This elegant bespoke kitchen was created for a large but challenging extension to a detached home in Wimbledon. The new L-shaped space features a detailed angled roof to the rear of property and recessed areas working around structural elements.

The brief was for a warm, elegant family kitchen with plenty of surface space and an easy flow between working, dining and relaxing zones. The family love to cook and entertain regularly, so an optimum balance of utility and aesthetics was essential. Timeless style was desired, but with clean lines that would harmonise with the room as a whole and take into consideration various sight lines, including to the garden.

Rachel Gower of Mowlem & Co conceived a synergy of classic hand-painted cabinetry in a panelled door style, with contemporary touches such as clean, handle-less lines, a chic soft grey tone and fascinating accent materials and finishes. In terms of space planning, the key feature is a central island unit with a one-piece slab of stone, connecting to a peninsula style breakfast bar. This generous solution seats six and is ideal for informal family gatherings, while a more formal dining and sitting area is perfect for entertaining.

While the hob is positioned on the island unit so the cook can face outwards more socially, other primary functional elements, such as the ergonomically positioned ovens and the main sink are positioned along one wall and away from the initial view of kitchen. The structure of this run of cabinets was designed to respect the architecture of the roof. In terms of surfaces, a contrasting combination of cool Piracema polished granite and warm, natural oak works beautifully with the overall colour palette of the space. The furniture is painted in a tonal combination of Serpentine and Cool Arbour, both by Little Greene.

Says Rachel Gower; “the chief challenge was working with the given dimensions, including the angled roof. The key solution was to offset the two elements of the island so that they follow the architecture of the extension as well as creating visual interest and accessible storage. A down-draft extractor was specified to avoid the distraction of an overhead extractor and so not to fight the shape of the ceiling. We also developed a ‘scullery’ area leading to the laundry room, which has a second sink and dishwasher, thus increasing storage capacity and working surfaces while keeping certain functions out of view. A window in this area was moved to create more space for the client’s must-have larder.”

Other carefully considered details include large drawers on the island for easy access, a baking drawer for cake ingredients, a drinks drawer and even a special “man” cupboard! A small dresser style cabinet links the kitchen to the other living areas while a window seat also offers dedicated storage for garden shoes.