Home Kitchen Minimalis: November 2016

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Kitchen of the Week: A Calm, Light, Shaker-style Family Room

Kitchen of the Week: A Calm, Light, Shaker-style Family Room- It can be daunting to take the plunge with a kitchen renovation, but the owners of this detached 1940s house in Cardiff had always wanted a Shaker-style kitchen and didn’t hesitate when they had the opportunity to create one. The Morgan family were extending their home at the rear and decided to turn the new space into a large, all-in-one family room, utility space, cloakroom and kitchen area. A handmade Shaker kitchen was to be at the heart of the design.

‘The Morgans had very clear ideas on the style of kitchen they wanted but were unsure of the best way to plan the layout,’ says kitchen designer Ceri Hill of Chalkhouse Interiors, who worked with the family on their new space. ‘We were involved at the beginning of the building project, so we were able to make suggestions on the best layout for the build, advise on closing-up existing windows and how to make best use of the space to create the perfect kitchen for their lifestyle.’

Chalkhouse Interiors

Who lives here Ryland and Louise Morgan and their two young sons
Location Cardiff, Wales
Property A 1940s detached house
Size 5m x 3.6m (kitchen area)
Designer Ceri Hill of Chalkhouse Interiors

‘The existing kitchen was a contemporary gloss white design with granite worktops all round, so not everyone would have chosen to change it,’ says Hill. ‘But the style was too contemporary for the rest of the house, which features beautiful period stained-glass windows throughout.’

Chalkhouse Interiors

The new kitchen has classic Shaker doors handmade from a hardwood called tulip, which was chosen for its strength and soft grain, and which gives an exceptionally smooth paint finish.
‘The paint colour has the appearance of white, but with a greyish, putty tinge that’s never stark,’ says Hill. ‘The polished nickel handles add a touch of shine, but the nickel has a silvery tone with a hint of gold in it, so it doesn’t look as contemporary as a chrome handle would on such a classic door style.’

The shelf over the sink frames the design perfectly and provides space to display decorative items.

Handles, Hafele. Belfast sink, Villeroy & Boch. Phoenician mixer tap in chrome, Perrin & Rowe. Kitchen units painted in Cornforth White, Farrow & Ball.

Chalkhouse Interiors

The entire room is an open-plan L-shaped space with the dining area leading off to the right of the kitchen.

The engineered oak plank flooring brings a warm ambience to the space.

Flooring, Ted Todd.

Thinking of having wooden floors? Here are 9 reasons to love them

Chalkhouse Interiors

‘The design concept was to create a very simple space with clean lines, with the range cooker and its feature canopy as the main focal point as you enter the room,’ says Hill.

‘By having the tall units together, the rest of the room can be kept open and free of cupboards, other than a small, glazed display cabinet, which adds interest, to the left of the Belfast sink,’ adds Hill.

‘I love symmetry, and find it creates a harmonious feel and is easier on the eye if used judiciously.’

Chalkhouse Interiors

A mix-and-match collection of different worktop materials adds texture and colour, and is highly practical.

Marble-effect quartz surfaces were used around the edges, which are extremely tough and keep the colour scheme pale yet interesting.

‘The clients were originally going to have Carrara Massa quartz worktops throughout, but as the island was going to be used as a casual eating place for the children, I felt introducing wood here would make it a more comfortable place to sit,’ says Hill. ‘It also gives more of a furniture feel when viewed from the living area, which is directly behind it.’

Carrara Massa quartz worktops, Beltrami. Oak worktops, Wex Trade. Professional 100 range cooker, Rangemaster. Extractor fan, Neff.

See how to make your kitchen the social hub of your home

Chalkhouse Interiors

The central island includes a casual seating area and open shelving for a decorative display.

‘The building work was the lengthiest part of this project, but it gave us time to refine the kitchen layout and specification with the clients,’ says Hill. ‘It’s one of our handmade kitchens, so everything was made in our workshops and then hand-painted on site.’

Cobb rise and fall pendant lights, Original BTC.

Chalkhouse Interiors

‘The family had good-quality Miele appliances already, which they were keen to reuse, and we discreetly fitted the fridge-freezer in a new tall cabinet,’ says Hill.

The other tall units include a larder and a broom cabinet, as space in the utility area is limited.

Originals bar stools, Ercol.

Chalkhouse Interiors

The combination microwave oven was fitted in the island unit opposite the sink, so it’s neatly hidden from view.

‘The clients didn’t want any electrical sockets to spoil the island’s work surface, so we fitted neat sockets on the end, facing the cooker,’ says Hill. ‘It means they’re out of sight, but still useful.’

Chalkhouse Interiors

The pendant lights highlight the island and are complemented by carefully positioned LED recessed spotlights, creating a layered lighting effect that ensures the space is beautifully lit both day and night.
‘My favourite element is the open area of the kitchen without the wall units,’ says Hill. ‘Sometimes, less is more, and avoiding the temptation to fill every area with cupboards for storage definitely paid off here.’

Chalkhouse Interiors

‘We designed the island to include skirting on the living room side, to the left of the kitchen, along with Shaker detail panels to add interest and a feeling of solidity,’ explains Hill.

‘On the working side of the island we stuck to using a plinth, which is easier during cooking preparation as skirting tends to get kicked, because it sticks out beyond the cabinet.’

Metro tiles, Walls and Floors.

Chalkhouse Interiors

The double-door larder unit with oak-veneered interior is the perfect place to store packets, spices and dried goods, as well as gadgets and appliances.

‘I like to use a larder unit in every kitchen if possible,’ says Hill. ‘We have one in our own home and appreciate the fact that all our food is in one location. I also like to include electrical sockets inside it where possible, so clients can keep small appliances, such as the toaster, plugged in and ready to use.’

Chalkhouse Interiors

A utility space leads off the living area. It’s fitted with matching Shaker-style units for a seamless feel and has tough, practical iroko worktops.

‘This area also houses the washing machine and tumble drier along with the dishwasher,’ says Hill. ‘It’s quite a tight, tricky space, measuring just 3.8m x 1.7m, but the end result is very neat and easy to use.’

Belfast sink, Caple.

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Kitchen of the Week: Trad and Industrial Mix in this Cool Irish Kitchen

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Kitchen of the Week: Trad and Industrial Mix in this Cool Irish Kitchen- The owners of this spacious home in north Dublin recently embarked on major restoration work, which involved ripping out its traditional country pine kitchen. In its place, designer Louise Parkes installed what she calls a “transitional” kitchen – not crazily contemporary, but not super trad, either.

“The owners are a young and energetic couple with two small children,” says Parkes. “They just wanted something a little bit wow!” They liked the mix of oak and painted cabinetry and loved the Belfast sink, copper door knobs and metro tiling that this design included. “Those touches drew them in – the little industrial details that really add character to the space.”

Parkes Interiors

Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here A young couple and their two small children, plus five dogs
Location Countryside north of Dublin
Property A detached house with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
Kitchen size Approx 6m x 4m
Designer Louise Parkes of Parkes Interiors, along with Lee Austin Design

A combination of painted and oak-effect cabinets brings lots of depth and texture to this space. The oak doors and drawers are handleless, while the painted units are fitted with neat little copper knobs.

10 things homeowners with dogs know to be true

Parkes Interiors

The kitchen is very much the heart of this home and there’s a lovely sense of flow on the ground floor, without the layout being totally open-plan. A dining space and playroom bookend the kitchen, which also opens onto the garden. The same flooring has been used throughout to unify the spaces.

See 9 ways to create zones in an open-plan home

Parkes Interiors

The owners were keen to include an island in their kitchen. “They wanted a casual eating space as well as the formal table and chairs in the adjoining dining area,” says Parkes. “It’s a place where the children can have breakfast while their mum is busy on the other side.”

The island also contains lots of storage, with cupboards visible here and deep drawers on the opposite side.

The base cabinets and island are faced with rough-sawn oak laminate. “It’s a really functional and high-end product,” says Parkes. Whereas actual rough-sawn oak stains and marks easily, this laminate is hugely practical and hard-wearing. “You could submerge it in water and it would be fine,” she says.

Parkes Interiors

All the glass-fronted cabinets are lined with metro tiles inside. “It’s a lovely nod to the retro look and works really well here,” says Parkes. “It brings those units to life. They might otherwise have looked quite dark and dull.”

The owner specified Wolf appliances for the space. “She had seen and liked them already,” says Parkes. “They are fabulous, but very expensive!”

Ovens; hob; extractor fan, all Wolf.

Parkes Interiors

“The stools reference the industrial style that’s woven through this scheme,” says Parkes. They were sourced from a trade-only supplier.

Parkes Interiors

Although the dark cabinets look slightly blue in these images, they are in fact painted in dark grey. “The couple were torn between using a navy blue or this dark grey, but opted for the grey,” says Parkes.

Cabinets painted in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball.

Parkes Interiors

The worktops throughout are a ceramic that looks quite like Calacatta marble. “Marble isn’t ideal for a kitchen, as it’s porous and stains easily,” says Parkes. “It doesn’t have the longevity of ceramic and it’s expensive. This ceramic is scratch-, heat- and stain-resistant. It costs slightly less than solid marble, but it’s a quality product, so still quite expensive.”

Parkes Interiors

Cabinets have been cleverly built to fit around this additional stretch of worktop that dog-legs along a short internal wall. “This section is a useful bit of really workable space,” says Parkes. “It has a coffee machine and practical, everyday storage for pans and the like.”

The wall in the dining room, opening up beyond, is covered in a wood-effect paper. “This whole scheme hinges on a softly industrial look, creating a livable, functional space,” says Parkes. “The wallpaper fits with that perfectly.”

Timber wallpaper, Andrew Martin.

Parkes Interiors

The kitchen leads into the playroom via a wide opening that can be closed off with a framed glass sliding door. Parkes designed the floor-to-ceiling cabinets in here, too, which now contain the family’s media and lots of storage.

Parkes Interiors

The Belfast sink is another industrial component of this kitchen. This design is shallower than a lot of Belfast sinks, making it easier to use.

VBK 720 Belfast sink, Franke. Taps, Perrin & Rowe.

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Kitchen Tour: A Soft Grey Modern Country Kitchen With Stunning Views

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Kitchen Tour: A Soft Grey Modern Country Kitchen With Stunning Views- When the owners of this wonderfully located house contacted designer Richard Davonport, the kitchen was small and tucked away. “With two teenage boys, the owners wanted to enjoy as much time together as possible,” he explains. “So it was absolutely essential the new kitchen was large enough to accommodate socialising and laid out in a way that encouraged it.”

The lovely view over the river and sea was the other main focus. The couple wanted to make the most of the beautiful outlook and integrate the outside into the kitchen. Davonport set out to create a gentle connection between spaces that makes the garden feel lived in all year round.

Davonport

Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here A couple with their two teenage sons
Location Mersea, Essex; Davonport’s Mersea kitchen collection took its name from this project
Room size 9m x 8m; part of a double-fronted Victorian house
Designer Richard Davonport of Davonport

The structural column was challenging, because it was very prominent in the room. So it had to become an integral part of the design, rather than being hidden away. The pillar’s positioning lent itself to forming an island corner, so now an oak breakfast circle emerges from the column and connects to the rest of the island.

The owner chose soft grey for the units, but the island has been painted in a slightly darker shade for subtle depth.

Island unit painted in Lamp Room Gray; all other units painted in Cornforth White, both Farrow & Ball.

Davonport

There are two types of material on the worktops – honed Antique Zimbabwe granite and oak. ‘Granite is good for preparation and wet areas where you wouldn’t want porous wood,’ Davonport explains. ‘But it’s cold, so on the seating area we used wood as it’s more tactile and pleasant to rest your arms on.’

Read this complete guide to project managing a kitchen renovation

Davonport

The bifold doors were an important part of the extension as they maximise the beautiful view. They’ve been left unpainted to pick up the solid oak timber flooring and to frame the landscape. The smaller windows on the other hand are white and blend into the walls.

The floor has been lacquered for protection, which gives a lustrous sheen to the oak.

Walls painted in Silverflake, Sanderson.

Discover more tips on what to consider when planning bifold doors

Davonport

The owners wanted to make a feature of their Aga, so they had it reconditioned and re-enamelled for their new kitchen. It made sense to utilise the chimney breast, and Davonport’s team added an oak mantel above. They even integrated subtle spice cupboards into the surround, which are useful but not too fussy.

The splashback is made of the same honed granite as the worktops. It has a slightly mottled effect, which is particularly useful in a hard-water area, as it doesn’t show fingermarks.

Davonport

Davonport made the most of the high ceiling by adding tall storage. The door next to the built-in oven houses a pull-out larder, and next to that is a curved storage unit.

LED spotlights are used for task lighting in order to illuminate different areas of the kitchen. There’s also lighting in the glass-shelved dresser unit, which makes a feature of the tableware inside.

To help with the owner’s bad back, Davonport chose a dishwasher drawer that you can access without bending down too much. The same idea was used for the fridge under the far window.

Dishwasher drawer, Fisher & Paykel. Refrigerator drawer, Whirlpool. Built-in oven, Neff.

Find clever ways to make your home accessible for all

Davonport

The family wanted be together without getting in each other’s way, so it was important to allocate designated work areas. The central island ties the room together and incorporates the dishwasher and sink.

Whoever is cooking or washing-up has enough space, but can also socialise with others in the room and look out to the garden and beyond.

Boiling-water tap, Quooker.

Davonport

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Kitchen Tour: A Calm Extension for a Busy Young Family

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Kitchen Tour: A Calm Extension for a Busy Young Family- Previously tired, cramped and lacking in light, this southeast London kitchen was given a five-month renovation and restructure that included fitting new skylights and opening out the back wall to the garden with bifold doors. The young family went for a breezy, coastal feel, with a mix of smoked oak and palest blue cabinets to add warmth and avoid anything too clinical-looking.

“The kitchen is the hub of this family’s home, and a space where they eat, entertain and relax,” says Beth Dadswell of Imperfect Interiors, who also put in a bespoke seating area with a hidden element the kids love.

Imperfect Interiors

Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here A young professional family with two small children
Location Southeast London
Size 5.4m x 4.4m at its widest point; part of an Edwardian terrace house
Designer Beth Dadswell of Imperfect Interiors
Photographer Chris Snook

Designer Beth Dadswell was asked to create a larger kitchen with a proper dining area for this young family to enjoy together. They wanted the space to be more efficient and have better views out to the garden.

“Part of making this kitchen work better was utilising the cupboards in the island for storage,” says Dadswell. “We also added a wine cooler, built in extra storage under the seating area and beside it, and designed a large bank of cupboards that neatly conceal the fridge, ovens and mops.”

A building firm was employed to extend the space into the side return; it caused some initial problems over boundaries, but these were eventually ironed out. The result was worth the effort, giving Dadswell more room, and more light, to work with.

Imperfect Interiors

“The owners had already chosen a local kitchen supplier and a firm of builders who specialise in side-return extensions,” explains Dadswell. “So my job was to tie these disparate elements together and make the space work for them.

“We carefully selected colours for the units and walls, and materials for the worktops and splashback, and then designed a bespoke seating area that would become the focal point of the room.”

Polished Bianco Arabescato worktops, Jetstone.

Imperfect Interiors

The main design principle was to keep the room feeling as light and calm as possible, as the owners lead very busy lives. They wanted to be able to enjoy every minute of their spare time with the kids, so getting the layout and design of the space right was paramount.

“The owners didn’t want anything too shiny or white, which I was thrilled about,” says Dadswell. “They wanted to incorporate some wood, so we chose a smoked oak, and they were both really keen on blue.”

Conscious that a blue could overpower the room and risk things looking dated in a few years time, Dadswell asked the kitchen company to spray several different shades on sample joinery to find exactly the right colour. “It needed to have just the right amount of subtlety and grey in it,” says Dadswell. “The room still feels very light, as we went with a very pale grey on the walls, but it doesn’t feel cold or bland.”

Bespoke handleless units, Bells. Units spray-painted in Borrowed Light, Farrow & Ball. Regal Matt Vanilla porcelain floor tiles, Topps Tiles.

Imperfect Interiors

Dadswell designed bespoke seating and storage in the new dining area so the space was used efficiently, making for a snug entertaining spot. She also added a feature the kids love. “I included a hidden cat entrance in the banquette seating, so the family pet can get in and out of the garden through the cat flap and also have a cosy spot where he can snooze,” says Dadswell.

It’s cosy for the humans, too, as the homeowners installed underfloor heating. The panelling also adds visual warmth to the project. “I always try to add character,” says Dadswell. “Because the house is Edwardian, I wanted to continue this feeling in the kitchen. Modern kitchens can feel very hard and cold, so I often use panelling to soften the edges and break up expanses of wall. It makes the dining area feel cosy, acts as a backrest for the cushions, and is also a way of avoiding sticky fingerprints on a newly painted wall!”

Lighting, Fritz Fryer.

Imperfect Interiors

“I suggested we build a cupboard onto the end of the seating area,” says Dadswell. “From experience, I know it’s useful to have somewhere the children’s pencils, colouring books and games can be stored when the table’s being cleared for dinner. It’s also somewhere to display personal items, as well as a spot to put a lamp.”

Walls painted in Lead 1, Paint & Paper Library.

Read 10 expert design tips for planning a family kitchen

Imperfect Interiors

Dadswell specialises in mixing midcentury and modern pieces for an eclectic look to the interiors she designs and, with a background in fashion and styling, she’s well-placed to source special items that work together harmoniously, making a room feel finished.

Two framed Barbara Hepworth prints add colour and personality to the dining area, as do the mix of cushions on the bench. “I used a wipeable fabric for the bench cushion that looks and feels like a nubuck leather, but comes in a really great range of colours,” says Dadswell.

Furniture, Neptune Harrogate. Extendable table and vintage Ercol chairs, eBay. Chairs spray-painted in Mist, Neptune. Seating and cushions, Angel Upholstery.

Imperfect Interiors

“I also sourced several lovely pieces of midcentury pottery, some art and a few styling items from an antiques fair, which add colour and individuality to the space,” says Dadswell.

Check out these five essential pieces for a midcentury mood

Imperfect Interiors

Dadswell and her clients thought long and hard about the style and design of the splashback tiles, as they wanted them to add a softness to the room rather than a clinical edge.

“We chose these tiles as they have an imperfect, light-reflective surface,” the designer says. “We had them laid in a graphic, midcentury style. We also used a very pale grey grout, which won’t turn yellow, and used this on the floor tiles, too.

Carnival Ramon tiles, Fired Earth.

Imperfect Interiors

“This project exceeded my expectations,” says Dadswell. “It has a really lovely light, airy feel in the daytime, and the three different lighting circuits mean it feels very cosy in the evenings, too.”

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10 Tiny Micro Kitchens for Small Space Living

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10 Tiny Micro Kitchens for Small Space Living- Most of us would welcome a little more room to manoeuvre – or just some extra space to stash all of our stuff. But, with decent property in such high demand, many of us are living in smaller houses that need to work harder than ever.

The ultimate multi-tasking hero home is the studio flat; fulfilling the opposing roles of sanctuary, cook space, bedroom and bathroom. Thankfully, today’s innovative interiors ensure that creating a practical and appealing apartment is possible, even when kitchen space is at an absolute premium.

Wellbuilt Company

Reflect on this
Squeeze in unobtrusive storage by creating a single-wall kitchen that tucks away behind full-length doors. Chic stainless appliances are a classic choice, while a mirrored splashback creates the illusion of depth, making the space feel larger and lighter.

Check out 99 more ingenious ideas to steal for your small kitchen

Ute Günther INNENARCHITEKTUR & DESIGN

Make it multi-functional
A dedicated dining table might seem like an impossibility in a tiny flat. Thankfully, small-space solutions – such as this ingenious pull-out shelf – ensure there’s a place to perch, whether it’s for dinner à deux or spreadsheets for one. When you’re finished with it, simply push the ledge back into the cabinet.

ÁBATON arquitectura & promoción

Feel the fade
For a truly minimal small kitchen, blur the division between walls and cabinets. The Scandi-style clean lines and whitewashed wood in this home extend to the kitchen, where cupboards and extractor fan are timber-clad to match the interior. Hidden-handle doors and a small induction hob complete the unostentatious effect.

Tour a stunning Scottish home that’s been given a pared-back Scandi makeover

Olivier Chabaud Architecte

Don’t fight the feature
Effective downlighting and a contemporary finish give this kitchen-in-a-cupboard the wow factor. Rather than trying to blend it into the background, bright white slab-front cabinets are purposely used to contrast with the rustic exterior. Just slide back the doors to impress visitors with the big reveal.

Mesh Architectures

Be fashionably frugal
This studio kitchen may be truly tiny, but it’s still big on style. Shop around for extra-small appliances that will give you added convenience without hogging too much space. Those on a strict budget would be wise to keep the design simple – white cabinets and stainless-steel finishes are a timeless pairing.

Openstudio Architects Ltd

Stay in place
Combine efficiency and aesthetics by planning a place for everything in your small kitchen. This studio flat features an expertly arranged cook space that includes a spice rack, prep area, shelving, drawers, induction hob, extractor fan and a tiny sink. Along the adjacent wall are sliding doors that concertina back to reveal an oven and extra storage.

Edit Homestaging & Redesign

Finesse the finish
Studio flat owners needn’t forgo the joy of decorating. In fact, the less space there is, the fewer materials are required, meaning you might be able to afford more expensive finishes, as you’ll need such a small amount. Look for worktop off-cuts, stray boxes of tiles selling for a few pounds and even paint samples instead of full-size pots.

VINTAGENCY

Switch to slimline
Make the most of an awkward corner with a skinny unit that won’t pinch too much floor space. If you’re using standard-sized cabinets, it may be possible to repurpose a unit intended to be wall-hung, as they are usually narrower.

AREA Handelsgesellschaft mbH - Linz OÖ

Decorate the doors
This cabin kitchen has a Jenga-inspired folding wooden door that fuses the charms of nature and design. When combined with pine cabinets and wide-plank oak floors, the cook space is too good to keep hidden.

S+D architectures intérieures

Go beyond the obvious
If your apartment does have some interior divisions, you may feel more limited by the layout. However, with a few custom tweaks, your kitchen can be made to work as well as this small wonder. By continuing the worktop across the boundary between spaces, a whole new section of surface is added, as well as extra storage.

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5 Covetable Kitchen Extensions That Work the Indoor/Outdoor Trend

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5 Covetable Kitchen Extensions That Work the Indoor/Outdoor Trend- Architects and interior designers love to bounce around the term ‘indoor/outdoor’ to describe a room that transitions seamlessly from the interior space to a connected outside area. This type of open-plan living can offer a number of advantages, including increased light, easy access and the feeling of being outdoors.

Whether you’re planning an extension or just rejigging your existing floor space, installing appropriate doors, clever flooring and effective planting can help to give you a useful and attractive indoor/outdoor scheme. Check out these spaces for inspiration.

Grand Design London

The contemporary kitchen…
This single-wall kitchen marks the property’s transition between old and new; where the original house and extension meet. There’s also a fusion of styles, with traditional and modern elements positioned side-by-side for a lively mix. Bright accessories are tempered by stainless-steel accents, while flat-fronted cabinets contrast with the timeless smoked oak floor.

Grand Design London

…with traditional French windows
The classic-meets-contemporary collaboration continues as we look outside. Wide French windows (with matching sidelights) maintain a sense of light and space, framing the view of the garden beyond. The antique-style dining table and chairs set reinforces the theme of juxtaposition.

Check out 9 ways to add a magical mood with outdoor lighting

John Frye Photographer

The rustic cook space…
Potted plants and rustic styling give this charming space a garden room feel. Wood and metal are the primary materials; their inclusion stops the scheme from becoming twee. Vintage furniture adds character, while painted floorboards ensure an imperceptible transition to the rest of the house.

John Frye Photographer

…with a killer courtyard
The theme outside is less ‘farmhouse chic’ and more ‘contemporary cool’. With paving arranged in an alternating brick pattern, there’s no need for extraneous decoration. Simple white rendered walls with inherent planters house olive trees and box balls. As the garden grows, the arbour will provide a welcome shady spot for outside meals.

David Butler Photography

The characterful kitchen…
This jumbo extension has been carefully crafted to pack in masses of texture. The effect of layering these specially selected elements – reclaimed parquet flooring, Tolix stools and an exposed-brick-effect wall – is to make you forget that this part of the house is a new addition.

David Butler Photography

…designed around outside entertaining
When the doors are opened, the entire sandstone-clad terrace becomes part of the kitchen area. Comfy sofas make the most of the sunny aspect – with a fire pit ready for chilly evenings – while diners can take their pick of indoor or outdoor tables.

Get ideas for turning your deck or patio into a super-comfy outdoor lounge

Granit Chartered Architects

The simple scheme…
A pared-back monochromatic palette allows focus to be drawn towards the supersized sliding doors. The aqua hue of the metro-tiled spashback echoes the blue tint of the glass, while white composite worktops glow under the large roof light.

Granit Chartered Architects

…where the garden’s the star
Ingenious wood-effect tiles mean the kitchen flooring can run seamlessly outdoors, where it complements the packed borders. Even the roof hosts a mini container garden, which can be appreciated from the upper floors.

Paper House Project

The timber-clad kitchen…
This urban-inspired kitchen uses polished concrete and reclaimed materials to maximum effect. For cabinets, off-the-shelf carcasses have been fitted with timber fronts made from sawn oak, which was sanded before being sealed with a clear lacquer. A brass tap provides a pleasing metallic glint.

Paper House Project

…with a matching exterior
Black Crittall-style doors match the industrial vibe in the kitchen. The versatile concrete floor is durable enough for a flawless indoor/outdoor transition, as well as a cool contrasting colour.

Horizontal cedar fencing presents a contemporary solution to privacy issues; its warm tones mirror the oak cabinets inside and perform the same job of balancing the scheme’s harder elements.

What would you do to link your interior with your outdoor space? Share your ideas in the Comments below.

http://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/kitchen