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.
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.
The Finished Space
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.
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.
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.
Download our Free ‘How to Plan a Premium BULTHAUP Kitchen Guide’
If you are thinking about a new bulthaup kitchen renovation, it is always advisable to have a conversation with an expert. Their knowledge, expertise and experience can open up new possibilities whilst potentially saving you money, stress and time.
To help you get started, we have put together this guide to help you think about what you want from the new space. This document highlights some of the obstacles you may encounter and the questions you may like to ask designers when you venture out into the world of bulthaup kitchen design showrooms.
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