The designer: Shehryar Khan at Sheraton Interiors (www.sheratoninteriors.co.uk)

The story: The owner of this kitchen is a fashion head buyer, who lives in lives in Ealing, West London with her husband and two small children in a semi-detached, mock Tudor house.

Designer Q&A:

Q) What was your brief from the client?

The client wanted a modern twist on the classic Shaker look.

She absolutely loves grey but was happy to explore colour with handles and taps. She also wanted an island, which would allow her to interact with friends and family without feeling like she is missing out and stuck in the kitchen.

Q) How did you answer the brief?

We kept the design open to make the most of the light coming through the bi-fold doors and incorporate the kitchen as part of the whole room. This allows it to make enough of a statement but, at the same time, blend in so it doesn’t overpower the rest of the décor. The tall units were stacked to one side to make use of the height of the room and allow for a clear run of worktops.

Q) Which products did you use and why?

The client was instantly drawn to a soft grey woodgrain-effect Shaker door and chose Dove Grey to complement the overall colour scheme of the kitchen and living space. She really loved the Neff Slide & Hide oven and, as one wouldn’t be enough due to a lot of entertaining, she also chose a built-in microwave oven. A built-in extractor hood along with a modern cornice and pelmet on the cabinetry and waterfall worktops in Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold on either side of the island and hob section help maintain clean lines. The Silestone wall cladding also accentuates the luxurious feel. The Island houses a Blanco sink and tap in a bespoke copper finish

Q) Was there any building work?

The kitchen was part of a complete renovation of the 1930s-built property

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

The colour scheme really works in an open plan space. The L-shaped kitchen also creates a triangular area, which lends itself to a good work flow. Lighting always makes a big difference in the kitchen and the task lighting under the wall units is not only practical but creates a relaxed ambience in the evenings.

Q) Any advice for someone who may be planning a new kitchen?
There is a lot to think about, which can be daunting so try and break it down into manageable steps. Making a list can help you to think about the type of storage you need, the required appliances and style of cabinetry. To get the absolute maximum from your space, input from a professional kitchen designer can prove invaluable. Their experience and expertise will offer plenty of simple ideas – as well as innovative ones – that you might not have even considered.

The details:

Grained Collection cabinetry in Dove Grey by LochAnna Kitchens, www.lochannakitchens.co.uk

Worktops by Silestone, www.silestone.co.uk

Sink and tap by Blanco, www.blanco.com

Appliances by Neff and Faber, www.neff-home.com and www.faberhoods.co.uk

Hayley loves: how light and fresh this kitchen is, while still being warm and welcoming – a lovely room to hang out in.