Creating a Contemporary Kitchen Space
Our Top
Kitchen Ideas

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home in contemporary residential architecture. Achieving a kitchen space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing is paramount to our design process. We take great pride in developing and discussing how you would use the kitchen space to capture your needs in our design.

Here are our top kitchen ideas that could be incorporated into your home:

Warm and Textured Materials
Incorporating natural materials is ingrained in our design philosophy. We believe that using a palette of stone, timber, and marble can transform a kitchen into a tactile and visually striking environment. Stone countertops, whether it be granite, quartz, or marble, provide a durable and elegant surface, whilst timber used in cabinetry or flooring, adds warmth and a connection to nature. By layering these materials, we create depth and texture that make the kitchen not only a place for cooking but also a visually stimulating space.

Gifford House-080_GREEN

Multi-Functional Islands
Kitchen islands are integral to many of our designs, as they encourage social interaction and make the kitchen a more inviting space. A well-designed island can serve multiple purposes—providing extra workspace for meal preparation, additional storage for kitchen essentials, and a casual seating area for dining or socialising. In open-plan layouts, islands can help define the kitchen area, creating a natural flow through the space and distinguishing it from other living areas. By incorporating features such as built-in sinks, cooktops, or wine storage, we ensure that the island meets your specific needs and enhances the functionality of your kitchen.

Longdown-065_GREEN

Monolithic Splashbacks and Countertops
For a sleek and modern look, we favour the use of seamless, continuous backsplashes and countertops made from high-quality materials like marble, porcelain, or quartz. These surfaces are not only visually appealing but also highly durable and easy to maintain. The absence of grout lines in monolithic designs reduces maintenance and provides a clean, uninterrupted surface that enhances the overall aesthetic of the kitchen.

OBA_The Mill House_6

Storage
Efficient storage is fundamental to optimising the performance and functionality of your kitchen. We believe that hidden storage solutions are key to achieving a modern aesthetic and maximising space. By combining full-height units with integrated appliances and low-level cabinetry, we create a seamless and contemporary feel to the space. Pull-out pantry shelves, deep drawers, and custom cabinetry can be tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that every item has its place and is easily accessible. This approach not only enhances the practicality of the kitchen but also contributes to a clean and organised environment.

MAKE | Abbey Court-050

Layered Lighting
As with other areas of the home, appropriate lighting can have a transformative effect on the kitchen environment. By utilising a hierarchy of task, feature and mood lighting, we ensure that your kitchen is both practical and inviting. Task lighting, such as under-cabinet LED strips or recessed ceiling lights, provide focused illumination for food preparation and cooking. Feature pendant lights over the island can add visual interest to create a focal point; whilst mood lighting achieved through dimmable fixtures or plinth-level LED strips, add ambiance and warmth to the space. Together, these lighting elements create a balanced and versatile lighting scheme that enhances both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the kitchen.

OBA_Holm_Place_15

Careful integration of key design ideas such as these enables us to create both functional and visually appealing kitchen spaces that are individually tailored to meet the diverse needs of cooking, entertaining, and everyday living. By prioritising both form and function, we ensure that your kitchen becomes a central and much enjoyed part of your home.

Title photo: Treetops
Photo 1: Spa House
Photo 2: Treetops
Photo 3: The Mill House
Photo 4: Sailor’s House
Photo 5: Holm Place