CASE STUDY
CHANNELLING THE LOOK OF A GALLERY, THIS AMAZINGLY DYNAMIC KITCHEN IS A WORK OF ART
A kitchen inspired by a love of art
Stepping off a busy street into a quiet museum or art gallery instantly calms the mind.
The effect is not lost on All & Nxthing Interiors, which channelled the rarefied atmosphere of an art gallery for the owner of this home. ‘She is an avid art collector so we took the idea of a calm space that would be almost gallery-like in appearance and allow her favourite pieces to shine,’ says founder Stephen Nash. Previously a dining room at the front of the house with a small kitchen at the back, the project began by merging the two. ‘This created a rather awkward but much bigger and more sociable L-shaped room,’ says Stephen.
The atmosphere may be tranquil, but this is no boring blank canvas.
The owner’s brief called for something ‘different and bold’, a challenge the All & Nxthing team relished. Central to the scheme is the sculptural island, which was designed to feel like an additional piece of art amid the owner’s collection. Formed and cast on site by the main contractor and Kote London, the island mirrors the L-shape of the room. ‘We rounded off all the corners for functionality and flow,’ says Stephen. Continuing this languid geometry, the curves of the island were repeated above the range cooker and in the fireplace opposite the dining area.
A reduced, monochrome palette informed the material and colour choices.
Soft grey concrete floors and the hushed tones of Farrow & Ball’s Wevet were selected to provide a serene backdrop for cabinet doors in blackened oak. ‘Introducing exposed aggregates in the concrete worktops allowed us to stick to the existing palette while adding more texture,’ says Stephen.
Being honest with material choices
is Stephen’s main take-home for successfully achieving a pared-back space. ‘Here, for example, all the brickwork is original. We just exposed it and worked it into the colour palette,’ he explains. ‘Adding textures or materials that don’t feel natural to the space often feels forced, which is not conducive to a calm atmosphere. Taking cues from existing materials is far more likely to yield a harmonious home.’