Giulio Bellan, designer at the Multiliving Scavolini Store in West Hampstead, discusses how the team overcame the challenges of the available space to create a dramatic and stylish kitchen for this family home.

Q: What did your client want to achieve, was there a particular ‘must-have’ element? Was there an initial request for ‘contemporary’ or ‘classic’?

Originally, our clients wanted the kitchen was to take its design influence from the style of a professional kitchen with a very masculine, austere look. My clients were particularly interested in Scavolini’s MIA collection, designed in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco. MIA brings many of the elements of the professional kitchen into the home. However, once the couple visited our north London showroom and saw more of what we offer, they fell in love with Diesel Open Workshop, a collaboration between Scavolini and lifestyle brand Diesel. Exuding a strong industrial style underpinned by a vintage vibe, Diesel Open Workshop was exactly what they had in mind.

Q: How did you set about answering that brief?

We were designing a practical space that would work for this couple and their two young children. He is Italian, working in his family business and she is an American journalist from the East coast. They both love to cook and host gatherings for family and friends. They share a passion for art and design, which was put to the test when they project managed the entire refurbishment and decoration of their four bedroom home … with stunning results.

Q: Was there any building/renovation work involved? Did you have any restrictions or limitations that you had to work around?

The kitchen is located in the corner of the living-dining room and separated by a step, which helps to create a defined cooking area without sacrificing the feeling of openness. A major challenge was that the kitchen is part of an extension, with elements of the supporting structure encroaching on the space. As designers, our mission was to make these pillars and beams look as though they are a conscious design choice, rather than obstacles to the development of the project. The result is that the cabinetry stands out and looks perfectly at home within this airy and appealing space.

Q: Explain the reasons behind the choices of cabinetry and work surfaces …

All the cabinets are finished in Diesel’s trademark Mineral Green, which is a dark, soothing colour with strong ties to nature. To inject an element of warmth, we punctuated the space with beautiful bronze detailing, which can be seen on the cabinet handles, frames and plinths. Our clients wanted a mix of open shelving and wall cupboards, so that items can be hidden away for a sleek look, but there’s also the option to have treasured and interesting accessories on display. As designers, we are conscious that long stretches of dark wall cupboards can sometimes look a little bulky, we lightened the look with ribbed glass, which adds interest and a sense of lightness whilst still providing practical storage.

Q: What are your favourite design features of this kitchen?

I love the rich mix of contrasting materials, from the ribbed glass doors to the Terrazzo-style worktop. I’m pleased with that fact that this kitchen has lots of details that demand closer inspection. These are offset by the simplicity of the colour palette, resulting in a composition that perfectly complements the space without overwhelming it. It’s also a very timeless design which will look good for years to come, however the colour trends change!

We Love: The combination of plain cabinetry with open suspended shelving and the live-edge raised breakfast bar.

Kitchen from the Scavolini Diesel Open Workshop collection, Multiliving Scavolini Store in West Hampstead, London. Tel: 020 8090 0909

Cabinetry: Mineral Green matt lacquer with steel handles on the base and wall cabinets. The plinth is Bronze painted aluminium, and the glazed wall units feature ribbed glass doors and Bronze painted frames.

Work surface, Motley Quartz, supplied by Quartzforms

Sink: Stainless Steel Zen, The 1810 Company

Tap, Mesh single lever mixer tap, Gessi

Ovens and hob, Bosch

Fridge-freezer, Fisher & Paykel

Wine cabinet, Caple