The Macleod Family’s Dream Kitchen Transformation (as featured in House Beautiful April 2025)

Introduction: Meet the Macleods

Marieanne and John Macleod live in a beautiful four-bedroom detached home in Glasgow with their children. As a family that loves entertaining, they wanted a kitchen that wasn’t just functional but also bright, open, and perfect for hosting.

When they purchased their home in 2014, the kitchen and dining area felt dark and uninspiring, with no windows on the back wall to bring in natural light. Determined to create a warm and welcoming space, they embarked on a transformative journey, with the help of an architect to design their dream kitchen

The Vision: From Dark and Dated to Light and Luxurious

The original kitchen was anything but ideal. It was small, cramped, and lacked natural light, making it feel closed in and uninspiring. Marieanne and John knew they had to make a drastic change.

Their vision? A spacious, light-filled, open-plan kitchen and dining area that would become the heart of their home. To achieve this, they:

• Knocked through the kitchen and dining room to create an open-plan living space.
• Removed the old conservatory in favour of a brand-new extension.
• Flipped the kitchen to the opposite side of the space, making use of a larger wall area.
• Installed full-height windows to flood the room with natural light.

The Transformation: A 17-Week Journey

Renovations like these don’t happen overnight, and for the Macleods, the transformation took 17 weeks from start to finish. The key steps included:

• Demolishing the conservatory to make way for the extension.
• Building a spacious new kitchen-dining-living area with an improved layout.
• Repositioning the kitchen to maximise functionality and allow for better use of space.
• Installing a large central island, complete with an induction hob, ensuring plenty of prep space and an ideal social hub.

Marieanne and John were adamant about having a kitchen that worked for their lifestyle giving them somewhere they could cook, entertain, and make memories with their family and friends.

Design Inspiration: A Bespoke, Personalised Space

To bring their dream kitchen to life, they started with a mood board, selecting swatches and finishes that reflected their style and personality. They wanted a design that was both sophisticated and practical, blending modern elegance with everyday usability.

The standout feature? Their choice of the Gemini worktop in Minerox Calacatta Gold Superior 30mm —a luxurious, marble-inspired quartz surface that exudes elegance while being incredibly durable and easy to maintain.

To tie the whole look together, they picked up on the gold veining in the worktop by incorporating matching gold accents in:

• The cabinet handles
• The legs of their bar stools

The Star of the Show: Calacatta Gold Superior Worktop

The Gemini Minerox Calacatta Gold Superior worktop became the true centrepiece of the kitchen. Here’s why they fell in love with it:

• Aesthetically stunning – The marble-inspired design added a high-end feel to the space.
• Ultra-practical – It’s easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant, making it perfect for a busy household.
• Perfect for entertaining – Whether it’s prepping a meal or setting up drinks, the worktop enhances both function and style.

With the new design in place, Marieanne and John finally had a kitchen that felt as luxurious as it was liveable.

The Result: A Kitchen Made for Hosting and Family Life

The finished space is everything the Macleods hoped for—bright, open, and perfect for entertaining.

With the open-plan design, they can now cook while still being part of the conversation, and the central island has become the social hub of their home. Their guests love gathering around it, whether for casual coffee catch-ups or lively dinner parties.

Reflecting on their renovation, Marieanne says: "It was a long journey, but so worth it. The space feels so much brighter and more welcoming. It’s completely changed the way we use our home."

Tips for Readers: Lessons from the Macleods’ Renovation

Thinking of transforming your kitchen? Here are some key takeaways from the Macleods’ experience:

1. Work with professionals – An architect can help you maximise your space efficiently.
2. Plan your layout carefully – Positioning appliances and worktops strategically will make a huge difference in functionality.
3. Invest in quality materials – A high-quality worktop (like quartz) is durable, stylish, and easy to maintain.
4. Incorporate your personality – Small details like colour accents and finishes can make a space feel truly your own.

Conclusion: A Kitchen That’s Worth the Wait

After 17 weeks of planning, building, and designing, the Macleods have created a kitchen that perfectly suits their needs. Bright, luxurious, and practical, their new space is the ultimate heart of the home.

If you’re thinking about your own kitchen renovation, take inspiration from their journey. With the right choices and the right team, you too can create a space that’s not only functional but also a true reflection of your vision.