Gold and White Oak Kitchen

 

The Brief

The client approached us with a clear vision of creating a contemporary, light-filled kitchen that exuded both luxury and practicality, becoming a true sanctuary within the home. The client was particularly drawn to an opulent aesthetic, and, advised by their interior designer, they embraced the combination of gold accents and white oak.

Maximising natural light was a key focus, ensuring the space felt open and connected, while maintaining a smooth flow into the rest of the ground floor. Integrating a staircase into the design reduced available storage, requiring thoughtful planning to optimise space and maintain a fluid, cohesive flow that complemented the overall architectural aesthetic.

The Design

A key decision was placing the main sink run along one wall, flanked by a 90cm-wide Sub-Zero fridge freezer on one end and a tall oven housing unit on the other. This arrangement ensured a seamless workflow, providing easy access to prep and cooking areas, such as the BORA cooktop, with a ducted extraction system, located on the island.

Gold and white oak kitchen design plans
 

Though not oversized, the island was designed for maximum functionality. With 90cm-wide drawers, a 90cm-wide cooktop unit, and a shallow storage section at the back, it offered ample workspace while maintaining a clean, uncluttered feel. Above, a large L-shaped breakfast bar in smooth oak added warmth and contrast, finished with a custom white-oiled treatment for a refined touch.

 
Contemporary kitchen island with white oak breakfast bar and gold accents
White oak kitchen with off-white island and bar stools
 

Material selection played a vital role in achieving the desired aesthetic. A durable quartz with a subtle white cloud-like pattern was chosen for the back panels and worktops, offering both elegance and practicality. The cabinetry, crafted from white structured oak, provided a soft yet modern feel, harmonising with the space.

One of the standout features was the integrated stone sink. The worktop material seamlessly wrapped into the sink, creating a sleek, cohesive look. To enrich the design, the sink’s base was finished in gold, complemented by a matching gold kitchen tap - subtle yet luxurious details that enhanced the space’s aesthetic.

 
 
Quartz worktops and sink with a gold tap
White oak cabinetry in contemporary kitchen
 

Efficient storage was paramount in ensuring the kitchen remained both beautiful and practical. Opposite the fridge, two tall larder units were installed, extending to the ceiling for a seamless, built-in look. These units featured touch-open mechanisms, integrated lighting, and internal sockets for small appliances - allowing easy access while keeping surfaces clear.

A secondary breakfast station was designed with shallow-depth units, a gold-finished prep sink, and a Quooker hot tap. This created a dedicated space for guests to make drinks or snacks without interfering with the main kitchen workflow.

 
Full-width larder with ample storage in contemporary kitchen
Slim kitchen island with hob and breakfast bar
 

While marble was considered for the island worktop, bulthaup's laminate was chosen instead for its durability and resistance to staining. The island was entirely finished in this Kaolin-colored material, creating a presence that felt both lightweight and substantial.

Looking out from the island, two large glass panels with a central sliding door connected the kitchen to the patio, defining the space as open, airy, and connected to nature. This installation, along with the tall units, required millimeter-accurate planning to ensure there was no collision between the sliding door and the adjacent units. The kitchen fit seamlessly while allowing smooth operation of the door.

 
Off-white kitchen with patio glass doors
Contemporary white oak kitchen and modern architecture
 

Photography by Hobson’s Choice

 
 

The DETAILS

Kitchen

bulthaup b3 kitchen oak structure in white matt

bulthaup b3 island in Kaolin

The 1810 Company - Axixuno 700U QG Undermount Sink - Gold/brass

The 1810 Company - Axixuno 210U QG Undermount Sink - Gold/brass

Armac Martin 608mm Appliance Handles

Classico Marble – Cloudburst Concrete Quartz Worktop and Wall Cladding

Franke Eos Neo Pull-Down Tap – Gold

APPLIANCES

Miele Artline 45cm Steam & Combination Cooking, M Touch - Graphite Grey

Miele ArtLine Oven 60cm - Graphite Grey

Miele VitroLine Warming Drawer 29cm - Graphite Grey

Miele 60cm Fully Integrated Dishwasher 

BORA Pro 3 All Black - cooktop extractor system with integrated fan

Sub-Zero Integrated Tall Refrigerator/Freezer

Quooker - Pro3 Fusion Square – Gold