stools is essential. I want plenty of space for socialising and entertaining while I’m cooking.” 

You can almost imagine the scene she describes: children perched on stools, friends gathered with glasses in hand, laughter echoing through the space while dinner simmers away. It’s not a kitchen you retreat to, but one that welcomes people in. Of course, Heather’s dream kitchen isn’t only about atmosphere. It’s full of clever details designed to make everyday life easier.

“Somewhere to tuck the microwave and the tea & coffee station out of sight is a must,”

she said, describing a neat hideaway cupboard that keeps surfaces free of clutter. With two hungry boys at home, she dreams of a pull-out larder big enough to keep snacks organised. Two ovens, neatly stacked in tall housing, would give her the flexibility to cook large family meals or entertain with ease, while a double sink adds the sort of practicality that becomes indispensable in a family home. She even admits, with refreshing honesty,

“A separate utility room is just to hide the mounds of washing!” 

It’s a reminder that dream kitchens are built not just for picture-perfect moments, but for real, lived-in family life.

Convenience is woven throughout her list of essentials. A hot water tap is high on her wish list, the kind of everyday luxury that makes tea-making and cooking that bit quicker. Multiple hidden bins are also non-negotiable:

"We’ve got so many different recycling and waste streams now, it’s a must to keep it tidy and hidden.” 

These are not extravagances, but thoughtful inclusions that allow the kitchen to run smoothly while maintaining a sense of calm and order.

When it comes to layout, Heather’s vision is clear.

“A straight run and a large island - preferably no corners,” 

she describes. It’s the simplicity of this arrangement that appeals most: a space that flows without interruption, encouraging easy movement and openness.

But ever practical, she added,

“If I had to have one, I’d go for a Le Mans corner unit, so I can reach all the bits at the back of the cupboard.” 

It’s a designer’s solution to an age-old frustration, ensuring no space is wasted and no saucepan is lost to the shadows.

Her choice of colours is equally thoughtful, rooted in nature and a desire for calm.

“I’d choose soft greens or pinks with some light wooden panelling,” she explained. “A mix of colours or a splash of something bold would be lovely. I want it to feel natural and earthy — nothing too harsh,”

These tones are earthy and uplifting, evoking the outdoors and bringing a gentle warmth into the space. And, that sentiment captures the entire atmosphere she’s striving for: a kitchen that feels alive, soft, and grounded. Surfaces are, of course, an important part of that vision, and Heather’s choice is both practical and stylish.

“I’d go for quartz because it’s practical with young kids and all those accidental knocks and spills,” she said. “Plus, there are so many options to choose from.”

It’s a material that embodies her approach to design: hard-wearing enough to stand up to family life, yet flexible enough to express personality and style.

The guiding influence behind all these choices is Heather’s love of Japandi design.

“I really like the current Japandi style — Japanese and Scandinavian design mixed together,” she explained. “It’s simple, calming, but also warm and homely.” 

This aesthetic, which celebrates natural materials, functional simplicity, and subtle beauty, shines through in her choices of colour, layout, and finishes. It’s not about stark minimalism, but about creating a space that feels harmonious and lived-in, where practicality meets serenity.

Appliances, for Heather, should be as discreet as possible.

“I want appliances that look sleek and blend into the kitchen,”

she said, reflecting her preference for seamless design. She dreams of two large integrated fridge-freezers - functional giants that disappear into the cabinetry.

On her island, she would choose a venting hob.

“I love the Haier one,” she explained. “It draws cooking smells away so quickly.” 

It’s a piece of technology that works hard without dominating the design, perfectly in keeping with her understated aesthetic. And when asked what she would avoid, Heather didn’t hesitate:

“Definitely no galley kitchens, and no too-many corners!”

For her, the kitchen must feel open, generous, and free from unnecessary barriers. It’s this openness - of space, of style, of atmosphere - that defines her dream.

Heather’s vision is inspiring not because it chases trends, but because it is so deeply personal. It’s a kitchen designed around her life. One that accommodates the realities of family, celebrates the joy of entertaining, and reflects her love of calm, natural beauty. From hidden bins to soft green tones, from a hot water tap to a carefully chosen quartz surface, every detail tells a story about how she wants to live.

At Gardiner of England, we know that this is what makes a kitchen truly special: not the gloss of the cabinets or the sheen of the appliances, but the way the space fits seamlessly into your life. Heather’s dream kitchen is a reminder that the best designs are born not from catalogues, but from asking what really matters and finding creative, thoughtful ways to bring it to life.

Perhaps most importantly, Heather shows us that a dream kitchen doesn’t need to be unattainable. It needs to be yours - a space that’s tailored to your routines, your family, and your sense of style. And when those pieces come together, the result is more than just a kitchen. It’s the heart of the home.

Book a Design Appointment at Gardiner of England here - https://www.gardinerofengland.com/book-online

Visit our Headcorn, Kent-based showroom - https://www.gardinerofengland.com/showroom