Something unexpected greets you as you make your way up the long and winding drive – a “wow-moment”, with this property of epic proportions that is architecturally so different to anything else around.
You might be mistaken for thinking this is James Bond's house. However, while it belongs to a family of six and their three dogs, I often used this question as the anchor to my design. I aimed to create a space that married seamlessly with the style of the home's striking exterior, which looks like a scene you would expect to see in the movies.
This grand, ultra-contemporary eco-home is a testament to visionary architecture, whilst inside, it feels like a family home, full of the client’s personality, interests and memories.
The client engaged with me at a very early stage, and that enabled me to create something truly unique to the family, the way they live, and the property that they had designed.
Initially, I was asked to create a traditional shaker-style kitchen with exposed brickwork. However, as the two-year construction progressed, it became clear that a contemporary approach would create a ‘cooler’ feeling, which was more luxurious and “moody”.
The family had relocated from Buckinghamshire to Northamptonshire, and their children were at university, so I was asked to design a space that would bring friends and family together for every style of entertainment. As a large family with lots of friends and much-loved pets, aesthetic and durability shared equal importance in the design.
Technical Design and Ergonomics
The design embraces modernity with Rotpunkt furniture in Sherwood Flamed and Dekton Laurent surfaces, providing a sleek yet robust aesthetic. Gaggenau appliances, known for their superior quality and performance, are integrated seamlessly throughout the kitchen, ensuring a professional standard of cooking experience. The Quooker boiling water tap further enhances functionality, offering instant access to boiling water and streamlining kitchen tasks.
Ergonomically, the kitchen is designed to accommodate both the casual cook and the avid entertainer, appealing to all members of this family. The large central island, complete with generous seating space, serves as both a preparation area and a dining area. This dual functionality ensures that the kitchen facilitates both intimate family dinners and larger gatherings.
Materials and Technology
Material selection was critical in achieving the desired contemporary aesthetic while ensuring durability.
Dekton Laurent, with its stunning marble-like appearance, is both heat and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for a high-traffic area like the kitchen. The Rotpunkt furniture in Sherwood Flamed adds warmth, depth and natural beauty.
Cutting-edge technology is also key to this design. The inclusion of a Kaelo wine cooler within the island and a large wine cooler caters to the clients' passion for wine collecting, providing optimal storage conditions. Additionally, a bespoke Crittall glass larder adds a touch of industrial-chic while offering a practical storage solution.
Bespoke Elements and Original Features
Several bespoke elements elevate this project, making it truly unique. The kitchen island, featuring a 30-degree angled leg and matching Dekton detailing, echoes the architectural angles of the house, creating a cohesive visual narrative. This thoughtful design choice not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the architectural context.
A significant feature of the kitchen is the integration of a portrait tapestry acquired by the client during travels in Singapore. The piece has been strategically placed to serve as a focal point, enriching the space with personal and cultural significance.
In addition, I designed a bespoke frame around the border of the Gaggenau ovens using Dekton Laurent. This detail accentuates the sleek lines of the appliances and ties them seamlessly into the overall design, adding cohesion to the kitchen's aesthetic.
Wow-Factor
What sets this project apart is its harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and personal touches, wrapped in 360 degrees of stunning views. The contemporary design, high-end materials, and state-of-the-art technology create a space that is as beautiful as it is practical.
As I visited the clients recently, they remarked that the kitchen's usability and durability had been put to the ultimate test during a weekend-long event with family and friends. The space now serves them as both an intimate family home and an entertainment hub, and they are delighted. We think James Bond would be pretty happy there, too!