Keith Myers

The elegant property was designed by English Baroque architect, Thomas Archer in 1715, and is now owned by a couple with a busy family and social life. The owners wanted a modern, contemporary family kitchen space that also remained sympathetic to the architect’s contemporary, Italian-influenced features.

At the first meeting, the designer had many features to consider, not least because the ceiling in the space was lower than usual, but the design needed to preserve the stature of the property’s heritage and enhance its period features with a blend of modern cabinetry, worktops, appliances, materials and finishes.

The designer first suggested removing the suspended ceiling that had been installed in the 1970’s that would reveal a magnificent four-metre-high ceiling. The designer then set the kitchen height to lead from the top of the window architrave, sweeping over the hallway door to create an entrance niche with large banks of storage on the opposite side.

The second phase involved mapping the proposed layout. The designer created three core zones - preparation, cooking, and dining, with the inclusion of storage space as the family often entertained.

The preparation zone was designed to be divided into two islands to create symmetry in front of the elegant Pewter AGA that was placed to be in an area of visual focus. At the rear of the AGA section, the designer also designed a hidden cupboard for books and brooms.

The double islands consist of two individual zones – the first island was created for the family to sit on stools for casual dining, and the second island was designed to position a family dining table next to it for formal dining.

Dekton Aura marble worktops were chosen to frame the AGA and act as a splashback, with contrasting Dekton Trillium worktops on the island units that provide a connection with the room’s dark and Herringbone wood effect floor.

Handleless, SieMatic S2K cabinetry Sterling Grey & Terra Larrix laminate were chosen for the wall cabinetry that was matched with Nickel gloss high level cabinets to add luxury and contrast. The pale pink Edward Bulmer paint tone on the kitchen walls provide a soft, welcoming feel to the family space.

A luxury glass display cabinetry was also designed as a feature, breaking up the cabinetry and creating a touch of interest to the layout. In addition, a useful breakfast cupboard was created as well as a hidden office workspace.

The client’s wish-list of appliances included an integrated Gagganau Vario Fridge, Siemens Ovens and Liebherr freezer drawers, with the addition of a Siemens induction hob, Kohler sinks, Blanco taps and a Quooker boiling water tap positioned on the islands.

The retailer’s interior design team provided additional scheme consultancy to source iconic furniture pieces that complimented some of the family’s heirloom pieces. Key pieces sourced included a Leolux Didore Bench Seat and a Matthew Hilton Walnut Dulwich table which was matched with a set of Phillipe Starke Kartell A1 chairs.

Cost of Project: £71,974.00

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