The Brief
In the open-plan living area of the ultra-modern waterfront property, our clients desired a kitchen of the highest quality, capable of catering for both large parties and everyday life. The kitchen, like the property, needed to ‘wow’ guests and create a space that felt like the hub of the home.
The Design
Getting to the core of our client requirements was key to creating the functional kitchen plan, onto which could be applied a style that provided the look they so desired. By discussing their expectations and ambitions in detail, the kitchen design works and looks amazing!
Working closely with the clients, a two-part split layout was designed. The main ‘presentation’ kitchen within the living area, and the ‘prep’ kitchen for larger catering needs, are separated by a Rimadesio sliding pocket door.
The generously sized presentation kitchen has a ‘layered’ appearance, with every element from back-wall to island working together.
The island features a bespoke ‘floating’ cantilevered breakfast bar, designed and engineered by Hobson’s Choice. Along the island front, matching stainless steel plinths and drawer rail inserts give a layered effect to the island cabinetry, sitting behind the anthracite drawer fronts.
Positioning a BORA X Pure recirculating cooktop on the island allows a more social view for the cook, whilst ensuring the ceiling remains clear. Completing the island is the stunning ‘Tropical Storm’ granite worktop, the pattern and depth mean you can’t help but stand and get lost in the natural work of art.
To make the most of the abundant natural light, a wall of bulthaup sand beige aluminium panels reflects golden tones into the room. The Function wall system enables panels and furniture to be hung. Here, a ‘media area’ provides storage for remotes below a flatscreen TV.
Layered directly in front of the golden wall, the flint furniture creates a subtle visual separation between the wall and the island. The cabinetry almost disappears, leaving the eye to pick out details such as the Quooker tap and Gaggenau appliances. In the second bank of flint tall units, a pocket door opens to reveal a drinks station, the walnut veneer interior links the furniture to the walnut breakfast bar.
A Rimadesio Soho sliding glass door moves effortlessly into the wall along a single flush-fit ceiling rail, eliminating the need to interrupt the herringbone floor tiles between spaces.
The bulthaup b3 Prep kitchen is aligned to flow seamlessly from the Presentation kitchen, acting as a functional extension. The centrepiece of the space is the Wolf range cooker, its sharp stainless steel styling contrasting with the narrow elegance of the bulthaup b3 kitchen furniture.
Since the installation, our clients have enjoyed large family gatherings catered for by outside staff. The split kitchen design has worked perfectly, allowing effective food preparation, table delivery and dish cleaning to be done out of sight of guests.
Our couple also enjoys how the kitchen island naturally draws people around it. Offering space to sit and enjoy one another’s company whilst preparing dinner and appreciating the view.
Photography by Darren Chung Photography
The Details
Cabinetry
bulthaup b3 kitchen furniture in Anthracite and Flint matt lacquer
Cantilevered walnut breakfast bar
Function wall panelling finished in Sand Beige aluminium
Stainless Steel plinths
Pocket door with Walnut veneer interior.
Worktop
90mm Tropical Storm granite
10mm bulthaup b3 laminate
Appliances
Gaggenau - Cooking and Cooling
BORA X Pure - Induction cooktop / Downdraft Extractor
Miele - Cleaning
Quooker Fusion - Instant boiling hot water tap
Wolf Range cooker
Westin Cooker Hood extractor