The owners of this beautiful 5-storey Georgian townhouse had lived with their tired, outdated kitchen for over a decade and were ready for a change. They tasked Martin Moore with creating a light, bright new space which was sympathetic to the style and heritage of the property, but which met the requirements of a modern, family friendly kitchen/dining area.
The old design featured a cumbersome peninsular island which blocked the flow within the spacious room. Storage space was minimal and dark oak flooring and black worktops made the kitchen feel gloomy. Working closely with the owners, Martin Moore removed the peninsular island, opening up the space, and devised a new linear layout, allowing clear sightlines from the back of the room right through to the front.
A generous central island and a handcrafted dining table run in a continuous line down the middle of the room, giving the illusion of greater space. The size, shape and position of the island was carefully considered to provide generous seating for four stools, and to facilitate ample circulation around the room. A small secondary prep sink was also included in the island design, ensuring maximum convenience for whoever is cooking without taking up too much surface space.
To one side of the central run, Martin Moore constructed a faux wall into which they installed a chimney breast and mantle, designed specifically to frame the range cooker. Forming a natural focal point in the room, the design corresponds seamlessly with the style of the house. Stylish tall cabinets flank the cooking zone on both sides, providing much needed storage space. On the right, one of the tall cabinets conceals a well-stocked, generously sized larder cupboard, keeping dry ingredients, herbs and spices, condiments, and cookware close at hand.
Ample storage capacity was a key requirement in the design of the new kitchen; as well as the larder cupboard, a Breakfast Servery/appliance cupboard was sited by the dining table to offer ease of access to breakfast making facilities in the morning. Not only this, its proximity to the sink run, which features an integrated dishwasher, means crockery and cutlery can easily be stored away after washing.
Additionally, a walk-in pantry was designed into a recessed wall in the adjoining room. Previously used as a casual snug area, Martin Moore transformed this space to include not only the walk-in pantry but also a stylish built-in corner bench seat and round table. The idea was to create an area where the children could sit and do their homework or relax, whilst the adults were in the kitchen, making for a truly family orientated space.
Fitted and freestanding cabinetry styled from Martin Moore’s New Classic collection was the perfect choice for the scheme. A contemporary take on classic English architectural style, it has an understated elegance that is perfectly in harmony with the property’s Georgian roots. The green colour palette is also a nod to the Georgian era; Martin Moore opted for three different shades of green to differentiate between the various zones in the kitchen.
The overall feel is cool and calm, with small decorative accents bringing character to the space. Colourful glass pendant lights from Curiousa illuminate the room and break up the gap between the furniture and the room’s high ceilings. The mirrored glass splashback adds width and light to the room whilst the aged effect helps with maintenance and cleaning.
As well as the new kitchen, Martin Moore were also asked to design and build a bespoke utility/boot room. Taking advantage of the building’s grand proportions, a drying rack is suspended from the room’s high ceilings and a sink run provides space for towels and linens. A wooden bench seat conceals under seat storage whilst coats and jackets hang neatly above.
Kitchen Details:
Cabinetry from Martin Moore’s New Classic collection
Worktops and splashback: polished quartzite
Paint colours:
Base units: Pale Sage
Wall units: Mist
Island and bench seating: Grey Green
Floor:
Bravestone Gypsum Matt porcelain - by Martin Moore Stone
