Brass finishes combine with striking copper-veined surfaces and timeless in-frame cabinetry to bring elegance and warmth to this luxury kitchen.
Rich McGarry, head of design at The Wood Works, was approached to work on this kitchen space, as part of a large-scale renovation project. He was fortunate to be presented with a spacious open-plan layout that had generous dimensions. KBB journo Louise O’Bryan discovers the story behind this project…
“When it came to planning the new space with the family, we took time to understand their key points so we could bring together a coherent design that was aesthetically pleasing and practical,” explains Rich, who designed an L-shape layout that provides straightforward access between the main elements and around the generously sized island.
“In this case, the owners were keen for a modern kitchen that featured some drama, but also wanted details that would soften the overall look and add a touch of homeliness to the large room.”
Hidden gems
As the central hub of the home, this open-plan space sees plenty of family action. The owners were keen to keep the worktops free of clutter. So, they incorporating a walk-in pantry, where everyday essentials could be squirrelled away.
With some clever planning and exquisite joinery, a secondary kitchen was concealed behind secret doors. It sits within the bank of floor-to-ceiling cabinets, ensuring a clean, streamlined finish.
Another hidden pantry cupboard was included at the other end of the kitchen. It features sleek pocket doors that retract into the walls. This creates a perfect breakfast area that can be quickly concealed and out of sight.
Statement kitchen surfaces
When it came to the look and style of the luxury kitchen, the dramatic porcelain splashback was chosen as a glamorous centrepiece. Then, the space’s design evolved around this attention-grabbing material.
“The Neolith Calacatta Luxe is an innovative faux porcelain and we could be confident of the patterning; a luxury you can’t enjoy with real marble,” explains Rich. “Because of this, we were able to demonstrate what the standout splashback would look like before it was installed, which really helped the owners to pull the rest of the kitchen’s elements together.”
The dramatic spiders-web of glittering copper veins behind the hob sets the tone. Brass knurled handles, a gold Quooker tap and chic reeded glass wall lights lend a subtle period feel.
Pièce de résistance
However, the brass-clad extractor is the real show-topping element of the luxury kitchen design. “The owners fell in love with a similar Westin Prime built-in extractor hood in our showroom,” says Rich. “With a few small tweaks we were able to tailor the hood to suit this space, housing it in a brushed brass-effect surround that ties in perfectly with the other brass elements around the room.”
Continuing the warm and uplifting palette, the owners opted for an oak-effect porcelain tile. It is chic, practical and hardwearing – all aspects high on the family’s priority list. “Every element of this modern kitchen has been designed to provide a functional working space, yet also offer a visually appealing aesthetic that instantly grabs attention,” says Rich.
Design details
As well as these winning design touches and cohesiveness, this kitchen’s success also lies in the planning of the project. “We have a lot of clients who contact us quite late in the renovation process; the design can then be a necessity, and decisions are rushed. At the point you apply for planning permission is the right time to start your kitchen journey, which is what happened with this project, giving us plenty of time and space to get the layout and design just right.
“Once you have made your decisions on the kitchen, it can help with other areas of the build. Plus, the later in the process you start looking at the kitchen, other areas will demand your attention and may distract you from making the right choices in this important space. Start early and get the kitchen ticked o that long renovation list.”
As originally told to: Louise O’Bryan
This house tour was featured in the April 2024 issue of Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine.
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