Ledbury Studio: Adding the Warmth of Australia into a Scandinavian Styled Kitchen

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a Scandi inspired kitchen design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Ledbury Studio.

Ledbury Studio was commisioned to design furniture for the kitchen, dining area, tv snug and hallway/bootroom, so that the design flowed seamlessly throughout this open plan lower ground floor space for this Kensington project. Our client’s design aesthetic was ” Australian/Scandi”, reflecting the cool simplicity of Scandinavian style, mixed with the warmth of her native country, Australia.

What was the client’s brief?

The client’s brief was to create a kitchen that aligned with her ‘Australian Scandi’ design aesthetic as part of a major two-year refurbishment of her seven-floor Kensington home. She wanted interiors that reflected the cool simplicity of Scandinavian style while incorporating the warmth of her native Australia. Beyond the kitchen, I was also tasked with de-signing furniture for the dining area, TV snug, boot room, office, and dressing room.

What inspired the design of the project?

To meet the design brief, I chose natural and painted oak for the cabinetry, keeping the scheme as light and fresh as its surroundings. The pale oak is meticulously book-matched on the drawers of the hob run and island, while the full-height cupboards are painted white – ensuring they run all the way to the ceiling without overwhelming the space. For a show-stopping effect, I placed fluted oak panels on the outside of the island and around the base of the breakfast bar. In addition, the Statuario marble worktop cascades down the end of the island in a striking waterfall effect.

There are many fine details in this kitchen. All the hand-crafted handles are made from patinated brass, as are the kickplates and the surrounds on the oak drawers. I also used patinated brass for the trim on the extractor hood – painted in the same matt white as the cupboards – and for the hanging rack over the island. This sculptural piece not only serves as an eye-catching focal point but also provides task lighting, additional storage, and a space to display trailing house plants. It is suspended from a curved section of ceiling, which is tiled in white and lit around its perimeter.

This kitchen is all about pared-back luxury, but it is also beautifully clutter-free, thanks to cabinets that conceal a wealth of useful storage – everything has its place. For example, the tall pantry cupboard not only stores bulky dried goods but also conceals the microwave, keeping the work surfaces clear.

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

One of the toughest challenges we faced during this project was getting the large marble slabs for the island into the kitchen. Given the sheer size and weight of the Statuario mar-ble, manoeuvring it into a seven-floor Kensington home was no small feat. It required me-ticulous planning, a highly skilled team, and some creative problem-solving.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The standout highlight of the project must be the drinks cabinet! Designed to seamlessly tie in with the kitchen, it features elegant, fluted oak and glass detailing, complemented by a luxurious Statuario marble worktop and panelling.

The glass-fronted cabinet is softly illuminated from within, transforming the contents into a striking display, while the open shelves are backed with a mirrored panel to enhance depth and reflect the beautifully arranged bottles and decanters. This thoughtful design not only makes the cabinet a functional storage piece but also an eye-catching focal point—perfect for entertaining in style.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards to gain recognition among internationally prominent interior designers. The awards are a prestigious platform that celebrates excellence in interior de-sign, and we saw it as a fantastic opportunity to highlight our commitment to pushing crea-tive boundaries.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID Award Finalist has been an incredible validation of our work, reinforcing our dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and exceptional design. It serves as a testament to the skill and creativity of our team, confirming that our approach resonates with both industry experts and discerning clients.

Beyond the personal achievement, it has also provided greater brand recognition, helping to elevate our presence on an international stage. The exposure has allowed us to connect with a wider audience, opening doors to exciting new opportunities and collaborations. It’s an honour to be recognised among the best in the industry, and this acknowledgment only motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of design excellence.

Questions answered by Charlie Smallbone, Founder of Ledbury Studio.