Kitchen Concept Designer of the Year 2025
Liam Butler
Entry for Kitchen Concept Designer of the Year 2025.
This concept began with a single, bold idea: to reimagine the kitchen island not as a singular block, but as an architectural sculpture — a stacked, three-tiered L-shape inspired by the visual paradoxes of M.C. Escher.
Each tier of the island forms a distinct worktop height, thoughtfully designed for both practical cooking and generous hosting. The lowest surface houses a seamlessly integrated InvisiCook induction hob, the highest a 1.5 bowl sink, creating a flexible, ergonomic environment tailored specifically for clients Libby and Stephen.
At the core of this space is a desire to encourage togetherness: the island comfortably accommodates nine seated guests, making it an interactive hub where cooking becomes performance, and dining becomes connection. Above it, a bespoke canopy system designed in collaboration with Westin acts as both extractor and open storage, allowing essential pans, oils, crockery and herbs to be close at hand yet artfully displayed.
The bank of tall units at one end of the space demonstrates a commitment to efficiency and high-spec performance, housing a full suite of appliances from V-ZUG – chosen for their sustainability, reliability and customer care. The inclusion of a coffee machine, warming drawer, combi oven, steam oven, and vacuum drawer supports everything from daily life to ambitious entertaining. Below, three Fisher & Paykel dishwasher drawers do double duty for cleaning and storage, aligning with the brief’s emphasis on clever, concealed functionality.
A discreet stud wall divides this area from the pantry and laundry zones, maintaining visual calm while improving workflow. On the left, a Miele washer and dryer, plus a pull-down airer in front of the window, make the utility both efficient and elegant. On the right, a walk-in pantry provides ample dry food storage and dedicated space for small appliances, keeping the kitchen clutter-free yet convenient.
Across the room, the design flows into a dining area anchored by a custom L-shaped table seating up to 14, reflecting the island’s architectural geometry and providing a flexible social anchor for the home. A sloping ceiling detail is accentuated with slatted oak, drawing the eye upward and creating a sense of warmth and movement across the space.
Lighting is thoughtfully zoned: ambient LED strips at floor and ceiling level, task lighting embedded within the canopy rack, and feature pendants above the table work in tandem with eight wall lights and open shelf LEDs to create atmosphere, clarity, and drama.
Materiality was selected for tactility and longevity. The island is finished in concrete-effect porcelain by Laminam, with timber detailing to soften the aesthetic. Cabinetry is a hand-painted, handleless shaker, combining tradition with minimalism — and allowing for future repainting, which addresses the brief’s call for sustainable, future-proof design. Oak is carried through in shelves, panels, and the ceiling slats, providing natural warmth and cohesion.
This concept doesn't just meet the brief — it embodies it. It’s a space that serves both emotion and function, built to last, evolve, and inspire.
