Purley - Contemporary Bespoke Kitchen in a Georgian Home

Simon Taylor Furniture was commissioned to design a contemporary kitchen and dining space in a Grade II listed Georgian property in Berkshire. Formerly a stately home dating back to 1800, the property had been previously converted into luxury apartments. The owners, a couple with three children, live in the ground floor flat, which has retained its original features throughout. When the property was originally converted, the ground floor drawing room salon had been reconfigured to become the kitchen and the owners wanted to use the same enclosed space, but to bring the look of the room completely up to date as a new contemporary kitchen diner. In direct contrast to the ornate cornicing in the original ceiling, the owners also wanted the new space to have a state of the art industrial style, reminiscent of a professional restaurant kitchen. The challenge for Simon Taylor Furniture was to create a truly sleek kitchen design whilst softening the look of the overall space to both complement the older aspects of the room and to be a comfortable family dining area. For this, they combined three essential materials: brushed stainless steel and glass with stained ask for the accents and also the main dining area. Simon Taylor Furniture designed and manufactured all the tall kitchen cabinetry that houses dry goods and integrated cooling models including an wine climate cabinet, all with brushed stainless steel fronts and handles with either steel or glass-fronted top boxes. To keep the perfect perspective with the four metre high ceiling, these were designed as three metre structures and are all top lit with LED lighting. Overhead cabinets are also brushed steel with glass fronts and all feature LED strip lighting within the interiors. LED spotlighting is used at the base of the overhead cupboards above both the sink and cooking runs. Base units all feature steel fronted doors and drawers, and all have stainless steel handles as well. Between two original floor to ceiling windows to the left of the room is a specially built tall steel double door dresser cabinet with pocket doors at the central section that fold back into recesses to reveal a fully stocked bar and a concealed flatscreen TV. At the centre of the room is a long steel island with a Topus Concrete worktop by Caesarstone; a work surface with a double pencil edge that is featured throughout the kitchen. The island is attached to L-shaped bench seating with pilasters in stained ash for the dining area to complement a bespoke freestanding stained ash dining table, also designed and made by Simon Taylor Furniture. Along the industrial style cooking run, surrounded by stained ash undercounter base cabinets are a range of cooking appliances by Gaggenau. These include a 40cm domino gas hob and a further 40cm domino gas wok which surround a 60cm induction hob with a downdraft extractors. To the left of the surface cooking area is a tall bank of two 76cm Vario ovens in stainless steel and glass. An additional integrated microwave with matching glass-fronted warming drawer by Miele is installed under counter within the island run. Facing the door from the hallway and positioned centrally between the tall steel cabinets is the sink run featuring a stainless steel undermount sink by 1810 Company and a tap by Grohe with an integrated dishwasher by Miele in the units beneath. Directly above is an antique mirror splashback beneath to reflect the natural light in the room, and above that is a stained ash overhead cupboard to accommodate all glasses and stemware. This features four stained glass panels designed by Simon Taylor Furniture, which are inspired by the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany from the Art Nouveau period. The owners wanted the stunning panels to be a feature of the room when they are backlit at night.

Wantagh Custom Home

Heartwood Corp

Inspiration for a traditional u-shaped kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, beige cabinets, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Rénovation rue des vinaigriers

User

This is an example of a contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in Paris with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, yellow cabinets, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Bold and Navy Blue Kitchen

J&J Carpet One Floor & Home

Cabinetry: Inset cabinetry by Fieldstone; Fairfield door style in Maple with a tinted Varnish in the color Blueberry Hardware: Top Knobs; Brixton Pull in Brushed Satin Nickel for the drawers and doors. Brixton Button Knob and Kingsbridge Knob in Brushed Satin Nickel for the lower corner cabinet doors and peninsula drawers. Backsplash & Countertop: Granite in Mont Bleu Flooring: Tesoro; Larvic 9x48 in Blanco

Appartement scandinave au cœur du pays voironnais ( 38 )

Lifestyle Decoration

Sandrine rivière
This is an example of a large scandinavian kitchen in Grenoble with white cabinets, wood benchtops, beige splashback, timber splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, beige benchtop, a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets and white appliances.

Transitional Kitchen

Transitional kitchen in Kansas City with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, beige splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

The House of Sunken Furniture

Philip Raymond Photography

Philip Raymond
This is an example of a small contemporary open plan kitchen in London with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, wood benchtops, beige splashback, timber splashback, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Ginger Mocha

Walker Kitchen Design

This is an example of a mid-sized country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Cortijo

Tom Meaney Architect, AIA

All white kitchen with large, central island with custom stainless steel chandelier.
This is an example of a large mediterranean l-shaped open plan kitchen in Santa Barbara with with island, beige splashback, beige benchtop, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, stone tile splashback, light hardwood floors, beige floor and quartzite benchtops.

Davidsonville | Traditional Kitchen & Master Bathroom Renovation

Signature Dream Homes

This is an example of a large traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with brown floor, a drop-in sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and beige benchtop.

Kitchen with Gold Details

Cabinet Innovations

All wall cabinets have mullion doors with gold highlighting and recessed bottoms for under cabinet lighting. The custom 60" hood is finished off with columns with burl inserts to either side. The island ends feature fluted turned posts with acanthus leaves and bun feet. Cabinets are Brookhaven, featuring the Winterhaven Raised door style with a Candlelight finish with Black Glaze on Maple. Cabinet Innovations Copyright 2013 Don A. Hoffman

Boyd Kitchen

Turan Designs, Inc.

Kitchen remodel - photo credit: Sacha Griffin
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, green cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

wetbar design with wine cooler by Bay Area residential contractor

Bill Fry Construction - Wm. H. Fry Const. Co.

5000 square foot luxury custom home with pool house and basement in Saratoga, CA (San Francisco Bay Area). The interiors are more traditional with mahogany furniture-style custom cabinetry, dark hardwood floors, radiant heat (hydronic heating), and generous crown moulding and baseboard.

Black and White Buffalo Check - Kitchen Remodel

All in One Kitchen & Bath

This modern farmhouse kitchen features white cabinets with java glaze. The granite countertops in Venetian Gold are paired with a custom backsplash done with 3"x6" subway tile with a honed finish in Durango. Wood flooring and oil rubbed bronze faucets and pulls complete the kitchen.

Foothills Fantastic

Chimera Interior Design

A chef's dream and perfect for entertaining, this kitchen features an oversized island with prep sink. The room is both inviting and functional. Finishes are classic and will stand the test of time.

Kitchen Renovation Project in Spring Hill (Timber Pines)

DCI Home Improvements

A great example of use of color in a kitchen space. We utilized seafoam green and light wood stained cabinets in this renovation in Spring Hill, FL. Other features include a double dishwasher and oversized subway tile.

Rénovation complète d'un petit appartement haussmannien

BeauJour studio

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional galley open plan kitchen in Paris with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, medium wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, beige splashback, black appliances and beige benchtop.

Kitchen

Papallo Kitchens

Inspiration for an expansive modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, tile benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, a peninsula, beige floor and beige benchtop.

SWAN

KabCo Kitchens

A bright color scheme and contrasting island work perfectly in this kitchen, which is at the very heart of this beautiful new Pinecrest home. This spacious kitchen feels so luxurious the moment you walk in. An inviting island with seating, stacked cabinets to the ceiling, a custom wood hood, natural quartzite surfaces and unique brass fixtures create a flawless look.

Freshwater

Jacqui Koska

Drinks cupboard with fold back doors
This is an example of a contemporary kitchen pantry in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances and beige benchtop.

Kitchen with Beige Splashback and Beige Benchtop Design Ideas

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to planning your kitchen design. Where do you even start? Gathering some inspiration in a photo gallery is always a good starting point, as looking at different kitchen designs often brings up ideas you haven’t even thought of yet.

Browse Photos of Kitchen Designs for Inspiration and Collect Your Ideas

You can browse through photos of all kinds of kitchen styles, layouts and sizes on Houzz to get started before jumping into any design software or contacting a local professional for help. Here’s a few considerations to keep in mind when planning your kitchen.

1. What Makes a Good Kitchen Design, and Why is it Important?

For starters, you want to find a balance between aesthetics and function. You may have heard of the ‘kitchen work triangle’, which refers to the space between your fridge, sink and stove. You want everything within easy reach when you’re working in the kitchen and look beautiful at the same time. It’s a good idea to take note of both when browsing our photo gallery.

2. Consider Your Space to Determine Your Kitchen Layout

Firstly, consider the space you have, and the limitations that come with it. Do you have a small kitchen and need to maximise your workspace and storage? Can you allow yourself some more space and a big island with seating? Are you designing your kitchen from scratch or renovating an existing design? Which appliances do you already own and what are their measurements? Are there windows you need to take into consideration when planning cabinets? How do kitchen, living and dining areas connect? Depending on your space and needs, you want to use a shape that suits you. U, G, or L-shaped kitchen, with or without island or peninsula? Know your dimensions, plan cabinetry carefully and consider the placement of your appliances. You don’t want to end up with a finished design, only for your significant other to question where the fridge is supposed to go. Consider from the start where your fridge, oven, microwave and sink goes to save yourself from starting again from scratch - remember the kitchen work triangle! You also want to plan the layout of your cabinets. Maybe you’re planning for a pantry and can do with less storage space in your kitchen, so that your design can be one without upper or lower cabinets for a different look. A corner cabinet can be a smart storage solution if you want to keep the look clean and simple.

3. Decide on a Kitchen Style, But Don’t Forget Practicality

You want the style of your kitchen to reflect your personality and taste. We have curated a large array of kitchen styles here at Houzz, from traditional to contemporary to transitional and everything in between. Consider what your cooking style is for a start - Italy is known for its cuisine, so italian kitchen designs are generally popular. Also consider ergonomics - depending on how much time you spend in your kitchen, the height of your counters can make a big difference to your overall health. You also want to consider colour and finishes of cabinets, countertops and splashbacks. Which colour do you want your cupboards to be? Simple, timeless white or rather making a statement in black? Maybe rather a rustic wood? Also consider the colour of your floor - if you have dark floors, you may want to keep cabinets lighter. You could also go for an all-white look and choose black appliances for contrast. Once you know which style you fancy, don’t forget how you will be using the space. You want to keep cooking in mind, as well as how easy to clean and maintain the space will be. How many cooks do you need to accommodate? Do you have kids around? How much storage do you need? Maybe you want to go for open shelves rather than cabinets and allow for easy reach of key items you use when cooking. Again - remember the triangle! Lastly, choose lighting that both enhances the look of your kitchen as well as your cooking performance, providing light in all the right places.

4. Be Conscious of Your Budget

No matter what you plan for your kitchen design, cost is always a big factor. Be sure to plan with your budget in mind. It may make more sense to go for a modular kitchen design rather than custom build. You can save a lot of money if you get at least 3 estimates from professionals before locking in the job. And don’t forget to allow a 20% buffer for emergencies. Once you are ready to hire a pro, our directory will help you find one, no matter where you are. So whether you're looking for an Interior Designer in Melbourne or an Architect in Sydney, you can be sure to find a qualified expert for the job!