Kitchen Tour: A 1930s Semi Gains Storage and a Feature Island
A walk-in larder, hardworking island, high-tech appliances and a pared-back aesthetic ensure this kitchen means business
With lots of space to play around with (thanks to a new extension) and some open-minded clients, designer Charlie Flemons of Sustainable Kitchens enjoyed exploring all the options when it came to creating this hardworking and stylish kitchen. “The room was a very flexible space, where lots of different arrangements could have been achieved, and we tried out lots of different designs before arriving at this solution. It was totally worth it though.” The owners love the combination of a pale backdrop with a cool blue island unit, and with bags of built-in storage the kitchen should meet their needs for years to come.
The high-impact colour of the island (see the previous picture) does not upset the serene feel of this kitchen, as almost all of the base and wall units are painted in a pale, neutral shade. Built-in appliances, including the two ovens in a tower unit, also contribute to the kitchen’s orderly feel.
iQ single oven HB672GBS1B and iQ combi microwave/oven CM633GBS1B, both Siemens.
iQ single oven HB672GBS1B and iQ combi microwave/oven CM633GBS1B, both Siemens.
Flemons suggested an innovative material for the worktops that ties in with the scheme. “The owners originally wanted concrete worktops but Biscotto Concreto was a more practical solution. It has a slight variation in its colour and texture to make it look just like concrete, but it’s far more durable and less porous. It also comes in a darker, cool grey colour and an off-white.”
Biscotto Concreto worktops, Bristol Marble & Granite.
Biscotto Concreto worktops, Bristol Marble & Granite.
Instead of the usual glossy splashback, Flemons used textured Biscotto Concreto, the same material that’s on the worktops, for consistency. It has a beautiful dappled look.
Biscotto Concreto splashback, Bristol Marble & Granite. Stereo double undermount sink, Clearwater. Orbiq tap in pewter, Perrin & Rowe.
Biscotto Concreto splashback, Bristol Marble & Granite. Stereo double undermount sink, Clearwater. Orbiq tap in pewter, Perrin & Rowe.
Another head-turning hit of blue can be seen lining the wine rack, which is mounted above the fridge-freezer.
“The corner larder is a bespoke piece,” says Flemons. “It makes great use of an awkward corner space and is like an exciting secret space.” Oak shelves complement the blue walls and provide lots of space for dry goods and cereals. There’s even a spice rack on the back of the door for extra storage.
Read our tips on designing bespoke storage
Read our tips on designing bespoke storage
It may look like floorboards were used in the kitchen, but the flooring is actually grey porcelain tiles that tone in beautifully with the blue on the island unit. “The colours in this kitchen work really well – a simple neutral colour palette, complemented by striking bursts of blue. I’d describe it as stylish but playful,” says Flemons.
Skandi Grey porcelain floor tiles, Mandarin Stone. WineCave 30D cooler, mQuvée.
Skandi Grey porcelain floor tiles, Mandarin Stone. WineCave 30D cooler, mQuvée.
All of the units, including the island, have unobtrusive cut-out handles. “The recessed pulls are a really simple, elegant look, and were easy for our workshop team to make,” says Flemons. Tall cupboards provide more storage, keeping any unnecessary mess at bay. “The clients wanted to keep the worktops clean so everything looked tidy and spacious. They also didn’t want any open shelves with everything on show.”
“The island includes an induction hob with downdraft extractor. It sits flush with the worktop, then is raised up when the hob is in use, which works really well on an island,” says Flemons. The black ceramic glass hob echoes the smart ovens beyond.
T51T95X2 induction hob, Neff. iQ downdraft hood LD97AA670B, Siemens.
T51T95X2 induction hob, Neff. iQ downdraft hood LD97AA670B, Siemens.
“The great thing about using a downdraft extractor is that there isn’t anything hanging down from the ceiling, so there’s an unobstructed view out to the garden,” says Flemons. The kitchen area leads directly to a dining space and relaxed lounge area under a row of skylights. “The whole room is a nice bright space. The roof lights and Crittall windows certainly helped with that,” says Flemons.
David Hunt REC0139 Reclamation 1 light pendants, Ocean Lighting.
Find out where to spend and how to save when designing your kitchen
David Hunt REC0139 Reclamation 1 light pendants, Ocean Lighting.
Find out where to spend and how to save when designing your kitchen
The new cupboards constructed from stud walls create a curve at the back of the kitchen, and the shiny fridge-freezer in that corner bounces light around the space.
American-style fridge-freezer, Bosch.
Are you incorporating some blue into your kitchen design? Tell us in the Comments section.
American-style fridge-freezer, Bosch.
Are you incorporating some blue into your kitchen design? Tell us in the Comments section.
Who lives here A family of three
Location North London
Property A 1930s semi
Size of kitchen 5.1m x 4.3m
Designer Charlie Flemons of Sustainable Kitchens
“The family were in the process of getting the extension built when they first got in touch,” explains Flemons. “They weren’t sure what they wanted and were pleased to get some advice.” Her first practical solution involved storage, and plenty of it.
“We divided up the back of the room with stud walls to create different zones for a stacked washing machine and tumble dryer, an American-style fridge-freezer and a corner pantry to provide plenty of space for food,” she says. Design-wise, the owners wanted to keep the kitchen simple. “The clients wanted a really minimalistic look, with no clutter on show and a really simple cabinet design to continue this theme,” says Flemons. In fact, clutter seems a million miles away in this well-appointed room, but there’s no danger of this kitchen feeling like a clinical space. The substantial slab of colour in the form of the island adds an informal, fun feel, warming up the contemporary design and drawing attention to the craftsmanship of the bespoke units.
Island unit painted in Stone Blue, Farrow & Ball.