Grounded in Texture
A Home Reimagined Through Light and Material
The Beginning of the Transformation
From the very beginning, this project felt full of possibility. When the clients first came to us, the house was set to be completely stripped back – walls opened up, floors lifted, and extension to be added. Armed with architect plans and plenty of ideas, they knew they wanted the home to feel larger, lighter, and more connected, but translating that into a finished kitchen felt overwhelming.
Spanning more than a year from first concepts to final installation, the design evolved alongside the renovation itself. As the extension progressed and internal walls disappeared, the space continually revealed new opportunities. Working collaboratively throughout, our role became not only designing the kitchen, but helping the clients navigate the countless decisions that come with extending a home.
They were naturally drawn to texture and warmth, so the design language grew from there – layered materials, tactile finishes, and a palette that felt grounded and architectural without losing its sense of comfort.
A Balance of Warmth and Contrast
The material palette became the heart of the project. Rustic slate-effect cabinetry along the wall runs introduced depth and moodiness, while the white concrete-effect island brought contrast and brightness into the centre of the room. Together, the combination feels balanced and effortlessly cohesive.
Warm metallics were woven throughout to soften the stronger architectural lines. Bronze handleless rails, a matching sink and tap, and subtle lighting integrated beneath the worktops create a gentle glow across the space, particularly in the evenings.
Mirror played an equally important role. A bronze mirror splashback along one elevation reflects light and movement back into the room, while the matt bronze mirror on the opposite side gives a softer, more muted finish. The contrast between the two creates depth without overwhelming the calmness of the design.
To further warm the space, Havana Oak detailing borders the top cabinetry and continues down the tall oven housing, while the same finish reappears in the reduced-depth shelving, wall units and plinths. These repeated moments of timber help soften the darker cabinetry and connect beautifully with the Weathered Oak herringbone flooring below.
Designed Around Living
While every finish feels luxurious, the kitchen was ultimately designed around the rhythm of everyday life.
The large island quickly became the social heart of the room – generous enough for cooking, entertaining, working, and gathering, all at once. Seating for four encourages people to linger, while the downdraft hob keeps sightlines completely open, allowing uninterrupted views through to the corner patio doors and the garden beyond. Even while cooking or preparing food, the reflective surfaces help keep conversations connected across the room. Wide walkways and thoughtful zoning allow the room to function beautifully whether hosting friends or simply making a morning coffee.
A previously undesignated section of wall was transformed into a dedicated coffee station, giving purpose to an area the clients initially didn’t know how to use. Vertical ribbed timber panelling and open shelving create a furniture-like feel, while the continuation of the breakfast bar worktop ties it seamlessly into the wider kitchen. Every detail was designed to make the kitchen feel intuitive and effortless to use.
A Space That Glows From Morning to Evening
Natural light became one of the defining features of the finished space.
The large skylight washes the kitchen in daylight from above, ensuring every material and texture is given room to shine, while the corner glazing floods the room with softness throughout the day. With no overhead extractor interrupting the view, the eye is drawn outward towards the garden, reinforcing the openness created by the extension.
As evening falls, the atmosphere gently shifts. The delicate pendant lights with exposed filament bulbs echo the warm glow of the integrated rail lighting, creating layers of warmth throughout the room. Reflections move softly across the bronze surfaces, the wine cooler glows subtly beneath the island, and the kitchen takes on an entirely different character – equally suited to quiet mornings as it is to evenings spent entertaining.
What began as a vision on paper has become a deeply considered living space – tactile, welcoming, and designed to support the way the clients truly wanted to live. Every detail was shaped not simply around appearance, but around ease, connection, and the feeling of wanting to spend time there.
From the home owner:
“Some of our favourite features of the kitchen are the island and breakfast bar, which has really brought our family closer together. It’s a more relaxed and informal way of eating, allowing us to spend time together while some people are cooking and others are eating at the same time.” – Mr and Mrs A.
Kitchen choices:
Concrete Terra Grey, White Concrete and Havana Oak Riva Doors • Bronze Handleless Trims • Ethereal Glow Silestone Worktops • Bronze Mirror Splashbacks • Weathered Oak Floor