Rachel Gower

The designer: Rachel Gower from Mowlem & Co

The kitchen: Bespoke stained oak & cappuccino parapan kitchen with Blum TANDEM drawer runners & BLUMOTION hinges

The story: Part of an extensive refurbishment of a substantial family home in Surrey, Mowlem & Co have created an impressive bespoke kitchen, which is characterised by rich, warm tones and an elegant updating of classically formal shapes.

Designer Q&A:

Q) What was your brief from the client?

The key challenge from the client was space planning. This was a newly created large open plan family hub, so we had to carefully situate the key functional areas of the kitchen, which included a generous island unit, in relation to an informal dining space, a seating area with TV plus access to the garden, utility room and stairs to the lower ground floor, which houses a pool and gym.

Q) Which products did you use and why?

A combination of contemporary handless Parapan in chic Cappuccino tones with a classic oak door style stained in warm grey is offset by a touch of glamour in the form of a custom-made splashback in an Antique Gold finish and also by the intriguing rippled texture of the flamed black granite worktops. This ultra-functional design also features a Sub-Zero fridge-freezer, Gaggenau 200 Series ovens, hobs, steam oven, microwave and dishwasher, as well as a Westin extractor, KWC mixer tap and Quooker boiling water tap.

Q) Was there any building/renovation work involved?

Mowlem & Co were also involved in advising on building works and opening up the space – previously there was a smaller kitchen, utility and conservatory. For the new space, a wall was demolished and re-built, along with digging down to the lower floor to put in the pool etc.

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

The position of the built-in curved banquet seating breaks up the expansive area into zones, offering views out into the rear garden. The design also features a ‘goal post’ effect to frame the main bank of furniture along one wall, while the worktops of the island unit are returned to the floor and appliances are positioned with a pleasing symmetry.

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

Do lots of research – in magazines, on the web, through word of mouth – to find the right kitchen company to work with and to get an idea of the look that most appeals to you – one which will work for the long term, both for your tastes and for the type of property. Think about how you cook and draw up a wish list of the type of appliances you want – and whether you’d prefer ovens at ergonomic height, or the power of a range cooker. Once you have chosen a company that ‘fits’ and that you have confidence in, trust their advice and expertise, especially when it to comes to space planning, the choice of materials and the key details, but don’t be afraid to have your say about colour, finish, individual touches and knowing just how you and your family will use and most enjoy your new kitchen.

The details:

• TANDEM drawer runners and BLUMOTION hinges by Blum, www.blum.com
• Appliances by Sub-Zero, www.subzero-wolf.co.uk, Gaggenau, www.gaggenau.com, Westin, www.westin.co.uk
• Taps by KWC, www.kwctaps.co.uk and Quooker, www.quooker.co.uk

Hayley loves:

the clever use of contrasting colours, textures and finishes.