Renovated Kitchen Enhances Beautiful Harbour Views

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a kitchen renovation design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Celia Visser Design.

What was the client’s brief? 

The expat owners of this 1990s architecturally designed home returned to New Zealand for their retirement and called upon the designer to renovate their kitchen living area. They wanted to ensure it would fit with the home’s existing architecture and, as avid cooks, needed a much larger space to comfortably use. The wanted to enhance the harbour views the room enjoyed which was constrained by walls on entering the space.

What inspired the design of the project?

The Clients brief & the house architecture. The home had quite industrial and native NZ timber features, especially the open stairwell which can be seen from the front and larder.

The clients had lived in a lot of Asian & Arab countries & had brought back a lot of treasures and special objects they had collected on their travels and wanted them to be displayed in the kitchen. The open shelves were designed to match the stairs, like a commercial kitchen having all products on display.

The colour Palette was chosen to blend all these elements together.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the main challenges for this project was that the kitchen’s size in proportion to the house size and function was very small. There was also an unused room behind the existing kitchen that could be incorporated, but the three dividing wall and posts were a major structural support for the three-storied home.

The removal of the structural and supporting walls was a big undertaking, this meant employing an engineer to redesign the house foundations and constructing new supporting steel beams.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was viewing the opened kitchen to the adjacent room for the first time. This increased the space to double in size while exposing the beautiful harbour views which had been hidden from many areas of the entrance & living room. It was a very special moment when the client saw what a difference the larger space would have on their lives & especially being able to see the harbour from all angles while she cooked – a moment to remember.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

I entered and won the SBID award KBB category in 2018 & love that these Awards have grown to be such a force globally & I feel they are so prestigious and recognised now. It helps my credibility as a designer both in New Zealand & Internationally. I can market my award as being at the top of my career globally so it’s a very special award for me.

If I have a great project I want to enter for the recognition it gives, even to be a finalist is a great accolade.

Questions answered by Celia Visser, FNKBA, CKD/CBDNZ PDINZ, Celia Visser Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern and contrasting kitchen design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Extreme Design.

The monolith kitchen sits within a newly built private residence on the outskirts of London. Our clients purchased the original property in 2010 with a bold vision to replace the existing structure with a new unique and ambitious dwelling.

After being introduced to the project in 2017, Extreme were commissioned to create a kitchen design that not only compliments the architectural cues of the property but also reflects the client’s vision that was to run throughout every detail of the interior.

The angular shapes of volcanic rock formations and contrast of glowing lava flowing through fractures within the earth’s surface had formed the basis of the client’s bold design narrative. Inspired by geographical features, they wanted the kitchen design to not only reflect this distinctive concept but also be a welcoming and warm environment for the family.

What was the client’s brief? 

For this client, it was clear that their love of art would be present in every detail of their newly built home. Drawing influence on architectural cues of the property, such as poured concrete, monolithic columns and organically shaped metal, the client wanted this unique kitchen to stand as a piece of art in its own right, whilst also becoming a pleasant environment for the family to enjoy every day.

What inspired the design of the project?

Extreme’s unique approach to design gave us the freedom to design every element of the client’s kitchen, creating an environment with its own identity that works harmoniously with the rest of the home. The angular shapes of volcanic rock formations and contrast of glowing lava flowing through fractures within the earth’s surface had formed the basis of the client’s bold design narrative. Inspired by geographical features, they wanted the kitchen design to not only reflect this distinctive concept but also be a welcoming and warm environment for the family.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Our ultimate challenge was to bring the angular stone island and floating breakfast bar detail to life. Starting with a conceptual sketch the island as designed to feature angled stone sides and back panel which also had to be calculated and engineered to work as a support to the cantilevered breakfast bar.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our favourite aspect of the project was working with such a bold design brief that allowed us full creative license to create an entirely original design. Drawing upon the properties architectural cues and introducing geographical elements into the project allowed us to elevate the design and create a living space which not only fulfilled the clients’ requirements of a warm and welcoming environment, but also showcased specialist skills in the stone angular features and array of beautiful materials and finishes.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID awards represent outstanding achievements and celebrates design creativity and excellence worldwide. The awards are a great opportunity to bring recognition to those within the design industry. At Extreme, it is our vision to make an impact on design in this country and the awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase our work.

Questions answered by Jade Jones, Design Manager, Extreme Design.

A spacious kitchen for eating and entertaining was an essential for the Italian family who moved into this stunning home in Ascot. Their first decision was to relocate the existing small kitchen into a generous extension. Next stop was Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio, to request a show-stopping kitchen design imbued with his signature mix of materials. The result is a stunning kitchen that’s perfect for busy family life.

Charlie’s design centres around a generous island that’s hand-painted white and wrapped in a hard-wearing Calacatta Quartz waterfall worktop. The island is positioned below a roof lantern that floods the room with natural light throughout the day; a trio of decorative pendants provides effective task lighting at night.

“The couple wanted a sleek, contemporary aesthetic for their kitchen, so we chose grey-stained natural oak for the base cupboards,” explains Charlie. “Then, to create a contrast, the island cupboards are also oak but stained white. Staining timber in this way allows the natural beauty of the grain to shine through.” A large double larder and a breakfast cupboard flank the wall run. The doors are also grey-stained oak with exquisite brass inlay in a diamond-shaped design. “And one of my favourite elements is the liquid pewter finish with shagreen-like texture we created for the wall cupboards in between,” adds Charlie.

The adjacent wall is dedicated to the practicalities of the kitchen: a bank of ovens and a dedicated fridge and freezer separated by an impressive wine cooler. Huge slabs of porcelain in a Cararra marble finish were chosen for the floor as a final touch to this fabulous open-plan kitchen where practicality and glamour go hand in hand.

Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000.

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What strikes you about this West Sussex kitchen on first glance is the sheer number of finishes and techniques on display. Testament to the craftsmanship and skill involved in creating it, the space has been transformed from its previous incarnation. “When I first visited the house, the kitchen was dated but the room as a whole was bursting with potential,” remembers Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio. Here, he reveals how he channelled his client’s love of antiques and eclecticism to turn it into a sociable space designed for serious cooking.

What was the brief?

The couple are keen on entertaining, but the kitchen also has to function as an ad-hoc office, as our client’s partner works from home. And then, because our client works in an auction house and loves antiques, they wanted us to take an eclectic approach to the design with a rich mix of materials and finishes. In this case, less is not more! My brief was to create the feel of freestanding furniture, rather than of a fitted kitchen – so it looks like somebody has gone out and bought lots of lovely pieces. As such, the kitchen we designed for the couple is a beautiful, informal, living, dining and kitchen space that ticks all boxes.

What can you tell us about the metallic finishes?

When the couple visited our Notting Hill showroom, they instantly fell in love with our signature Metallics Collection copper-fronted cabinets. Naturally, we integrated two into the design — either side of the window for a lovely framing effect. The copper is a living finish that will mature over time, developing a rich patina.

How did you create the paint effect on the cabinetry?

The painted cabinets were given a primer in our workshops and then hand painted in situ by our artist Emma, in close collaboration with the client. The beautiful burnished paint effect was inspired by the grey-green elements in a favourite copper vase. There are four hand-painted layers, one of which is a tinted pearlescent. This makes the paint shimmer, so the colour isn’t flat, and it’s this that unites all the finishes in the kitchen.

What is the purpose of the freestanding cabinet?

This tall freestanding piece acts as a breakfast cupboard housing a coffee machine, toaster, kettle and all other breakfast paraphernalia. It has the aged-pewter finish on the doors, over which we’ve put a protective finish so that fingerprints don’t mark it and the surface is easy to clean.

The cabinets below the breakfast cupboard feature a pattern we call Choppy Water. Solid oak panels were carved and then stained dark to create the effect. If you look carefully, you’ll see that it’s been finished with gold-leaf appliqué, which injects a dash of glamour into the kitchen. Both the wood and the appliqué are protected by a 5% sheen lacquer. The Choppy Water finish has also been used on the appliance housing opposite.

What material did you use for the worktops and why?

We used the same work surface throughout, which is a man-made quartz called Arabesque from Stone Italiana. It is a very practical solution — non porous, hard wearing, resistant to heat and scratching, and does not require sealing. What’s more, it allowed us to seamlessly incorporate a sink, also in Arabesque. Losing the join lines between the worktop and the sink lends the kitchen a sleek look.

Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000.

In response to the changing pressures on kitchen-living environments to keep them tidier and more organised, The Myers Touch Design Studio are increasingly designing kitchen pantries and larders in a range of custom solutions, so homeowners can hideaway dry foods and small appliances whilst keeping them accessible to the main kitchen space.

“A truly great kitchen will include great storage for all your family food preparation, cooking and entertaining requirements. We love the re-emergence of the pantry; that tucked away place to arrange and carefully store food, from flour and potatoes to hams and jams. Away from the harm of underfloor heating and tempted pets, these well-ventilated rooms can be as simple as a dark cupboard or as elaborate as a glass-framed minikitchen. Visibility of goods, and easy access are crucial, as is flexibility, allowing for those 3-for-one offers on extra-large boxes of cereals! Even better if you can include a fair-sized worktop for storing plated buffet food when entertaining” – Keith Myers, Director of The Myers Touch.

Traditionally a staple in every British household, larders and pantries designed by The Myers Touch range in sizes and styles. From freestanding units and pantry solutions opened via pocket doors, to large walk-in pantries and larders featuring floor-to-ceiling shelving and box storage, pantries and larders are increasingly seen by consumers as a modern essential in a new kitchen. Even within smaller kitchen spaces that don’t have the space for a walk-in larder, tall cabinets with multiple drawers, pull-out drawers and shelves are a popular option for organising supplies and keeping worktops and cabinetry clutter-free.

Bespoke pantries and larders are also a chance for their design team to truly reflect a customer’s personality within a scheme. From colourful interiors that contains internal wicker storage baskets, shelving and marble countertops to pull-out drawers that store spices, sauces, dry foods and pet foods, many customers are embracing their hidden pantry or larder as a statement piece within their kitchen.

“By incorporating both bespoke and SieMatic’s multi-award winning ‘Multimatic’ modular storage system within our pantries and larder spaces allows our design team to truly customise storage systems within our kitchen spaces. The Multimatic multi-functional aluminium system includes a comprehensive range of interior fittings for drawers and cabinets that gains around 30% more storage space. The flexible shelving system also provides easy storage for even tall objects such as bottles or chopping boards” – Helena Myers, Director of The Myers Touch.

The Myers Touch unique, holistic approach formula is to explore and apply a personal and bespoke ‘Design’ for a customer based on their ‘Life’ desires. Based on this formula, their design team carefully choose a range of cabinetry, materials, lighting, appliances and seating solutions to precisely match a client’s brief that brings ‘Light, Space & laughter’ into the finished design.

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A kitchen by ‘Kitchen Retailer of the Year’ 2021 KBB Awards winner The Myers Touch was designed within a period home in Southsea, Hampshire.

The client had previously lived in the US and loved Sub Zero & Wolf Appliances – she wanted to incorporate them into a pure and modern combined look kitchen with American-style bench seating.

Designer Keith Myers worked with the client to create a kitchen that would create the ‘wow factor’, so they could cook and entertain for their large extended family. Danetti bench seating was installed against the island unit.

SieMatic classic SC10 range cabinetry mixed with SieMatic S2 handleless kitchen range were included in the design, as well as Silestone and Dekton worktops and a Kohler Sink & Tap.

Photography credits: Phil Green

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In this week’s interview with 2021 SBID Awards winners of the KBB Design category, Extreme Design discuss the evolution of clients’ wishes and what role kitchens play in homes today, as well as their approach to designing interiors that reflect the client’s personal style.

How important is it to enter the SBID Awards & receive industry recognition for your work? What are the benefits?

The SBID awards create awareness for outstanding achievement and celebrates design creativity and excellence worldwide. It allows designers to push the boundaries of design and bring global recognition to those with good design practices within the industry. At Extreme, it is our vision to make an impact on design in this country, and the awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase our work.  An SBID award carries credibility and helps build our reputation amongst clientele hoping to engage with Extreme for their unique and special projects.

What do you think made this particular design an award winner?

At Extreme, we believe that every great design starts with an inspiration. This belief and design approach gave us the freedom to design every detail of the client’s kitchen to suit their vision. The elegance, sophistication and character of Art Deco design had captured their imagination and would form the basis of the design narrative. Influenced by The Churchill Bar and Terrace at the Hyatt Regency in London, the scheme works as a functional family living space and exudes luxury and exhibits a firm nod towards the clients love of everything art deco. The design transcends material and function and creates a one-of-a-kind space where every detail reflects our client.

As experts within the kitchen design sector, what do you think has been the biggest evolution in the kitchen space over the last decade? What external factors do you think have played a role in this shift?

Over the last decade we have seen clients move away from interiors which follow a common style or trend and look for something more personal, something which is a direct reflection of them and their life story. Since the 90’s the kitchen has been the centre of every household, and our clients are spending more time than ever in these multipurpose rooms. The clients story dictates the design direction, and we are selecting materials and finishes based on emotional connection and not just look and feel. Once a utilitarian design decision, kitchens now truly reflect the homeowner’s life, style and taste.

How do you make sure a design reflects the clients’ individuality and personal stories? Do you have a specific approach and how do you balance this with your own design style?

The client’s story is at the heart of every design, and it stems from our belief that a design reflects a life lived, not just a lifestyle. We approach each project with a fresh perspective, bringing new ideas founded from our wealth of experience. The details we gather go beyond just practical and functional requirements. We take time to listen, understand and connect with how our clients want to feel in their new environment. Part of what makes Extreme so different is the design freedom that we bring to every project. Each design is individual, so we don’t limit ourselves or our clients to set styles or ranges. Each design begins as a blank canvas and evolves to reflect each client’s personal design story.

Now that you’ve won an SBID Award, what are the next steps? Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

The awards have given us the belief and drive to continue developing our design approach, knowing that we have a formula that realises some of the most individual and exciting projects in this country and worldwide.

We are constantly working on what’s new and what’s next! And we look forward to sharing this with you in the years to come.

What advice can you give to young designers starting out in the design industry?

Open your eyes to the world; you can find inspiration in everything. Listen to your clients, stay focussed and don’t be afraid to push your client to the edge of their boundaries. Everyone is different, so listen to your client’s story and use this to fuel your creativity and create a design that is truly special.

Questions answered by Jade Jones, Design Manager, Extreme Design.

The Myers Touch designed a new-build family home based in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire for owners that wanted a sociable, connected, family kitchen space with neutral tones that they could entertain and cook in.

Designer, Keith Myers worked with the client and builder to propose a solution to the kitchen living space that involved knocking down a wall, redesigning a larger kitchen space and relocating the utility room to another area of the house.

Siematic S2 handleless furniture was chosen for the cabinetry with 12mm Silestone Niebla and Dekton Fossil worktops.

Three unique zones – cooking area, prep area and storage that connected the kitchen within the dining space.

Photography credits: Phil Green

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This London pied-à-terre is a masterclass in open-plan living. Despite its relatively compact proportions (5m x 7m), the homeowners wanted to slot in a well-equipped kitchen, dining and living areas. Charlie Smallbone of Ledbury Studio was tasked with designing a kitchen that would both furnish the space and enhance its overall look.

To ensure the kitchen is a seamless extension of the living area, Charlie opted not to install wall cupboards above the base cabinets. This created space for floating glass shelves, allowing the homeowners to weave in a touch of character with plants and decorative objects. A hanging rail was also added, retaining the much-coveted open feel whilst keeping kitchen paraphernalia close to hand.

Charlie’s greatest challenge was to fit all the functional aspects of a kitchen into the single wall of furniture. “It was tricky but I am happy with the final arrangement, which incorporates a lot of storage as well as all the essentials,” he explains. “It features a stone sink and Miele induction hob sandwiched between a tall, integrated fridge-freezer and larder cupboard at one end, and a dropped-down worktop with storage above it at the other.”

The cupboards themselves feature pewter fronts, which speak to the homeowners’ eclectic style. Made from sheet metal that is hand textured with hammers and heat, and given an aged patina using acid, the surface is then sealed with lacquer so that it stands the test of time. The cupboards are finished with concave stainless-steel handles that have been blasted to dull the shine and darken their appearance.

Bianco Macaubas Quartzite was specified for the worktop; a hardwearing but stunning natural stone with rich marble-esque veining. Charlie paired this with a Verre Eglomise splashback, whereby pure gold leaf was applied to the reverse of toughened glass and antiqued. Not only does it look stunning, but its reflective properties help to bounce light around the room and increase the feeling of space.

Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000.

Designed for multifunctional living, whether cooking for the family, entertaining friends or simply catching up over coffee, this kitchen from My Fathers Heart features stunning Dekton® by Cosentino worksurfaces on both the central island and the surrounding cabinetry within this large, open-plan space.

Created by Sheffield-based kitchen designers My Fathers Heart, the room combines stunning SieMatic S2 handleless cabinets in the Umbra velvet-matt finish with Dekton® in Kira, an earthy toned ultra-compact surface that has the look and feel of natural brownstones. Highly resistant to UV rays, scratches, stains and thermal shock, Dekton® is the ideal choice for homeowners looking for a durable, hardwearing worksurface solution and it can also be used for flooring and wall cladding both indoors and out. What’s more, carbon neutrality has been achieved for the entire life cycle of Dekton, so homeowners can rest assured that their surface of choice is sustainable and helps build a better future.

Within the central island, Dekton® blends effortlessly with rich walnut, which creates visual contrast and provides a warm tone for the breakfast bar area with its high stools for snacks and coffee. The BORA Professional extractor hob in an all-black steel finish sits neatly within the surface while antique brass pendant lights from Italy drop stylishly from above. The slim profile of the worksurface beautifully enhances the elegance of the appliances and kitchen furniture, while the colour palette is warm and inviting, creating a relaxed, contemporary look.

Chrissi Batey, Senior Kitchen Designer for My Fathers Heart, explains the process behind the design, “We spent a long time with the customer and their interior designer choosing a door finish from the SieMatic palette that would perfectly balance the wider scheme of the room and settled on Umbra. Dekton was the natural choice for worktops due its superior hardwearing qualities and Kira, with its warm earthy tones and elegant fine veining, was chosen to seamlessly complement the doors whilst adding subtle drama to this impressive open plan space.”

Added features such as the black Quooker tap, which provides boiling, sparkling and chilled water on demand, an antique mirrored splashback and bespoke metal framed shelving provide the perfect balance between practicality and beautiful aesthetic.

Dekton® by Cosentino is available in a range of designs, from industrial inspired to marble look.

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If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.