This month we’re featuring a high-gloss kitchen project from Masterclass Kitchens. The kitchen was to be a subtle contrast between super-high-gloss cabinetry and textured wood finishes. The inclusion of open shelving adds interest and personality to the scheme.

Q: What were the stand-out priorities in the brief from the client?

The kitchen was for a Victorian property renovation in Cardiff that was going to have the addition of a large, modern kitchen extension – so essentially it was a new, blank space. The homeowners had some very specific ideas regarding the look they wanted to achieve and the type of cabinetry they wanted. When they visited their local showroom, it was instant love for the Masterclass H Line display!

Q: How did the design team set about answering that brief? Was there a strict budget?

The design process began with the architects plans and detailed discussions with the homeowners about the position of the kitchen. They had a clear idea that it should be central to the space, linking the lounge and dining areas to the kitchen in a natural, flowing manner. The clients also wanted storage space for paperwork, files and day-to-day general ‘stuff’. This section was positioned on the wall opposite the kitchen, providing a completely co-ordinated look whilst accommodating good storage space for everyday living.

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

The colours on our display and in chosen for this kitchen are neutral in tone with the contrast of Bardolino Oak to add an element of natural material to complement their existing rustic furniture. The Lumina Stone Grey Gloss frontages provided great light reflection from the extensive sky-light roof and bi-folding doors. The quartz work surfaces were in a polished brilliant white with a matching white Silgranite  sink giving a modern, clean surface.

Q: What design elements make this scheme so successful and inviting?

The use of varying height cabinetry along with the open cubes and shelving (and consequently, the available display space) added interest in to what could have easily been a very standard kitchen. The way in which the homeowners tastefully dressed the space had a huge impact. The choice of furniture, artwork and accessories worked well and complimented this very modern kitchen.

Q: Now the project is finished, what aspect do you think can be considered the most successful?

Well, the team here thinks that the whole project is a huge success! It’s been a genuine joy to see the design work, technical considerations, materials and creative thoughts become real. The transition from concept to design to reality is genuinely exciting.

Q: What is the best advice for someone who is planning a new kitchen?

Don’t be frightened by what may feel an enormous or unwieldy project. Work with the designer and use their extensive knowledge. Give as much information as you can in terms of the look and feel you wish to achieve, along with the practical necessities you want. Take your time, though, there is a lot to take in! Be sure that all the details are covered and let your designer guide you through the options available in all areas of the product. Most importantly, have fun. It can easily be stressful making decisions that you will have to live with for a very long time so it’s important to have regular, fun meetings to exchange news and ideas!

We Love: The calm, neutral colour scheme, which looks subtle and sophisticated within the spacious, light-filled white setting. A true ‘forever’ kitchen.

Flooring:

Cabinetry: Lumina Stone Grey Gloss from the H Line collection by Masterclass Kitchens. www.masterclasskitchens.co.uk (01443 449 499)

Floor tiles: Porcini Emperador Honed Marble, Mandarin Stone.

Appliances: Slide & Hide Single Oven, Compact Oven/Microwave Combination, Integrated Fridge & Freezer, Point & Twist Induction Hob, Integrated Dishwasher, all by Neff.