This is the house of two former restaurateurs who now focus on interior design, furniture and antiques. Their signature style is famously flamboyant and fun. They asked me to create a crisp white kitchen that could handle a lavish décor.

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Layout

The vast space covers the entire ground floor, opening on to a patio and garden studio beyond. Besides two rather obnoxious structural pillars, it was a blank canvas. I devised a long sink run, with tall cabinets at either end to conceal the pillars. Opposite, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry accommodates cooling appliances and ovens, while the 4m-long island provides ample prep space.

Extractor Unit

The extractor unit was conceived to fulfil multiple roles: ventilation, lighting, impact. I wanted it to be powerful enough to attract attention, without obstructing the views and the light through the room. Leaving a narrow shadow line between the main unit and the smaller unit that connects it to the ceiling creates a floating effect. If this had been a single modular block, it could have felt overbearing.

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Storage

For these clients there was no such thing as too much storage. Every time I thought I had it covered, they requested more. That’s another reason the cabinetry is full height; it is amazing how much space can be gained when thinking vertically.

Island

I wanted a strong architectural look for the island that would appeal to my clients’ artistic flair. The strong lines stand out against the curves and elegance of their furniture. On the dining end, a stainless steel section with seamlessly fused sink and boiling water tap provides the perfect spot for mixing drinks. The thick cantilevered section of the worktop can be used as a breakfast bar, with or without stools.

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Colours

The clear lines and crispness of a white on white palette can, in fact, prove surprisingly expressive. The kitchen’s architectural scale and outsized proportions make a strong impression. There are also pockets of intrigue, such as the stunning blue calcite splashback.

Total Cost £80,000 (excluding VAT)

Total costs include cabinetry, worktops, appliances, sinks and taps.