Our clients are a retired couple who had a contemporary kitchen but really wanted to create a more timeless kitchen, where the layout worked better for them. On the initial site visit we discussed changing the peninsula to an island and moving the tall bank of units. A wine fridge and wine storage were on the wish list as well as top of the range appliances.
The kitchen was already zoned into a dining area/kitchen zone. This worked for our couple so was to remain the same, with the addition of a media unit in a contemporary design on the north wall.
The radiator on the south wall was wide and took up a lot of space on the wall. We decided to change this for a large, tall radiator which left more wall to design on - allowing the creation of the beautiful bank of tall furniture.
The decision was made to design the hob on the island so different ventilation options were considered. We first looked at housing an extractor in a ceiling box, creating an architectural feature and adding lighting. However, it was decided that on this occasion that having a vented hob was the preferred option but we’d create a ceiling box as a design and lighting feature anyway.
We often design sinks by a window, where the layout allows, so there is good lighting and a view while doing this essential kitchen task. In this space it made sense to keep the sink at the window, which looked out to the garden. We also quickly decided that using the north wall to house a tall run of cabinetry and therefore the fridge/freezer and oven appliances created an aesthetically pleasing balance that was also practical. Therefore the hob had to move onto the island. This completed the kitchen work triangle of sink/hob/fridge.
Another work area we always plan carefully is the sink/dishwasher/waste placement. It is most convenient to have these close together. In this design we placed the dishwasher and pull out bin either side of the sink.
Ease of access to storage is also a major consideration - we designed in a tall larder with pull out shelving and drawers below the ovens for accessible storage. Drawers and drawer line cabinetry were designed into the island - thinking of the placement of these in relation to the dishwasher for ease of emptying.
During visits to the showroom to discuss the design layout, our customers had been really drawn to the in-frame furniture in the front of our showroom. This was the basis for choosing beaded in-frame shaker cabinetry. Additional design features such as tongue and groove panelling and corner posts were added to the design to add visual interest and enhance the timeless quality of the design.
To keep a balance of traditional design with a touch of the contemporary, the contrast of dark and light in the colour of the cabinetry was chosen and we boxed in the tall run of cabinetry - creating architectural interest. Open oak shelving was also chosen to reflect the oak wine cabinet and the interior of the cabinetry.
A Nero Astratto quartz work surface was chosen as the subtle blue and grey veining reflected the cabinetry colours beautifully. Stainless steel hardware was also selected, along side a stainless steel Quooker tap, to be in keeping with the cool blue tone of the charcoal and pale smoke furniture.
Miele appliances were chosen for their quality, cooking features and appearance. An attractive wine cooler and open cabinet were placed on the island, which was visually appealing on entering the kitchen from the hall.
The utility room and media unit were also designed to reflect the colours and finishes of the kitchen (not pictured).
We love the balance of light and dark, contemporary and traditional in this design and our Banchory customers were thrilled with the final result. We all agree that the layout of the kitchen is much more practical for every day use and for hosting their grandchildren. We hope they make many happy memories in this special space!