KITCHEN CASE STUDY RHAPSODY IN BLACK BLUE

Clever tiling and a brave use of colour bring drama to this family kitchen-diner. Here’s why it works…

the hunt for the perfect shade paid off handsomely

INSIDE STORY

The property A townhouse in chelsea. The project A two-storey wing was built at the rear of the house, taking two bedrooms to four, and a side glass extension was added on the ground floor to open up what had been a tiny kitchen.

KITCHEN SIZE 5x6m

The Designer Irene Gunter, director,

Gunter & co Interiors.

DESIGN BRIEF the clients are a family with two teenage children and two dogs. they cook a lot, so they requested the biggest appliances the space would allow. ‘I follow the “working triangle” principle – to chop, wash and cook without excessive travel,’ says Irene. ‘We toyed with the idea of an island unit for a long time, but, eventually, the need for relaxed family dinners took precedence and a table won the day.’

FURNITURE the bespoke kitchen was designed by Gunter & co Interiors. ‘the family are full of personality, so it seemed natural to reflect this through colour,’ explains Irene. ‘the glazed extension could take a deep shade, but finding the perfect black was difficult. Little Greene’s Basalt is my usual go-to, but it doesn’t match well as a spray-painted finish. It took about 25 samples before we finally settled on Farrow & Ball’s Black Blue.’

SURFACES one of Irene’s favourite spaceboosting tricks is to increase the sense of height by taking tiles up to the top of the wall. tiling behind the wall cupboards was a major job, but worth it to avoid having completely dark cupboards. It lends a sophisticated slightly French feel to the space. the fluted edge on the worktop always draws comment. It is a popular style in Irene’s native Belgium.

LIGHTING Listed building regulations meant that recessed downlights couldn’t be used, so tube-style fittings with gold interiors were installed instead. ‘they look like a deliberate choice, rather than a compromise,’ says Irene. ‘In design, there’s a solution for every problem!’

Flooring Up close, the engineered wood has an amazing smoked finish, with blackened edges that appear burnt. ‘Unfortunately, it’s rather pricey and the clients took a little persuading,’ says Irene. ‘However, it’s super practical and will last a lifetime, so it’s an investment for the future!’