Gillian Barrie
Kitchens International (Glasgow)
Mr & Mrs Bowler wanted a light and spacious, classic contemporary kitchen where they could cook as a family alongside their teenage children, however the clients also love to entertain, so while the kitchen had to be practical for family living, the space also had to flow and function well to provide the best guest experience.
Stoneham furniture was chosen for this design to create the classic shaker style kitchen the clients desired, however selecting the “Strata” door in a Smooth Painted finish is a nod to the contemporary aesthetic I was trying to achieve. The door has an angular bevel on the inner top and bottom rails which is both modern and unique. To keep the kitchen light and bright, I opted for the colour “Dove Grey” to bounce light back into the room. Black satin nickel handles contrast with the light coloured kitchen well. Any doors and drawers which don’t have handles are push catch opening. “Fogged Oak” veneer is introduced into the kitchen through design details above and around the tall units and on the breakfast bar, however this can be seen more on the dining/living half of the room. The oak has a muted tone which works perfectly on the storage and display shelving in the sitting area to create a sophisticated and cosy space, especially when lit.
The worktops and back panels are “Eternal- Calacatta Gold” by Silestone - the most beautiful off-white coloured quartz with warm grey and rust veining. This choice is stain resistant and easy to clean.
The kitchen is kitted out in a mix of 200 and 400 Series Gaggenau appliances; anthracite finished Warming Drawer, Microwave, Single Oven, Vacuum Drawer and plumbed in Steam Oven, as well as an 80cm induction hob and downdraft, dishwasher, large fridge, large freezer with ice and water dispenser, alongside a tall wine cooler, with the freezer and wine storage situated adjacent to the drinks area for ease of use between both kitchen and bar. There is a Quooker boiling water tap at the small preparation sink and a large pull out tap at the main sink.
As the clients love to entertain, the drinks area is close to the entrance of the room to allow for welcome drinks and to act as an instant conversation starter, with its mirrored sliding pocket doors. The bar sits back-to-back against the tall units which house the fridge and ovens. This almost separates the room into zones, whilst still maintaining an open plan feel. As you make your way round to the main kitchen area the ceiling height rises to a pitch of 3.6m which creates an impressive first impression. The island sits central to the space, with breakfast bar attached which seats the full family and is more social as the seating is face-to-face rather than side-by- side. Additional storage can be found within the built-in seating in the dining area. A table with bench seat has been used here to allow for better interaction between people in the kitchen and people sitting at the dining table. When the bi-fold doors are open the dining area leads seamlessly into the garden which opens up the space. Adjoined to the dining seating are display and storage units in the living area, sitting either side of a fireplace. Since the ceiling is a standard height here, this space has an intimate and cosy feel, great for the whole family to enjoy.
