The Heart of an Idyllic Hertfordshire Residence

The Vision

The clients had originally been thinking of a linear kitchen, but were swayed by Simon’s use of curves on the bespoke furniture and feature island in the design which would guide people naturally through the space and increase the social interaction between friends and family. The traditional style, equipment and layout of the existing kitchen did not give the clients the ability to cook to a professional level at home, nor allow meal preparation to be part of a social event.

“There were particular design challenges to overcome. With the door from the reception hall located in the centre of the wall, it was vital that people didn’t feel like they were walking into a huge block of an island, and could be guided away from the cooking and preparation zone. The volume of equipment the clients wanted meant that everything needed to fit comfortably where it was required most, but without losing the sense of space.”

The curved ‘floating’ island of pale turquoise lacquer and granite, with integral shelving and curved glass breakfast bar is extremely functional and an intelligent way to differentiate the zones in the room. The wrap around double curvature sideboard of walnut and poplar cluster lead the eye and people through to the dining table and relaxed seating area, set around a feature wood burning stove and French double doors to the garden.

The cooking, washing and preparation area ends with an extended, curved cupboard which maintains the open plan feel of a cohesive room but helps to clearly set the boundary of the main working hub of the kitchen.