Design Brief & Solution

This striking monochrome kitchen in a Grade Two listed Victorian property in Hook, Hampshire has been created with style and storage in mind.
The brief from the young family with two children was for a contemporary room that would double as a dining space. The designer created a run of floor to ceiling linear cabinetry using custom-made Pronorm furniture in a light grey matt lacquer finish.
The kitchen allows for maximum space with the installation of handleless top boxes for storing lesser-used items which can be accessed by a custom-made library ladder. The cupboards beneath conceal a 120cm storage larder and fridge freezer, together with a bank of ovens and warming drawers. To soften the contemporary look in the traditional environment, antique bronze-finished handles by Buster + Punch were added to match the bespoke ladder.
The focal point of the room is the large kitchen island which is entirely clad in Basalt Black by Neolith with a 20mm deep surface in textured charcoal effect that injects a natural organic feel to contrast with the colour of the surrounding cabinetry. By keeping the wall items neutral in colour so they merge into the wall behind and pulling out the lower sink units and island in a darker shade, the room appears far more like a sociable living space than a utilitarian kitchen.
The designer ensured that every aspect of this stunning family kitchen was carefully considered. The steel ladder rail was sourced from an engineering company in Germany before being disassembled in the UK and plated in antique bronze by a company that restores classic cars.

Designer’s Favourite Feature

“Rather than one standout feature, the success of this design is the sum of its parts. Every detail of this kitchen has been carefully considered; from the custom made library ladder to the striking Neolith island unit.”