Kitchen Concept Designer of the Year 2025
Simon Mayor
Entry for Kitchen Concept Designer of the Year 2025.
While pocket and sliding doors are a current trend to conceal the messier side of kitchen life, this design takes a more traditional yet highly functional approach. Instead of relying on hidden compartments, the kitchen has been thoughtfully divided into three distinct zones. Libby and Stephen, both passionate and creative cooks, expressed a desire for minimal walls. To achieve this, kitchen furniture was cleverly used to create subtle partitions and define spaces without closing off the layout.
Understanding that their culinary creativity often results in a bit of chaos, a secondary kitchen was integrated to keep the main entertaining space pristine. Discreetly accessed through a concealed door, this ‘back kitchen’ includes a large single undermount sink ideal for prepping ingredients and cleaning oversized cookware that doesn’t fit into the oven. The seamless ‘Glacier White’ Corian worktops, with their coved upstand into the window reveal and waterfall front edge, offer both hygiene and durability—perfect for heavy-duty use.
A large-capacity dishwasher in this space handles the pots and pans away from the guests’ view. Adjacent tall cabinetry includes an integrated 87cm fridge for drinks with a built-in coffee machine above, and across from it, a matching unit houses an 87cm freezer and a microwave—ideal for quick meals, especially as their family grows.
Connected via a sliding door is a walk-in pantry measuring 2x1.5m. It features an organised shelving system, internal drawers, roll-outs, and an open corner shelf for less frequently used appliances. Within this same zone is a compact utility area, equipped with a stacked freestanding washer and dryer, ample cabinetry for laundry needs, and a tall broom cupboard conveniently located near the connecting door to the main kitchen.
All cabinetry in the secondary zone features flat slab doors in a matte pebble grey laminate—practical, durable, and consistent with the interior carcasses of the main kitchen. Siemens appliances provide a balance of quality and affordability here.
The main kitchen is designed as a showpiece where Libby and Stephen can showcase their cooking talents. Equipped with top-tier appliances, it includes the Bora Professional 3.0 setup with wok, teppanyaki, and induction dominoes—each with integrated downdraft extraction. Two Miele XBO ovens with warming drawers offer professional-grade functionality, including steam and sous-vide options, ensuring seamless entertaining for up to twelve guests.
The refrigeration solution is a Gaggenau 76.5cm larder fridge with stainless steel interior, TFT display, and precise humidity control drawers, ideal for both everyday freshness and hosting.
A continuous bank of cabinetry in a warm Natural Oak-look laminate provides storage and aesthetic cohesion. The sink run, in dramatic Ceramic ‘Marble Nero’ fronts with a matching 15mm top, includes a Quooker Fusion & Cube tap, another dishwasher, integrated bins, and internal drawers. A bronze matte back panel behind the sink adds practicality and visual depth.
The central island mirrors the sink cabinetry, softened by a solid timber breakfast bar. It includes vertical power docks and a Qvac system for sous vide prep. Above, a height-adjustable Bora Horizon LED pendant light provides tailored illumination for cooking or ambience when entertaining.
Finally, the generous layout accommodates a 3300x1000mm dining table, with flexibility to adjust for future lifestyle changes—ensuring the space evolves with Libby and Stephen’s needs.
