The kitchen is so much more than a space for cooking. It’s where meals turn into memories, where stories are shared over coffee and where family and friends gather. It can also be a place of smart design, clever storage and true personal style. But when your current setup doesn’t quite tick those boxes, it might be time for a transformation.
That’s exactly what fellow egg member Rebecca thought when she purchased her property in Edinburgh’s Polwarth area. We caught up with her to hear all about the journey of turning her dated, cramped kitchen into the spacious heart of her home.
“I bought the property last summer,” Rebecca explains. “And from the first viewing, I knew that the kitchen would need replaced. It was small, in poor condition and awkwardly placed next to an old, large dining room. I wanted to open it all up to create a kitchen dining room and utility room. That space and flow were a big part of choosing the property, so getting it right really mattered.”
The kitchen work began in mid-October and finished in December, thanks to the brilliant Raison Home Edinburgh.
How did you go about finding the right company for your renovation ?
“I knew from the start that I wanted a personal, friendly service, something completely tailored to me. Having a single point of contact was really important. I needed someone who’d be hands-on and guide me through every step. Renovations can be disruptive enough, so I wanted to keep everything else as stress-free as possible and I just didn’t feel like the high street companies offered that kind of support.”
“I came across Sarah Maguire’s work with Raison Home online. It really stood out. Not only is she a professional designer, but she’s completed so many projects in older properties, which gave me a lot of confidence. My flat is a traditional Edinburgh tenement, and the walls aren’t exactly straight! But Sarah embraced these quirks and worked with the space, not against it. She even managed to incorporate the original Edinburgh press, which is now a beautiful glass display cabinet. That kind of creativity made all the difference.”
A designer who really got it
“From the very first consultation, Sarah took the time to really understand my style, how I wanted the space to feel and how it would work within the flow of the rest of the house. How I’d actually live in it. She was then able to use her experience to recommend styles and colour finishes that would help me create the perfect space. Sarah has a great sense of style but also a gift for adapting to her clients' tastes.”
“One of the most helpful parts of the process was being able to visualise everything through VR. Sarah used the tech to show me exactly how relocating the kitchen into the former dining/living space would work. It’s hard to imagine a completely new room from a blank canvas, but VR made it feel real. That gave me confidence in the layout which given the big investment for a kitchen was such a comfort. Once we’d agreed on the layout, Sarah was then able to advise on the best use of my budget in terms of finishes and appliances - making sure the kitchen is what I need now and in the future.”
“The original kitchen was crammed into the smallest room in the house and didn’t function well. So, we reimagined the entire layout and it’s made a world of difference.”
“But Sarah didn’t just help design the kitchen, she managed the entire project too. She recommended tradesmen and oversaw the installation. She was there when the kitchen was delivered, brought samples to my home so I could see and feel them in context, and dealt with everything from small tweaks to big surprises including when we discovered the boiler needed replacing. She sorted that within 24 hours and kept everything on track. She took the stress out of everything I found overwhelming in my first renovation. It honestly made all the difference.”
Life in the new kitchen
“I absolutely love my new kitchen. The transformation is incredible. What was once a small, dark and cramped space is now bright, open and functions beautifully. The old kitchen is now a practical utility room, while offering smart storage solutions such as top box cupboards and cabinets built around the chimney breast to make the most of every inch. With appliances neatly tucked away, the space always feels clean, organised and welcoming. Sarah really thought of everything.”
“It’s become my favourite room in the house. I’ve gone from rarely having guests over to regularly hosting brunches and dinners for friends and family. It’s light, inviting, and just a genuinely lovely place to spend time in.”
An investment that’s paid off
“I purchased the property with lots of potential. I wanted to turn it into a long-term home. The kitchen and utility was always going to be the biggest investment in the flat, and I’m so glad I took the time to do it properly. Sarah gave me the confidence in my choices and I had a clear idea of how it would look at the end of the day - the VR images were so good that a number of people thought they were pictures of my finished kitchen! “
Thinking about your own transformation? With over 80 projects under her belt, Sarah Maguire of Raison Home Edinburgh knows what works and how to deliver beautiful, functional spaces that suit your lifestyle. Whether it’s kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms, she’ll help you avoid pitfalls, make smart design choices and create a home you love.
A key part of Sarah’s design process includes virtual reality. It allows you to step inside your future space, stand at the hob or sink, and really get a feel for how everything will look and flow. It’s all about helping you make confident, informed decisions, every step of the way.
Raison Home Edinburgh is an egg partner. To talk to Sarah about your kitchen, bathroom or bedroom renovation project, call 0131 210 0244. You can also book a no obligation design consultation with Sarah online or by emailing [email protected]. Refer a friend and choose £200 vouchers of your choice when their project is installed. Find out more here.
