POLISHED APPROACH

Bold colour and striking stone enhance this sociable space

dining in the kitchen is informal and relaxed and lets whoever is cooking join in with conversations. ‘A kitchen that includes both island unit and table is a common request, especially in sociable, open-plan settings,’ says Annie Ebenston, lead designer at Blakes London. ‘However, this room is relatively long and narrow (9.5m x 5m), which didn’t leave sufficient room for both.’ Incorporating banquette seating into the island is always a space saver because it takes the circulation space required around chairs out of the equation. ‘And we could then add drawers under the seat for storage.’

Done well, an island with banquette attached can also form a striking focal point. ‘Here, we used a Green Guatemala stone with bookmatching and a waterfall edge, alongside leather or faux leather seating in verdant Forest Green,’ Annie says. ‘For comfort and ease, we always recommend manmade leather, which is more durable and easier to clean than real leather.’