This shaker style project had such varying factors and dynamics, making it an interesting, if not challenging bespoke kitchen commission.

First of these being the clients just happened to be my very best friends, we had known each other for more years than we care to count. No room for error here!

Next up was the dreaded deal breaker, BUDGET. Greg and Sharon (revealing true identities) had lived with a ‘rescue’ kitchen that they had purchased from Ebay 20 years ago. This had been through various refurbishments over that time, mostly with my help but now was the time to bite the bullet as a planned development of the rear extension meant this had passed it’s ‘prime’ and old faithful had to go.

Finally, purpose, they wanted to commit to a brand new bespoke ‘forever’ kitchen, they’d worked hard and fully deserved the very best this time so asked what I could achieve within their means.

I needed a North London presence. Basically, somewhere I could send potential clients to knowing they would be in good hands without any time wasted so we created a collaboration to meet both our needs.

The planned project of creating a family room at the rear of the house facilitated the opening up of the complete rear wall to form a 180 degree vista overseeing the beautiful view they had of the lake at the end of their garden.

Within the room was to be a dining area, snug space and most important of all, their dream kitchen. Their previous kitchen had never really ticked the boxes as it had always been a ‘stop gap’ solution. This time, having yearned for so long, they had firm plans on how the dream bespoke kitchen would transpire.

The one area they had struggled with for the new bespoke kitchen was the flanking long wall and the brick pier that jutted out. They couldn’t remove this so asked what magic my wand could muster up. I suggested we make this a full wall bank of cabinets and disguise the offending brick pier within this by subtly panel matching over it. Upside of this was huge storage, the downside was loss of workspace.

Not and easy one to resolve as to boot, the sink and hob had to be situated here somewhere. To alleviate this issue, we created a beast of an island that not only allowed a large counter and prep area, it also promoted a super efficient workspace zone with minimal travel. Just think, the pull out bin, sink, dishwasher and down draught hob are now all perfectly aligned with ergonomic symmetry and each of these less than a step away from the other, now that’s what I call economy of movement.

The hob chosen is something quite special, the latest and most functional Samsung induction multi zone hob with integrated down draught extractor in an easy clean black glass finish. Besides this is the ‘waterworks’ area, sink and tap set up. Pleasing to the eye and honouring the period styling is a Shaws of Darwin ceramic butler sink accompanied by a Perrin and Rowe aged brass Phoenician suite with a wonderfully balanced symmetry. To the left is the hand spray rinse, centre is the hot and cold monobloc filtered water tap and stage right is their amazing boiling water dispenser.

Staying with and running around the island, you’ll find a recessed seating area with stools for four and a handy easy reach open book case library cabinet. Underneath, placed purposefully, there are twin sockets to meet all the tech needs of the modern day family. Alongside and perfectly positioned in this ‘leisure’ zone, is a sweet mid sized wine cooler, how convenient.

Topping off this showcase centre piece is the Silestone quartz work surface. One design element that most pass due to cost is the edging profile. Luckily this time, the finances stretched to the curved and stepped ‘Dupont’ profile that sets this apart from most others.

Back to the long wall, here we housed a pair of the very latest Samsung (One of my latest fave brands down to their innovative approach) ovens that actually act as four ovens with the dual zone heating and über impressive split hinge doors, you really have to check these bad boys out! Flanking these are another pair, larders this time, both with gorgeous solid oak spice and oil racks. Within these we concealed a free standing microwave and toaster.

Along from these is a sumptuous breakfast bar, or as we like to call it, our signature ‘Tea & Toast’ cabinet. Note the matching quartz stone worktop, not only practical but a sweet perfect reflection of the island surface and a welcome surprise hidden within. Also deserving of a mention are the traditional styled beaded back panelling and scalloped shelf brackets in solid oak.

Sitting pretty below all of this is an extended run of drawers, all solid oak with traditional dovetailed joints and sat on Blum soft close runners. Housed inside these are secret cutlery drawers with bespoke divider layouts.

To finish off the run on this banked wall, standing tall and proud is (again)The very latest Samsung SMART fridge/freezer. Seriously, it’s madly modern, you must follow up on the spec. this appliance carries, full bluetooth compatibility with music, video and a double tap on the screen reveals the contents!

One very understated but delightful detail that really works in a subliminal way is the Cornice. The ceiling height wasn’t too tall so we designed the furniture height and construction to allow the Georgian profiled plaster cornice to run on to our joinery giving a lasting impression of an original and integral architectural feature. A set of vintage picture gallery lamps were then sourced and placed on the upper facade of the plates allowing a gorgeous flood of a feature ambient light.

Oops, nearly forgot about the important design aesthetic of the furniture so we’ll call this last but not least.

Having earlier deciding on our floor to ceiling ‘GEORGIAN’ English classic cabinets with original profiled plaster cornice in place, a complimentary Georgian feature skirting was matched to this along with chamfered pilaster legs to create a cohesive coupling. In keeping with this, the cabinet doors and frames were featured with a staff/cott bead perimeter surround.

Hardware next, handles to be precise. The vintage brass set were from our ‘Studio CK’ house collection. Chosen for their parallel detailing of the bespoke kitchen cabinetry they were elected to adorn.

All that was. left now was the colour. Never the easiest of choices as Greg found out the hard way when Sharon ‘started’  the process of sampling, A lot of sampling.

Poor Greg had no idea what was to come but with a brave face and the patience of a saint adversity was overcome. Making the grade were Farrow & Ball Dimity no.2008 for the wall elevation and the Island featured with Farrow & Ball Mahogany no.36.

That’s the narrative, I’ll leave you now to check out the detailing below and the images highlighting this wonderful North London show house bespoke kitchen.

If you wish to progress this further, please contact Charlie direct and he will talk you through the process and see what he can do to help.