Kitchen Concept Designer of the Year 2025
Jansen Ma
Entry for Kitchen Concept Designer of the Year 2025.
For Libby and Stephen, a young couple on the brink of building their future, this kitchen is more than a functional space; it's the heart of their home, thoughtfully designed to grow with them as they begin their family journey. A handleless aesthetic sets the tone for sleek sophistication, allowing the materials to shine. Rich oak, warm antique brass, and soft-glowing glass are layered together to create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere, evoking a sense of calm and timeless style.
The main kitchen area is strategically placed by the window, drawing in natural light that bathes the space throughout the day. This not only highlights the natural beauty of the materials but also ensures a bright, cheerful workspace. The layout flows seamlessly from the entrance to the rear garden doors, promoting intuitive movement and making everyday use feel effortless.
At the heart of the design lies a striking peninsula, where function meets form. Its oak surface gently transitions from worktop height to table height, inviting conversation and connection. The lowered section, with its soft, rounded edges, is child-friendly, perfect for crafts, snacks, or future homework sessions. This is a kitchen designed not just for cooking, but for living.
Modern family life is supported by state-of-the-art appliances, carefully chosen for their practicality and elegance. A full steam oven is ideal for sterilising baby bottles, while the combi microwave oven provides versatile cooking options. A generously sized fridge and freezer allow for bulk storage of fresh, healthy foods, an essential for growing families.
Across the room, a grand dining table awaits, comfortably seating twelve or more, a perfect choice for those who love to host and gather. Adjacent to this social hub are cleverly concealed utility and pantry areas, hidden behind bespoke bi-folding larder doors. This thoughtful design allows essential spaces to disappear when not in use, maintaining the visual serenity of the open-plan space while also reducing noise from appliances like the washing machine and tumble dryer.
Every inch of the utility space has been considered, from vacuum and ironing board storage to dry goods, baskets, and even a compact sink for rinsing clothes or emptying the dryer’s water tank. Nothing is accidental; everything has purpose.
The palette complements the contemporary home, with micro cement flooring anchoring the space in a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Standout features like the oak waterfall worktop, cladded canopy extractor, antique mirrored splashback, and solid stone countertops create a rich sensory experience. These tactile materials lend a handcrafted feel, while advanced appliances subtly reinforce the high-spec luxury of the design.
This kitchen isn’t just built for today, it’s imagined for tomorrow. It’s a space that adapts, welcomes, supports, and impresses. For Libby and Stephen, it’s the beginning of something beautiful, and for the judges, I hope I’ve showcased thoughtful thinking to tackle the brief.