Every so often, a project comes along that completely redefines the boundaries of interior design. For homeowners and design duo Warren and his partner James, "standard" was never going to be enough. Their kitchen renovation is a masterclass in fearless, unconventional luxury - so much so that it earned them the title of Overall Winner at the GEM Awards 2025.
Keep your eyes peeled for Channel 4’s Outrageous Homes – series 2, airing shortly. The programme, hosted by the flamboyant Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, celebrates the UK’s most eccentric, daring, and unapologetic home designs. As this fabulous kitchen - with its soaring 12ft ceilings and bespoke lighting - is the perfect star for a show dedicated to the "extraordinary."
The most striking feature of this renovation is the verticality. "Our biggest challenge was the design of the cabinets," the winners explain. "We wanted to utilise the full 12ft height of the room, so we went unconventional and added a second layer of cabinetry on top of the standard units."
To achieve this "quirky vibe," the couple worked with Wren Kitchens, eventually finding a designer who shared their vision for a kitchen that felt more like an architectural statement than a utility space. To illuminate this grand design, they even sourced vintage chandelier carcasses from Facebook Marketplace, finding a patient electrician to rewire them into bespoke masterpieces.
When it came to the surfaces, the couple knew that only the best would do to ground their high-concept design. Based on a recommendation from Wren, they turned to Gemini Worktops to find a material that felt as substantial as it looked.
"We chose quartz worktops for their durability and the way they clean up - they're practically indestructible," they say. But for these design-focused homeowners, it was about more than just practicality. It was about the sensory experience.
"Quartz took the kitchen from basic to high-end. Even the best laminate can't mimic the feel. It’s funny because guests actually touch everything; people don't just look at quality, they feel it."
The couple was so committed to the look and feel of their quartz countertops that they made a strategic luxury trade-off: they swapped a high-end boiling water tap for the quartz. Their verdict? "Would I change that? No. The investment was absolutely worth it."
The Calacatta Gold Superior quartz quietly steals the show with its flowing marble veining is bold yet elegant, threaded with soft golden warmth that lifts the richness of dark green units and perfectly echoes the brushed gold and vintage detailing within the space — it elevates it, adding contrast, character, and unmistakable luxury. This is a worktop that brings drama without overpowering, and warmth without losing sophistication — the finishing touch that turns a beautiful kitchen into an unforgettable one!
Interested in a Calacatta Gold Superior worktop for your kitchen? Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote today.
As the overall winners of our GEM Awards, this kitchen stood out for its seamless integration of professional materials and highly personal design. From the laser-precise measurements to the installation team's respect for their home, the process with Gemini Worktops was "so easy," allowing the couple's creativity to take centre stage.
Lessons from the "Outrageous" Front Lines
Even an award-winning project has its hiccups. The couple shares two vital pieces of advice for anyone embarking on a high-spec kitchen renovation:
A Design Legacy
With their kitchen worktops serving as the durable, shimmering anchor to their 12ft-high dream, Warren and James have created more than just a place to cook. They’ve created a piece of art that has captured the attention of national television and industry experts alike.
Interested in a quartz worktop for your kitchen? Get in touch for a free, no obligation quote today.
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