A Traditional handmade shaker style bespoke kitchen from our ‘KINGHAM’ collection. This commission sat nicely in the Primrose hill/Camden town area of North London.

I had been introduced to Jason via a girl friend as he was looking to refurbish the existing kitchen in the gorgeous little villa apartment (at the time Harry Styles was in the one below).

The existing furniture was a 1980’s Alno Italian contemporary styled design, a top bespoke kitchen in it’s day but not befitting the vision Jason had for his latest abode and with an eye on the purse strings had hoped we could polish the proverbial…..

I gave Jason my personal opinion which basically said that with no matter what amount of glitter this was rolled in, the outcome would never meet his exacting standards or his desired aesthetic, this would be a bad idea.

He agreed and asked what I would suggest?

Not an easy one here as the man has the most eclectic but stylish tastes I had ever encountered so I proposed we work this one together. Turned out to be one of my better idea’s and one of the most enjoyable collaborative experiences I could have ever hoped to be involved in.

The area Jason had chosen to reside in was über cool with likes of the Gallagher’s and Moss being close neighbours and the park just a stones throw away. The down side to this were the property prices in the area meant that a lot of money gained you the footprint of a postage stamp!

The space we had to work with was limited at best, so some clever thinking along with some inspirational flashes would be the order of the day. Challenging to say the least but something to rise to and always gratifying when achieved.

Setting about this exciting and delightful commission, it was decided to get the ‘cosmetics’ that would drive the overall aesthetic in place from the very start.

Starting with colour, From the Mylands Colours of London collection was chosen ‘Whitehall’ No.9 eggshell paint.

Following up in the complimentary stakes were the Beardmore’s contemporary but classic styled burnished brass NCCBH1003 ironmongery hardware handles.

The final flourish was to break with the ‘norm’ and beautifully finish all visible real wood material in a stained oak rosewood finish. This choice gave the whole look a contrasting hue that was transcendent and celestial.

Upon entering the space, the first thing I noticed was the amazing coffee table books that were just stuffed up on top of the kitchen cabinets, travesty. Inspired moment No.1 paid a visit.

The space at the top of the entry stair climb into the kitchen was just a dust trap with decorative elements positioned there for just that purpose, decoration.

Why not make this a ‘library’, just some understated book-casing cabinetry as an extended wall presenting a glorious vista of literature to welcome you as you ascend the stairs on to the first floor.

Next up was the shoe horning of some big ideas in to the smallest of spaces. This kind of test is something I personally relish, it’s not always about the large grandiose projects that gain you the most satisfaction, sometimes these smaller spaces can really give you an amazing sense of well being and fulfilment, well this commission just happened to turn out to be just one of those.

Firstly, with such a limited footprint, we looked to the skies. We were in luck as the Georgian Villa’s inherent architecture has nearly always lent towards high ceilings so the obvious direction to head in was upwards with extended height cabinets to meet with the storage  demands modern living generates. However, there was one important consideration, the exquisite and well preserved existing gesso plaster cornicing. To allow this to radiate around the room, we carefully calculated just the right balance of proportion between the height of the cabinets and the visual impact of the original period adornments.

The second and most important of ‘tricks’ I had up my sleeve was to keep all the major appliances on one wall enabling the truly bespoke nature of Kingham’s offer to work its magic. Just this simple but very effective move meant we could custom build shallower cabinets on the adjacent wall as there were no restrictions of the 60cm depth that the majority of appliances demand.

An island had been an idea touted by Jason but a reality check soon dispelled this notion, we were going to be lucky to get the very basic requirements of any sized kitchen in to the space we had available. Fortunately, the layout lent itself to a peninsula configuration making the perfect back drop to the ‘library’ as well as creating an exacting cooking arrangement.

Placing the Neff hob and oven front and centre on this archipelago couldn’t have been a better placement for the ergonomics and practicality of the room space usable.

Finishing off on this wall, we added a glazed crockery cabinet that Jason chose to line with a dark Irish linen. Below this were cutlery and utensil drawers with bespoke dividers. To add some character, midway, we stepped down the wall cabinets to create a display area and shelf allowing Jason the opportunity to display just some of his divine curios and art.

180 degree spin on heels and now time to address the facing wall. Here we were to place the wet area along with the refrigeration. As always, we flanked the sink with a pull out recycle bin and dishwasher for shear practicality of use. The difference this time was the choice of sink. Having chosen the most stunning attention seeking arabescato corchia marble worktops, we decided to opt out of the usual suspects choice of butler sink and add a contemporary feel to the simplistically fashioned worktops and create a bespoke sink and dropped drainer plate from the very same marble the surfaces were to be appointed in.

To accompany this gorgeous arrangement, a Perrin and Rowe ‘Juliet’ set up of monobloc tap and hand rinse in aged brass finish were chosen. The backdrop to this spiritual coupling I am going to have to admit was Jason’s unearthly choice. The metallic bronze ‘irregular’ ceramic tiles created the most perfect splash back ever!

Please do not forget to note the unusual configuration of the wall cabinets sitting pretty above the sink. Not your average composition it must be said but how aesthetically pleasing and complete with the trio of pendant lights above highlighting even more of the paraphernalia accumulated.

To the left of the wet area a convenient and practicable larder was sighted with obligatory custom made oil and spice rack to the rear of the door making for great space usage.

Neighbouring the larder is a Fisher and Paykel Fridge freezer. The french door top fridge with freezer drawer below is my ‘go to’ choice nearly every time. The functional ergonomics of this layout really lends itself to everyday use. We also decided to quarter round the flanking side pilasters of the fridge as we had to break front the refrigeration cabinet in to the room due to the depth allowing more space by setting back the remaining cabinetry. A simple but most effective decision.

To end this wall run, we maximised space with a utility cabinet to house the familiar ironing board, hoover etc…..

Last but not least, the cutest of banquette bench seating arrangement below the  main light source sash window. Wonderfully panelled and bracketed but also a very useful storage capacity. The perfect place to sit and enjoy the light of day with a flat white or maybe something a little more cheekily stronger once the sun is over the yard arm.

FOOTNOTE:

This kitchen was originally finished in Farrow and Ball Estate Eggshell colour Pitch Black No.256. (See image above). This is a great indicator of how easy it is to transform your kitchen (in this case 8 years later)  to gain a completely different aspect to what you originally chose and at minimal cost. Winner winner!

Oh, and check out the personalised fine english bone china tea service we created for Jason. We have the capability to produce these and right up to a full dinner service fully personalised for that very special finishing touch to and culinary experience you may wish to elevate to new heights.