Urban Vibe

Drawing on inspiration and colours of the city, we wanted to incorporate natural elements with industrial materials such as brick, metal, concrete and wood to create a multifunctional space with a Chef’s table feel. As a starting point, and taking full advantage of the basement features, we decided to clad the original chimney breast, running up through the building, in brick slips to set the tone of our ‘Urban Vibe’.

To contrast this we chose a striking splashback with aged copper verdigris effect, above which we added a stained oak shelf fixed by black metal brackets. We opted for a 200mm thick quartz worktop to give the feel of a giant butcher’s block and added a Gaggenau induction hob and downdraft extractor with the control knobs sited within the quartz.

To each side of this central space, we chose 12mm thick ceramic worktops by Laminam which were mitred to give a 32mm thickness and so create a slight difference in height for the different zones. The same material was used on the central peninsula island because, as well as the aesthetics providing a metallic Corten steel feel, we love the practicality of the surface, meaning hot pans can be placed directly onto it without any risk of damage.

The peninsula island in this kitchen serves two purposes – the big chef’s prep area for chopping, rinsing and plating up with a row of casual seating facing to create the perfect space for family interaction and entertaining at mealtimes, with practical under-counter hidden storage, all inspired to embrace and elevate that chef’s table vibe.

To define the two areas we created a small height difference to the ceramic worktop to add interest and mirror the design of the worktops in the cooking area behind. On the chef’s side of the kitchen we incorporated a practical stainless steel sink with a chef pro tap and, to the end of the peninsula, we positioned our beautiful freestanding butcher’s block with an end grain oak worktop and hand-painted damson finish.

On the other side of the Crittall-style doors from Divide London’s Chelsea collection, we decided it was time to ‘pimp-up’ the prep kitchen to create an on-trend beverage station. We added a cockbead finish to our handcrafted in-frame doors that highlight the birch drawer fronts and give a nod to our expert craftsmen and women who individually hand make our kitchens in our mill and workshop.

Next to the walk-in pantry, we installed a Gaggenau 200 series coffee machine and warming drawer to create a separate coffee nook away from the main kitchen and both these spaces are served by the bank of Gaggenau cooling appliances on the other side of the prep kitchen. This run includes a Gaggenau 600 wide freezer, 450 wine cooler and 900 fridge which we concealed behind hand-painted doors.

As well as having a functional side to the space, we were also keen to display some of our ceramics by Rencraft’s favourite Cornish potter, Chris Prindl. To achieve this we added two floating wooden shelves above the sink with its Quooker Front tap with rose copper finish and a display cabinet to the right hand side with reeded glass and subtly lit hand painted interior.

This kitchen also has some cleverly designed storage elements such as integrated foil and baking parchment cutters in the cutlery insert and deep drawers for items such as stock pots and lesser used appliances.

To echo the industrial, urban vibe of the chef’s table next door we selected Amtico concrete effect flooring tiles and natural brass handles and knobs which are handmade in Devon by Ged Kennett to complete the look.