The Brief
The clients, a young professional couple relocating to their new penthouse in Business Bay, approached us with a dated kitchen that hindered their vision of a sophisticated urban entertaining space. The existing setup featured cramped laminate counters, inefficient storage, and a disjointed layout that isolated the cooking area from the living room. They sought a seamless open-plan design incorporating premium appliances, ample workspace, and subtle luxury finishes to complement the penthouse's high ceilings and panoramic views. With a firm budget of AED 185,000 and a non-negotiable timeline of seven weeks—aligned with their move-in date—we committed to delivering a functional yet opulent kitchen without compromising on quality or efficiency.
Scope & Materials
Our team executed a comprehensive renovation, transforming the 45-square-metre space through precise demolition, structural enhancements, and meticulous installation. We prioritised durability and aesthetics, sourcing materials from vetted European suppliers to ensure longevity in Dubai's climate.
- Full demolition of existing MDF cabinetry and tiled flooring, including safe removal of outdated plumbing and electrical systems to prepare for open-plan reconfiguration.
- Installation of custom European oak cabinetry with soft-close mechanisms and integrated pull-out drawers, finished in a matte lacquer for a contemporary edge.
- Luxury Calacatta Gold marble countertops and backsplash, quarried in Italy, providing 20 square metres of heat-resistant, veined surfaces that elevate the workspace.
- Integration of high-end Siemens appliances, including a 90cm induction hob, double oven, integrated fridge-freezer, and a Quooker fusion tap for instant boiling water.
- LED under-cabinet lighting strips (500 lumens per metre) and recessed ceiling spots, wired by certified electricians to create zoned illumination for cooking and dining.
- Polished porcelain floor tiles in a large-format 60x60cm herringbone pattern, sourced from Spain, paired with underfloor heating coils for year-round comfort.
- Custom stainless-steel splashback with laser-etched detailing, fabricated on-site, and upgraded sink with a Blanco Silgranit composite basin for seamless hygiene.
- Wall panelling in smoked walnut veneer for the island feature, accented by brushed brass hardware from Vola, adding a tactile warmth to the minimalist design.
Timeline
We adhered strictly to the seven-week schedule, coordinating trades with military precision to avoid delays. Our project manager conducted daily site checks, ensuring each phase transitioned smoothly.
- Week 1: Site survey, demolition of old fixtures, and structural assessments; cleared 80% of debris by day five.
- Week 2: Rough plumbing and electrical installations, including new pipework for the island sink and cabling for appliances; passed initial inspections.
- Week 3: Framing for cabinetry and installation of underfloor heating; oak frames erected and secured to meet load-bearing standards.
- Week 4: Marble fabrication and countertop fitting, alongside porcelain tiling; achieved watertight seals on all surfaces.
- Week 5: Appliance delivery and cabinet assembly; Siemens units calibrated and tested for optimal performance.
- Week 6: Lighting, hardware, and final finishes; brass accents polished and LED systems programmed via smart controls.
- Week 7: Comprehensive clean-up, quality assurance walkthroughs, and client handover; project completed on schedule with zero punch-list items.
Before → After
Before the renovation, the kitchen was a relic of the building's early 2010s construction: narrow laminate counters cluttered with mismatched appliances, dark laminate flooring that amplified the sense of confinement, and a wall that severed the space from the penthouse's open living area. Storage was limited to six shallow cabinets, forcing inefficient meal prep amid Dubai's relentless heat, where poor ventilation led to steamy, uncomfortable sessions. The overall aesthetic felt functional at best, outdated at worst, clashing with the residents' desire for a home that reflected their dynamic lifestyle.
After our intervention, the space emerged as a luminous, 45-square-metre haven of efficiency and elegance. The open-plan layout now flows effortlessly into the lounge, with the marble island serving as a 2.5-metre social hub for eight guests. Oak cabinetry conceals 12 linear metres of storage, while the Siemens suite hums quietly, delivering precise cooking control. Natural light bounces off the Calacatta surfaces, and the herringbone tiles underfoot provide a cool, stable base. This transformation not only maximised utility—doubling prep space—but also infused the penthouse with a timeless luxury that withstands daily use.
Client Quote
What You'd Pay
For a comparable penthouse kitchen renovation in Business Bay, expect to invest between AED 150,000 and AED 250,000, depending on scope and specifications. At the lower end, opting for mid-range quartz counters and standard appliances like Bosch models could keep costs around AED 150,000 for a 40-square-metre space, including basic demolition and tiling. Scaling up with premium imports—such as Italian marble at AED 800 per square metre or integrated smart systems—pushes the figure to AED 200,000 or more, as seen in our AED 185,000 project. Factors like custom cabinetry (adding AED 30,000 for oak versus laminate) or accelerated timelines with overtime labour inflate the total, while sourcing locally can trim 10-15%. We always tailor quotes to balance ambition with value, ensuring no corner-cutting on quality.