Designer Kitchen

The process of kitchen design can be evolutionary allowing both designer and client to painstakingly analyse the subjective relationship between functionality, light, artistic preferences and architecture. Getting this complex blend of elements to fuse into something that inspires the imagination and enhances the well being of the home is the challenge in every project and it was clear from the outset that the client’s ambitious plans would set them upon a road that would change their home life for the better. The original semi-detached property was dark and un-inspiring with an isolated kitchen area positioned towards the rear of the property. The plan was to build an extension that would allow light to penetrate more deeply into the building and provide an opportunity for the open plan kitchen and living area to become the centre piece of the home. The design was layered from the outset considering the functional and ergonomic preferences of the user and family. This functional foundation was then manipulated to consider how the new kitchen would physically relate to the surrounding architecture and the family occupying the space. The introduction of the extension created a right angled corner made from glass; this allowed the existing building and extension to be seamlessly merged together but also created an architectural nip point. The soft geometry used on the island allows the cabinetry to move away from this restrictive architectural feature and maximises the potential of the kitchen by increasing the surface area of the island and keeping all of the natural walkways free from any obstruction. Several entry points and fixed seating positions created natural sight lines within the space. In order to maximise this aesthetic potential two feature drum units where incorporated into the island design. These elements used varied height and a mix of materials including ebony, walnut and customised mirrored panels to give the design contrast and depth whilst enhancing the visual impact of the design. The mix of solid in-framed timber doors in a variety of finishes reassured the client about the design longevity of their kitchen whilst the introduction of a floating, up-lit ceiling feature and a standalone extraction system creates the contemporary and edgy appearance required by the brief. A tall bank of units was integrated into the natural alcove created between the old and new parts of the building. These tall units where used to house the larger kitchen appliances with one unit concealing a washing machine and tumble dryer and therefore eliminating the need for an additional utility room. The introduction of the feature doors with mirrored panels along this section provides continuity to the design and creates an interesting effect when the natural light from the windows penetrates the room. The design process used in this project helped to deliver a kitchen which is sympathetic to the needs of the user and the surrounding architecture whilst delivering a dramatic and powerful aesthetic impact. The kitchen ultimately became an inspiration for other areas of the home and Designer Kitchen provided the client with in-depth design advice for every part of the development including producing designs and specifications for the exterior of the building.