The design brief for this kitchen could be summed up as clean, straight lines and some walnut.
As with most of our projects the customers lead the design process in partnership with Emma Bryant on realisation and drafting. Initially we suggested that the corners of the island could be softened by using rounded corner posts as we have done previously. However, the customers insisted on strict adherence to straight lines – and they were absolutely right.
When you stand in this kitchen – without wanting to sound too precious – it has a feel, a vibe about it that is energising and relaxing at the same time. There’s harmony with rectangles in all planes and sizes resonating together. There’s rhythm in the linear repetition of similarly sized doors and panels.
The customers love walnut – elsewhere in the house there is a magnificent walnut and glass staircase – so walnut had to be boldly stated in the kitchen too.
The breakfast bar appears to be partially defying gravity. It’s not solid walnut through and through – the weight would probably crack the floor. However, it’s not veneered either. It’s a birch ply substructure which has been clad with a layer of solid walnut. This hollow construction hides a steel framework which supports the ‘floating’ end.
The walnut floating shelves have inset LED strip lighting.
This sideways pull-out allows the clutter of everyday small appliances – the kettle, the toaster – to be instantly dismissed.
The island worktop is fitted with pop-up sockets. The preparation area has a small sink on the left for rinsing vegetables and an inset compost bin with a walnut lid to the right.
