The designer: Graham Robinson at Halcyon Interiors (www.halcyoninteriors.com)

The story: A family-run business, Halcyon Interiors focuses on creating excellent design and installation services for its clients.

Showroom and Design Manager Graham Robinson has been with the company for 15 years.

Designer Q&A:

Q) What was your brief from the client?

To create a functional kitchen that worked as part of the larger entertaining space. They wanted something dramatic…

Q) How did you answer the brief?

We spent a lot of time looking at layout options to get the best out of the space. Although it was not to look like a conventional kitchen, it did have to work as a heavily used kitchen. Providing the hidden area allows countertops and appliances to be out of sight but at the same time easily accessible with the addition of an extra sink and fridge space. There are five hob options within the island to cater for lots of cooking styles and an extremely powerful hood from Gaggenau to deal with extraction. We also included two dishwashers so things can be cleared away quickly and to give more space, especially when entertaining and of course an instant boiling water tap.

Q) Which products did you use and why?

We opted for one finish, Alno Star in Titanium, a textured laminate. This was used for doors, worksurfaces and recesses, giving a sleek finish and drawing even more attention to the details. The complete kitchen is handleless to create a streamlined look and we used grey ovens from Miele while all the other appliances are hidden from view.

Q) Was there any building work?

It was part of a large renovation project that went across the whole back of the house with an extension to the basement area below. This has had an effect on how the whole ground floor space is used.

Q) What elements do you think make the scheme so successful?

I really like using the one finish, as it gives a striking look. It’s also very practical as it does not show fingerprints or reflections. The hidden element is a great addition, as it softens the view as you come down the steps into the room and works really well in practice. It’s hard to see in images but there are some strong lines that work with the architecture of the room and this creates a calm and harmonious feel when you are in it.

Q) Any advice for someone who may be planning a new kitchen?
Really take your time, look at appliances in detail to make sure you are getting all the functionality you require. If the space is existing, map it out physically so you can get a real feel for how it will work. Think about all the different scenarios of how the space will be used. Entertaining is important but so are those everyday tasks, too.

The details:

Alno Star Titanium Oxide, www.halcyoninteriors.com

Blum LEGRABOX internals, www.blum.com

Appliances by Gaggenau, Miele, Liebherr, Siemens, www.gaggenau.com, www.miele.co.uk, www.liebherr.com, www.siemens.com

Taps by Dornbracht, www.dornbracht.com

Hayley loves: the dark, dramatic feel of the Titanium Oxide and how it is balanced with pops of colour in the dining area