Having returned from living in Hong Kong, interior designer Emma Maitland was keen to take on a new project, and the addition of this kitchen extension onto the family’s Victorian house in London provided the perfect opportunity.
The previous space was small and narrow, and not well suited to family life with three children. Working with DesignSpace London, Emma created an expansive, open-plan kitchen/dining space within a contemporary extension to the rear of the property, designed by architect Gregory Phillips.
On top of creating a larger kitchen with room for dining and relaxing - achieved by extending over the side return - Emma also wanted to enjoy a better connection to the garden, bringing more of the outdoors in. To this end, the entire back wall is made of glass, enabling the family to enjoy views of the garden from the front of the house.
An affinity with the outdoors, as well as the clean, simple lines of the extension, provided the main inspiration for the kitchen design. The layout is clean and unfussy with elegant linear cabinetry. Exacting precision was necessary to secure symmetry throughout, from the weight of the tall cabinets to the position of the hobs, island, pendants and dining table, which all sit perfectly in relation to the skylight.
The materials used are soft, smart and understated, combining natural oak, beautifully veined Bianco Eclipsia quartzite on the worktop, splashback and island and satin matt lacquered wall cabinets. The natural grain of the oak ties in with the warm-coloured timber of the floor, dining table and chairs whilst the leathered finish of the quartzite brings a sense of texture and tactility.
A recessed stone shelf on the island provides decorative interest, helping to prevent the design looking too blocky. It is also the perfect display for the family’s cookery books and ceramics. To the right of the hob, a tall larder cupboard stylishly conceals dry ingredients, breakfast necessities and small appliances.
