The story: This dark blue and orange kitchen caught my eye immediately – the owners, working with designer Melissa Klink – Head of Design for Harvey Jones – have teamed two of my favourite colours together, with stunning results. Here, she outlines some of the design decisions…

The designer: Melissa Klink – Head of Design for Harvey Jones (www.harveyjones.com)

Designer Q&A:

Q: What were the priorities in the brief from the clients?
The house is a large period property, so our clients wanted to maintain a link with the overall architecture of the house, and their choice of our Shaker kitchen was apt and appropriate. We were also asked to design a space that combined open-plan living with practicality, functionality and plenty of storage space.

Q: What were your first thoughts upon seeing the space that was available?
I quickly realised that the larger part of the L-shape was the ideal location for the working kitchen space. It created room for the large island with bespoke bench seating, a space for a table which would become an informal dining area. Consequently, the other side of the extension then became available for a more formal dining space, seen here to the left.

Q: Explain the reasons behind the choices of cabinetry, work surfaces and splashbacks …
Our Shaker cabinets are timeless, and everyone agreed that they would fit into the overall style of the house perfectly. Dark and white work surfaces add elements of contrast, and of course, the biggest and boldest contrast is provided by the burnt orange glass splashbacks – and the colour is picked up again by the bar stools. Orange and navy is a striking combination, pale walls and floors allow the colours to ‘zing’.

Q: What design elements do you think make this scheme such a success?
We had to think carefully about the fact that there is access to the garden on both sides, and that it is a large kitchen, so there had to be a large element of visual interest as well as harmony throughout the space. The bench seat is a good example of practical design, it has hidden storage beneath the seat itself and focusses the view to the garden. The integrated table area adds interest and visually ‘breaks up’ what could otherwise be a large, bland mass in the middle of the room.

Q: What is your best advice for someone who may be planning a new kitchen?
I think that the design of a kitchen has to align with the personality of the client, taking into account their lifestyle, likes and dislikes. The design should also have the provision for them to stamp their individual choices on the room, such as space for art, paintings and posters, as well as individual colour choices and accessories. It’s also important to think about practical things such as where a TV can be positioned, and to make sure there enough charging points for phones and iPads! Adding a bespoke element, such as bench seating, a larder cupboard or shelving and storage for audio-visual equipment is also something to consider.

We love: The blue and orange colour scheme, the grouping of the ovens and fridge-freezer, and the nifty design of the bench seating
Kitchen cabinetry and orange splashback, all Harvey Jones, www.harveyjones.com 0800 389 6938
Built-in coffee machine, single oven, combi-oven-microwave, induction hob and wine storage refrigerator, all Miele. www.miele.co.uk
Fridge-freezer, Samsung www.samsung.com/uk
Maximo White 120cm floor tiles, The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse www.stoneandceramicwarehouse.co.uk 020 8993 5545
Bi-fold external doors, 1st Folding Sliding Doors Ltd www.1stslidingfoldingdoors.co.uk
Internal folding-sliding doors between extension and living area, Smokus Carpentry www.smouscarpentry.com