One of the simplest and most elegantly under-stated kitchens we’ve seen was designed by Harvey Jones designer Matthew Payne, using their Linear range.

Matthew Payne

Linear features sleek lines and concealed hinges, comes primed and ready to be painted, and can be specified in any colour.

Harvey Jones handmade furniture has in-frame construction for a neat, precise finish that looks perfectly at home in modern homes with an overall contemporary feel, or it can also bring a touch of modernity to a kitchen project within a period home.

Q: What was your brief from the client?

The owner wanted a contemporary and fresh looking kitchen, with a touch of minimalist simplicity whilst at the same time, avoiding an over-clinical look. She also wanted to make the room feel as big as possible, which we agreed could be achieved with wide drawers and cupboards.

Colour wise, she was inspired by a black and white photograph of Richmond spotted in the window of an art and photography shop.

She wanted a central island for preparation, but without an overhang for seating because they had their eye on a gorgeous sand blasted, white glass table. A moveable table gave them the the flexibility to move the table away from the patio doors in the colder winter months.

We suggested reversing a base cupboard in the island to face outwards into the room so that their daughter could use it to store crayons and colouring books without needing to cross over into the hob/cooking area.

 Q: How did you set about answering that brief?

We agreed that wall cupboards can sometimes make a room feel smaller and make the composition look cluttered and fussy. We simply stuck to base cupboards and tall cupboards. This also made a feature of the extractor along the back wall, drawing your eye to the cooking area (or hot zone) which is the primary function of the kitchen.

 Q: Which products did you use and why?

We suggested Compac Luna composite stone worktop as a light, neutral choice, that wouldn’t add a block of dark colour to the kitchen. All appliances are by Miele and Siemens, including a single oven and a microwave in a tall stack, plus a gas hob.

 Q: Was there any building/renovation work involved?

Building work lasted a lot longer than they were hoping, because of the discovery of water mains running beneath the house half way through the build.

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

We were very methodical and precise over the planning of the layout, discussing every single cupboard and drawer and what each one would be used for, with the result that every single aspect of the kitchen is logical and beautifully efficient.

 Q: Any advice for someone who may be planning a new kitchen?

Speak to kitchen designers early on in the project. You then have the chance to alter the build, if necessary, to tailor it to the space you need for the kitchen you really want.

The Details:

Handmade, painted, bespoke in-frame kitchen by Harvey Jones, from £18,000 for a kitchen. 0800 389 7365 or www.harveyjones.com for your nearest showroom.

Appliances:

Miele KM3054 Gas hob

Miele DA399-5 Extractor

Miele G4280VI Dishwasher

Miele KWT4154UG-1 Wine cooler

Siemens KA62DS50GB American fridge/freezer

Siemens HB78GB590B IQ 700 Oven

Siemens HF25M5L2B IQ 500 Combination Microwave