The designer: Sharan Johal, creative director at Vogue Kitchens (www.voguekitchens.co.uk)

The story: Vogue Kitchens is an award-winning family-run kitchen design business based in Ealing, West London. For over two decades Vogue has been designing beautiful contemporary kitchens and living spaces for clients that want show-stopping design combined with elegant functionality. Together with her husband, kitchen designer Jo Johal, Sharan has co-owned their kitchen retail business for more than 20 years and they employ a team of five. Premium partners with German furniture brand Leicht, Sharan loves designing contemporary open-plan kitchens that feature smart technology and connected appliances. 

Designer Q&A:

Q) What was your brief from the client?

The clients were repeat customers, so we were delighted to be commissioned again. We had originally designed a contemporary kitchen in their original home, but when they had a new rear extension added to their large double-fronted house, their brief was to have a new large open-plan kitchen and diner that would lead to an open-plan living space. They wanted a low maintenance, easy to clean kitchen with plenty of storage and smart cooking appliances that would make entertaining easier.

Q) How did you answer the brief?

There is a lot of light coming from the glass doors and from a rectangular ceiling lantern incorporated in the space between the property and the extension. To contrast with pure white walls and ceilings, we suggested a kitchen that featured one dark colour to provide a dramatic feel and an uncluttered design, as the kitchen zone was to be used for cooking and informal socialising while the formal dining area is only a few steps away. The ceiling depth was different between the original property and the new extension so due to the island bisecting both areas, extraction was also a main consideration. 

Q) Which products did you use and why?

For the tall kitchen furniture and for the island, we used premium range Leicht Minera matt lacquer handleless door fronts in a Kiruna colourway, which has an anti-fingerprint shimmering metallic two tone oxydised finish. These match with carbon grey edging on the cabinetry and plinths for a seamless effect. We specified two Siemens HomeConnect Wi-Fi enabled ovens and a warming drawer together with a Siemens integrated larder fridge, tall freezer and dishwasher, which were transferred from the client’s previous kitchen. The latest Siemens 80cm air venting hob was specified, negating the need for overhead extraction. This freed up space in the ceiling to allow the clients to install a beautiful pendant light over the island. The 12mm satin finish worktops are by Neolith in Iron Grey and the 80mm raised Ash wood cantilever breakfast bar is in a black oil finish by Spekva. There is also a Quooker Flex boiling water tap and a flush-mounted Durinox sand blasted stainless steel sink by Blanco.

Q) Was there any building/renovation work involved?

Yes, the extension was designed by an architect and a professional builder was used. We worked with them on the project until the building works ended and we were then able to install the kitchen.

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

Because of the generous proportions of the space, we were able to design a 3.2 metre kitchen island, which looks spectacular, and the contrast between the satin finish worktop and the textured ash wood breakfast bar looks stunning. For the back run of cabinetry we used a mix of tall storage cupboards and base units with pull-out drawers underneath to store pans, plates and bowls. The three side-by-side overhead wall units all feature Servo Drive opening systems for one-touch access and easy closing and are designed to accommodate glasses, cups and crockery, so there is a place for everything. The connected appliances and under-cabinet lighting are also easy to use and control from an app on your phone, or via a home hub and the clients absolutely love them. The under-cabinet and main lighting can also be controlled by voice activation, which is a real benefit when they are entertaining. 

Q) Any advice for someone who may be planning a new kitchen?
The consultation is the most important meeting with your kitchen designer so take time out to list your lifestyle requirements so that they understand what you want to achieve from the design. If you are already talking to a kitchen specialist company then rest assured that they will design a functional and practical kitchen with the additional ‘wow’ factor. And if you are seeking a kitchen designer, then call us!

The details:

Minera-C Special Matt Lacquer door fronts and panels in Kiruna colourway, by Leicht; Neolith Iron Grey satin finish worktops; Spekva ash breakfast bar in a black oil finish, all at Vogue Kitchens, www.voguekitchens.co.uk

Sink and tap by Blanco and Quooker, www.blanco.com and www.quooker.co.uk

Appliances by Siemens, www.siemens-home.bsh-group.com

Hayley loves: how high-tech this design is with its connected appliances, while still appearing sleek, seamless and clutter-free