OPTING FOR OPULENCE
LAYERING DARK SHADES AND LUXURIOUS MATERIALS HAS FORGED A SOPHISTICATED NEW SPACE WITH A DECADENT EDGE
Glamour permeates every inch of this lavish, moody scheme
There was nothing inherently wrong with the all-white gloss kitchen that came with this property. But for interior designer Paul Carter and his husband Daniel Marks there wasn’t much right with it either. Known for their opulent style and exquisite collection of art and antiques, the couple wasted no time ditching sterile in favour of sophisticated glamour.
With suitably moody dark oak flooring already on their hit list, they opted for a flat lacquered finish on the cabinetry. There are actually three deep shades in play; selected following lengthy studies into how the light falls at certain times of the day, the tall units are painted in Copper Beech, the island in New Black and the cooking elevation in Acqua Viva, all by Paint & Paper Library.
The layout loosely follows the previous kitchen’s but with the vital addition of six f loor-to-ceiling cupboards along one wall. As well as the beautifully appointed double-door breakfast pantry, which is easily accessible from the dining area, they provide abundant storage. Above the hob, a simple shelf was added in lieu of wall cabinets to display art and help the design feel ‘less kitcheny’.
Although it is striking as a whole, this kitchen’s success arguably lies in its finer details. The switch from shark-nose edging on the island worktop to pencil edge on the cooker elevation is a subtle twist that adds interest, while walnut interiors make simply opening cabinets a treat. On the island, a thick band of rich brass in the shadowline of the worktop elevates the glamorous quartzite to another level. Finally, a trio of dark glass pendants and bar stools in plush emerald were added, bringing poise, glamour and a swish of jewel-bright colour to the space.
The rich chocolate and blue-black hues of the cabinetry make the most of the changing light