Real Kitchen Focus – A Contemporary Kitchen in Banbridge

When it comes to creating your dream kitchen, striking the balance between style and functionality is essential.

In this blog, STORI in partnership with Ireland’s Kitchen Guide is pleased to spotlight a recent conversation with Ashwood Kitchen Design (AKD), a proud STORI Approved Retailer. This insightful exchange is part of the Summer 2025 issue, available from 20th June 2025, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how AKD brings dream kitchens to life with precision, passion, and purpose.

Nestled just outside Banbridge in County Down, Ashwood Kitchen Design (AKD), led by the father-son duo Geoff and Thomas Sturgeon, has established itself as a premier name in kitchen and bedroom design since 2007. With a commitment to quality and a passion for personalised service, AKD has recently completed a stunning kitchen project which features the STORI Aldana range in Graphite, perfectly embodying contemporary elegance with a functional twist for a family seeking their dream space.

Geoff and Thomas Sturgeon – Designers at Ashwood Kitchen Design

Set just outside Banbridge in County Down, this STORI kitchen by Ashwood Kitchen Design is the epitome of sleek, masterful design.

Ashwood Kitchen Design is a family-run firm known for its personal approach and deep design experience. This project, a standout example of their work, was led by founder Geoff Sturgeon and his son Thomas. Together, they created a contemporary yet timeless kitchen in a new build home.

‘Our clients wanted a contemporary kitchen without being too ultra-modern, shiny or minimalist,’ explains Geoff. ‘They were clear that they didn’t want any wall units. Instead, they preferred a tall bank of units with ceiling fillers to give a premium fitted look. A hidden walk-in pantry was something they hoped could be incorporated if we could make it work seamlessly.’

Aldana kitchen in Graphite with Walk-In Pantry

Fortunately, Ashwood Kitchen Design rose to the challenge. While the project was part of a new build, coordination with the builder ensured everything came together smoothly. ‘We liaised with the builder to ensure that the bulkhead above the island mirrored the footprint of the island unit,’ says Thomas.

A central feature of the kitchen is the large island, built with family living in mind. It houses a sink, integrated bins, and a dishwasher while also providing seating space for everyone in the household. ‘Our client’s wish list was heavily influenced by modern family living,’ Thomas continues. ‘Side-by-side single ovens and a large hob with ample surrounding worktop space were essential. They also wanted a clean and modern look with long, symmetrical drawers. A Quooker hot water tap was non-negotiable.’

Side-by-side single ovens and a Quooker hot water tap

The standout design feature, however, is the walk-in pantry. Hidden within the tall bank of units, it provides additional storage without disrupting the kitchen’s sleek lines. ‘The biggest challenge was getting the hidden pantry to fit seamlessly while maintaining the symmetry of the door sizes,’ says Geoff. ‘We had to work with the dimensions we were given, but we achieved what they wanted.’ A sensor light within the pantry adds a clever touch.

The cabinetry is finished in Graphite, a choice the homeowners made early on. ‘We wanted a modern, sleek appearance, something that would create a stylish focal point,’ they explain. ‘Graphite works really well with natural wood tones, and we had already decided on a herringbone tile for the floor. The colour brings warmth and depth, making the kitchen feel inviting while still sophisticated.’

Aldana kitchen featuring a hidden pantry

The design is built around the Aldana range from the STORI collection, chosen for its streamlined appearance with a hint of traditional elegance. ‘Our kitchen theme was ‘contemporary with a traditional twist,’ and this range felt perfect,’ say the homeowners. ‘The clean lines and minimalistic style make it versatile. It enhances the flow between spaces and ties the whole interior together.’

Additional touches include a painted open shelving section, ideal for cookbooks and ornaments, and a bespoke box-style canopy painted in Graphite to match the rest of the kitchen. The appliances, which include a mix selected with guidance from Ashwood Kitchen Design, were sourced by the clients and installed by the company’s team.

Painted open shelving and appliances including an integrated wine cooler

Lighting plays an important role in the space, with Ashwood Kitchen Design advising on the placement of three pendant lights over the island and integrating that sensor light in the pantry. While they didn’t supply the flooring, they provided samples to help the clients coordinate materials and finishes.

Timing was another element that worked in their favour. The clients reached out around nine months before completion, allowing the Ashwood team to develop the design using ArtiCAD’s 3D software. From final order to installation, the process took six weeks. ‘Checking in with the builder and conducting thorough site surveys meant there were no surprises,’ says Thomas. ‘Everything ran to plan.’

Triple pendant lighting over the kitchen island

The connection between designer and homeowner was also built on trust and recommendation. ‘The new build was one of two houses beside each other,’ Geoff continues. ‘We’d installed the kitchen in their neighbour’s home, and they came to us after seeing our work. That, combined with our shared values as local, family-run businesses, helped build a great relationship.’

The homeowners add, ‘Working with Ashwood Kitchen Design was a pleasant experience. We appreciated the design team’s ability to listen to our preferences and ideas, and also for their contribution in refining and improving our vision for the space. The process was enjoyable throughout, and no task was ever too much for the team.’

Aldana cabinetry with chrome bar handles and a customised AKD chopping board

They continue, ‘Ashwood offers a variety of options that can be customised to meet individual specific needs and styles. Their expertise in both kitchen functionality and aesthetics, contributed to not only a visually appealing kitchen but also practical for everyday use and living while the combination of professional insight and personalised service very much helped bring our design to life and we can’t thank them enough.’

They highlight the walk-in pantry as their favourite feature. ‘It was something we really wanted, and we’re so glad it worked out. It’s been dressed beautifully since completion and adds a lot to the kitchen.’

This project not only met but exceeded expectations, delivering a kitchen that balances high-end design with the practical needs of a family. ‘Our clients were very happy with the end result and have recommended us to others,’ says Geoff.

A stunning contemporary kitchen by Ashwood Kitchen Design

From cabinetry to layout, appliances to lighting, every element was carefully considered and expertly executed. The result is a kitchen that feels luxurious, functions beautifully and reflects the strengths of Ashwood Kitchen Design’s craftsmanship, collaboration and care.

Thinking about your own dream kitchen? Book a Design Appointment with one of our approved STORI Retailers today and bring your vision to life with their expertise and personalised approach.