Konstantina

Tour this dark green kitchen with statement Calacatta Verde marble

Posted on 31st October 2024

How do you create a space for a family of cooking enthusiasts? We talked to this kitchen’s designer to find out…

When the owners of this elegant Roundhouse kitchen first explained to senior designer Paul Welburn what they wanted their dream space to be like, they had three things in mind: the design should be practical, beautiful, and cover their culinary and hosting needs. “The family cook a lot, so the kitchen had to have ample working space, which we spent a lot of time perfecting,” says Paul.

Dark green kitchen design with a multi-functional island. — The large kitchen island with the Wardell counter stools from Soho Home is perfect for preparing delicious meals as well as entertaining. Photography: Mary Wadsworth.

Designing the dark green kitchen

Completed as part of a larger house renovation, the finished layout includes distinct zones for cooking, drinking and storage. A large, functional island has been added, meaning the cooking-preparation area is now bigger, while the new layout provides better access to the reworked walk-in pantry, too – the supplies stored within are easily accessible, neatly organised in open shelves and drawers.

However, it’s the Calacatta Verde marble that has brought the room to life. “During a visit to the stone yard, the clients fell in love with this marble, which ended up being the focal point for the entire kitchen,” says Paul. It was then used for the splashback, while for the island, the team opted for a stain-resistant composite worktop, specifically chosen for its durability.

Breakfast cupboard in a dark green kitchen design. — The dark green kitchen design incorporates clever storage solutions such as shelves and drawers hidden behind folding doors.

Cooking area with a gas and induction hob on the island, and stacked ovens on the main cabinetry run. — The smoked fluted glass and antique, brass-glazed cabinets were chosen for their dazzling look and concealing properties.

The details

Other elements, such as the brass accents, were also brought in to complement the marble, which ultimately made for a cohesive colour scheme and design. The fluted cabinets were another interesting inclusion, chosen for their stylish look and hint of transparency. “This design provides a degree of concealment while also adding interest,” says Paul. “We further enhanced this by smoking the cabinets, for an additional layer of coverage, which resulted in this appealing aesthetic.”

To make life easier for the budding cooks, the ovens were strategically positioned between the washing up and the cooking area, the hob was placed on the island, and the fridge is now within easy reach.

Storage cupboards with statement brass handles. — The homeowners are avid cookers, which made the choice of the big, efficient Gaggenau fridge a no-brainer. Handles by Armac Martin.

Island design with built-in gas and induction hob. — The Bora hob with built-in extractor was conveniently placed on the island.

Challenges

Still, it wasn’t all easy-breezy. The team encountered quite a few challenges along the way, but “that’s all part of the fun,” according to Paul. “One significant hurdle was the angled roof above the tall run, which required careful consideration in the design phase. Unlike a flat wall, it demanded meticulous attention to detail to ensure everything fit seamlessly.”

Another challenge was making sure all the different sections within the kitchen wouldn’t make it look incoherent. “The homeowners wanted this to be a multifunctional space, accommodating activities like lounging in a window seat, enjoying drinks and, of course, cooking up a storm. Despite the room’s ample size, integrating these various areas while maintaining a cohesive layout posed its own set of challenges,” explains Paul.

Pull-out drawer for storing pot lids built within the island. — Plenty of room for storage and easy access to essentials such as utensils and saucepans were among the family’s main requests.

Walk-in pantry in a dark green kitchen. — The walk-in pantry is a beautiful pocket space, ideal for keeping cooking ingredients handy.

Having the right amount of space between each element was crucial, too. Given the family’s passion for cooking, the team had to strike a delicate balance to ensure there was enough room to move around comfortably, without sacrificing functionality.

Ultimately, though, they rose above the difficulties, providing the family with a kitchen that exceeded their expectations. A sophisticated, well-thought-out space that allows them to get creative and turn their wildest culinary dreams into a reality.