The Brief

Our client recently moved house and wished to improve the style and functionality of their kitchen whilst complementing the original architectural character of the property interior.

The original kitchen looked dated and the layout meant that the cook was left facing the wall when preparing dinner. Allowing users who are working in the kitchen areas a better view of the open-plan interior space was a key aspect of the new design.

 
original kitchen layout in the Cotswold property featuring an oven which faced the exterior wall.
Original kitchen layout in cotsolwd property featuring a freestanding fridge freezer
 

The Design

bulthaup b3 kitchen plan from a rural property in the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire
bulthaup b3 kitchen elevation from a Cotswold property, Oxfordshire
 

Integrating the central structural support was one of the most challenging aspects of designing the bulthaup kitchen layout. The solution came in the form of a breakfast bar peninsula, rather than a separate island that formed part of the original layout. The design provided the social dining area our client desired without compromising the overall open-plan space.

 
bulthaup b3 kitchen in a rural home with exposed beams and brickwork in the Cotswolds.
 

The subtle tones and surfaces of the bulthaup kitchen were selected to serve as a backdrop to the architectural character of the property and our client’s many decorative items. The solid wood breakfast bar provides the link between the flat surfaces of the kitchen and the texture of the timber frame.

 
bulthaup b3 kitchen in an Oxfordshire property with Miele appliances by Hobson’s Choice
 

The tall units, finished in Flint laminate, offer a distinction against the lighter Gravel tones of the lower units and worktop.

 
The solid wood breakfast bar intersects with the supporting timber frame of the Cotswold property.
 

The position of the kitchen, in relation to the windows and interior of the property, required the lighting plan to be carefully considered. A combination of ceiling spotlights and more decorative lighting ensured there was plenty of options when cooking and dining.

 
A BORA X Pure cooktop with integrated downdraft extractor in a bulthaup b3 kitchen in the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire.
 

The BORA X Pure cooktop with an integrated downdraft extractor removed the need for an overhead hood. It also allowed the hob to be positioned on the peninsula giving the cook a view into the room when preparing food.

 
Illuminated open shelving with an exposed brick backdrop in a bulthaup b3 kitchen in the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire

illuminated wooden shelving highlights the exposed brickwork.

 
 

Photography by Darren Chung

 

The Details

Cabinetry

bulthaup b3 kitchen furniture in Gravel and Flint laminate

Aluminium plinths

Solid wood breakfast bar

Worktop

10mm bulthaup Gravel laminate

Appliances

Miele - Cooking, Cooling and Cleaning

BORA X Pure - Induction cooktop / Downdraft Extractor

Quooker Flex Pro3 - Instant boiling hot water tap