Loire Design Lab - Chapter 7: Kitchen Dreamin'

When we first stepped into the kitchen, we knew immediately that this would become the heart of our Loire Design Lab. Despite its dark, cave-like beginnings, we saw potential hidden under robin’s egg blue paint, clunky tile, and a sense of confinement. The space deserved expansion, not compression.

Our advantage? Freedom. As an extension into the inner courtyard, the kitchen had no structure above it. That meant no limits to how high our imagination (or the ceiling) could go.

Opening Up Possibility

From a construction standpoint, we had ambitious plans: remove the ceiling and extend it to meet the slanted roofline, introduce skylight windows to bring in natural light, and replace the old doorway with a widened, open passageway. All of this was to be done in what most would consider a compact space, which meant that the challenge would lie in the ultimate spatial optimization plan. Reinforcing the roof and cutting through 150-year-old stone walls would also be no small feat, but it offered the potential to open the space both literally and emotionally.

From Milan to the Loire Valley

Our design decisions began months earlier while walking the halls of Salone del Mobile in Milan (considered one of the largest design fairs). That year’s fair spotlighted kitchen innovation, perfectly timed for our own transformation.

We curated a set of discreet, efficient appliances: induction cooktop, convection oven, refrigerator/freezer, and dishwasher—no microwave, because intentional simplicity often outperforms convenience. The real showstopper? A down-draft ventilation system integrated into the cooktop. No bulky hood, just a seamless, modern silhouette and a chance to test cutting-edge technology promoted by Gaggenau and Bosch. Plus, it allowed us to save precious space above the cooktop where we could integrate more storage options. Stay tuned…there’s more to share once the system is fully in use.

Responsible Materials, Refined Forms

Sustainability always guides us at MAREDI Design. Our countertops are crafted from recycled remnants and bio-resin, sourced directly from a new collection that launched in Milan, pieces that embody both durability and responsibility. The paint, aptly named Bisou (“kiss” in French), comes from Anjou (as local as it can get) and uses a vegetable-oil base with zero VOCs, a subtle nod to the softness we wanted to bring into the space.

Plumbing fixture selections took us on a creative detour. After nearly committing to imported Italian designs, we discovered a local gem: a line of fixtures made in Brittany, aligning perfectly with our principle of reducing new materials and supporting regional craftsmanship.

Seamless Simplicity

Form follows intention. By eliminating visible cabinet hardware, we achieved a sleek, unified profile that conceals rather than competes. Panel-ready appliances, touch-to-open cabinetry, and soft-close drawers create a sense of calm continuity across the single-wall layout.

A fully integrated pantry-coffee station ensures that every item has its place, leaving countertops completely clear. We even borrowed an idea from our time in Italy: a drying rack concealed inside the upper cabinetry, tucked above a deep single-basin sink. And the real trick we pulled off was making the bottom cabinets about 10 centimeters (or about 4 inches) deeper to maximize storage and hide some necessary pipes and vents. Design magic!

A Light-Filled Sanctuary

The transformation truly came alive when we lifted the ceiling and added three skylights. Now, the kitchen glows, acting as a seamless connector between the courtyard, dining, and lounge areas. Subtle, non-recessed lighting enhances natural daylight without overpowering it, creating the perfect balance between historic charm and modern living.

Every centimeter has purpose, every surface intent. It’s not just a renovation, it’s a reimagining.

What’s next for the Loire Design Lab?

Continue following our journey as we bring new life to this space along the banks of the Loire River. Next, we’ll unveil our specific design choices floor by floor, diving into the inspirations, materials, and the creative process behind each decision. You’ll also get a glimpse of how we created themes inspired by iconic female heroines of 1960s cinema into every level of the house. Unexpected and très chic!

If design as a pathway to wellness speaks to you, or if you’re dreaming of your own renovation in France, subscribe, share your thoughts below, and tell us which kitchen detail captured your imagination from this chapter.