GO WITH THE GLOW
Diana and James Potts, 48 and 51, live in a Victorian villa with their three teenage children. Originally from Colombia, Diana describes herself as a ‘sociable being’, and it’s her bespoke kitchen that acts as the hub of the busy home
If it’s going to be custom-made, why not opt for the spectacular? This kitchen is a stunning example of what can be created with a little daring and a lot of style. “Of course it had to be practical with three kids,” says Diana. “But that doesn’t mean it can’t look fabulous, too. Although my husband and I love gadgets, we dislike clutter, so when it came to planning the layout, we loved the idea of a walk-in pantry to house the kettle, toaster and coffee maker, but when you’re not using them, you shut them behind closed doors. Immediately, the kitchen is streamlined again.”
But the real showstopper is the large kitchen island with its copper side panels; an absolute essential for Diana, who has socialising running through her veins. “My mum is one of 20 kids and my dad is one of 15 – I grew up with big, noisy groups of people,” she smiles.
“I love gatherings and so it’s important we can commune together in one space. My kids do their homework at this island, they sit around it with their friends. All my family life happens here,” she continues.
In a previous home, Diana had a kitchen which was heavy on stainless steel. “I found it noisy and cold,” she admits. “Being South American, I prefer warm. I love the glow of this copper, plus it ages so well. Yes, there are some blemishes but they represent our experiences here. Every one tells a story.”
The look of the kitchen was a collaboration between Roundhouse Design and interior designers Simpson & Voyle. “We worked together to make the most of this expansive space,” says Angela Simpson. “Roundhouse are amazing at meeting a client’s needs. If you want a drawer that’s, say, 1m or 4m wide, they’ll create it. Simpson & Voyle helped Diana decide on the aesthetics, like the colour choices, finishes and accessories.
“Our expertise means we can look at the bigger picture and join things up. Like choosing a black tap for the kitchen so it links with the black bedroom door handles, or a black stool in the living room. And while the copper island is literally the centrepiece, we didn’t want it competing with the rest of the kitchen. So we purposely chose a soft wall paint and matching cabinetry so they disappear into the background. When you have too much going on, designs can compete. The beauty of this kitchen is that you focus on the island and its unique quality.”
“Because the kitchen leads on to the garden, there is always a lot of incredible light,” adds Diana. “On a sunny morning, when the bifold doors are wide open, you’ll find me sitting here, probably with a strong coffee, thoroughly enjoying my view. I’ve never regretted creating this special space.”