Kitchen Tour: A Modern Grey Gem in a London Townhouse
The fine details in this cool, contemporary kitchen-diner includes amazing pull-outs and warm wood touches
In this lovely, pared-back kitchen, minimal cabinets contrast beautifully with wooden detailing. The result is simple, warm and elegant, with a slight midcentury air. Most noticeably, this kitchen pulls off the not-so-simple trick of looking both timeless and modern. The open-plan room was designed by kitchen experts Extreme Design, and created as part of a bigger makeover on this London townhouse by architects Paul Wiggins, which included a basement conversion, extending the kitchen and adding bifold doors for access onto the garden.
This is a generous-sized space, which works brilliantly for a modern family. Elements such as the 2.4m-long breakfast bar and stools mean parents and kids can hang out together over cornflakes or afternoon tea.
“The clients enjoy cooking and wanted somewhere the family could dine together,” says Cuconato.
And, despite its chic looks, this is very much a kitchen that’s designed to be used. “The owners were looking for a finish that meant it would be OK to have some clutter out on the sides and where they wouldn’t need to have everything tucked away – in other words, a functional family space,” says Cuconato.
About a Stool AAS 32 bar stools, Hay.
“The clients enjoy cooking and wanted somewhere the family could dine together,” says Cuconato.
And, despite its chic looks, this is very much a kitchen that’s designed to be used. “The owners were looking for a finish that meant it would be OK to have some clutter out on the sides and where they wouldn’t need to have everything tucked away – in other words, a functional family space,” says Cuconato.
About a Stool AAS 32 bar stools, Hay.
A nook for recipe books provides a dash of colour and character. It’s a smart way to break up two banks of cabinets, which could otherwise look a bit blank.
The units have integrated handles in contrasting oak, and were exclusively designed for the clients by Extreme.
“The owners knew they wanted a larder and storage was very important to them, so this kitchen offers a combination of solutions,” says Cuconato.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinets wrap neatly around the fridge, making sure no inch is unused.
“The owners knew they wanted a larder and storage was very important to them, so this kitchen offers a combination of solutions,” says Cuconato.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinets wrap neatly around the fridge, making sure no inch is unused.
The larder features deep drawers for root vegetables, a marble worktop and a taller lower shelf to store appliances, such as the blender and breadmaker.
Fitting electrical sockets in here means these gadgets can be hidden away, when the door is shut, keeping worktop surfaces clear.
“Elsewhere, the cabinets feature shelves for storing non-perishables, crockery and glassware, while deep drawers near the hob are perfect for storing pots and pans, and the shallow drawers can be used to store utensils and cutlery,” says Cuconato.
Fridge, Fischer & Paykel.
Fitting electrical sockets in here means these gadgets can be hidden away, when the door is shut, keeping worktop surfaces clear.
“Elsewhere, the cabinets feature shelves for storing non-perishables, crockery and glassware, while deep drawers near the hob are perfect for storing pots and pans, and the shallow drawers can be used to store utensils and cutlery,” says Cuconato.
Fridge, Fischer & Paykel.
It’s all about getting the shade of grey just right; while these cabinets are ultra-simple, they don’t appear cold or minimal, thanks to the elegant colour and wooden trim. Plus the quality shines through.
“They owners were particularly fond of the matte aesthetic and chose a satin lacquered cabinetry,” says Cuconato.
The fact this room is so light and bright also means it’s less risky choosing a darker cabinet colour.
Adding wooden detailing is a genius touch, as it gives the space an almost retro, midcentury feel. The wood used throughout is milk oak: “It adds warmth and creates a beautiful contrast to the grey,” says Cuconato. “And it creates a sophisticated framework around the cabinets.”
Grey scheme feeling dingy? See how to freshen it up
“They owners were particularly fond of the matte aesthetic and chose a satin lacquered cabinetry,” says Cuconato.
The fact this room is so light and bright also means it’s less risky choosing a darker cabinet colour.
Adding wooden detailing is a genius touch, as it gives the space an almost retro, midcentury feel. The wood used throughout is milk oak: “It adds warmth and creates a beautiful contrast to the grey,” says Cuconato. “And it creates a sophisticated framework around the cabinets.”
Grey scheme feeling dingy? See how to freshen it up
The wooden back wall of the island adds some extra mellow warmth.
“The diamond grain detail is a subtle feature, which you can really appreciate when you’re sitting in the dining area,” says Cuconato.
“The diamond grain detail is a subtle feature, which you can really appreciate when you’re sitting in the dining area,” says Cuconato.
The client asked for contemporary, handleless units. “We used traditional British materials and craftsmanship to build the kitchen,” says Cuconato.
There’s definitely a timeless feel in here. “I think it’s the fact that the kitchen features a fusion of different styles, influences and design details, so it can’t be attributed to one particular look or trend,” adds Cuconato.
There’s definitely a timeless feel in here. “I think it’s the fact that the kitchen features a fusion of different styles, influences and design details, so it can’t be attributed to one particular look or trend,” adds Cuconato.
The worktop is elegant grey marble, chosen for its good looks and functionality.
“This marble was sourced as the clients loved the beautiful white veining detail that runs through it. It adds another dimension to the design, bringing movement and softness,” says Cuconato.
“Bookmatched marble also wraps around the island. You can admire it from the kitchen and garden,” he adds.
The slim, variegated glossy white splashback tiles add subtle pattern.
Induction hob, Neff. Boiling water tap, Quooker. For similar wall tiles, try Walls and Floors.
Choosing a worktop? Follow this guide to find the best for your needs
“This marble was sourced as the clients loved the beautiful white veining detail that runs through it. It adds another dimension to the design, bringing movement and softness,” says Cuconato.
“Bookmatched marble also wraps around the island. You can admire it from the kitchen and garden,” he adds.
The slim, variegated glossy white splashback tiles add subtle pattern.
Induction hob, Neff. Boiling water tap, Quooker. For similar wall tiles, try Walls and Floors.
Choosing a worktop? Follow this guide to find the best for your needs
“The doors on the wall units are touch latch,” says Cuconato.
The drawers are carved from wood and a variety of different sized pockets can accommodate everything from pen knives to peelers.
“The bespoke cutlery drawers were created in a matching oak finish and tucked inside deeper drawers which house the pots and pans,” says Cuconato. “The cutlery inserts keep the drawers neatly organised.”
“The bespoke cutlery drawers were created in a matching oak finish and tucked inside deeper drawers which house the pots and pans,” says Cuconato. “The cutlery inserts keep the drawers neatly organised.”
Natural light floods in from the garden, thanks to the French doors, providing an uplifting feel, along with a view of lush greenery.
This kitchen looks good at night too, thanks to carefully planned pools of light: the island features LEDs under the breakfast bar and the wall units are underlit too.
This kitchen looks good at night too, thanks to carefully planned pools of light: the island features LEDs under the breakfast bar and the wall units are underlit too.
Here, you can see the view into the property from the garden. “Three steps lead down into the kitchen and dining area from the hallway. This means that the kitchen sits at the same level as the garden, creating a lovely flow between the outdoors and the interior,” says Cuconato.
Downlighters high on the wall above the island provide handy extra task lighting.
The large grey floor tiles tone in subtly with the units and marble top.
What do you like about this kitchen, and does grey do it for you? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Downlighters high on the wall above the island provide handy extra task lighting.
The large grey floor tiles tone in subtly with the units and marble top.
What do you like about this kitchen, and does grey do it for you? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Location East Sheen, south west London
Property A three-storey, semi-detached townhouse, built in the 1920s/1930s
Kitchen dimensions 6.2m x 5.4m
Designer Extreme Design
The team at Extreme Design worked closely with the architects to make sure the kitchen accommodated the room’s existing dimensions and elements such as the amazing skylight, which lets light flood in.
“The design draws influence from the architecture of the property and celebrates key features such as the glass ceiling and the bifold doors that open onto the garden patio,” says Marcello Cuconato, creative director of Extreme.
The brief was a look that wouldn’t date super-fast or look bland. “The client didn’t want anything too modern. They preferred a classic, contemporary style which they felt suited their lifestyle and home better,” says Cuconato.
The kitchen leads directly onto a dining area (just seen here).
For similar ribbed glass pendant lights, try Lighting Direct.