CLIENT BRIEF
The brief here was to create a large, contemporary kitchen that would accommodate the day-to-day needs of a family unit, but also be capable of allowing several people to work simultaneously in the space, as well as catering for large social entertaining. The clients requested a separate drinks and coffee area, and a large amount of storage space; also, no hanging lights or rangehood to interfere with the line of sight. They wanted a bold design that would sit centre stage in their home and embrace the ‘wow factor’.
DESIGNERS RESPONSE
The design of this kitchen was created around the central island, which is intended to imitate a solid block of marble, giving it presence and drama within the open-plan living space. The timber feature cutout is a detail that links to the dark-stained veneered drinks and coffee zone that occupies one of the side walls. Whether open or close, this furniture piece enhances the sense of craftsmanship and permanence of the space.
The working part of the kitchen, serving the family’s day-to-day needs, is subtly laid out along the back wall, incorporating an integrated fridge and twin ovens that flank a central worktop and induction hob, plus a discrete extractor built into the bulkhead above. We also gave our clients a generous scullery, accessed by a cavity slider, which originally was a powder room. The scullery provides overflow space, along with additional prep zones, appliance and food storage.
A monochromatic palate was chosen to accentuate the strong architectural form of the house, and the paint finish on the walls give and organic feel, softening and blending the zones. Through the interesting play of form and mix of materials, this creates a kitchen with the desirable ‘wow factor’ but also relates to every area it services.
