BARNTON

This project tells the story of retired customers who, after years away, returned to the area and moved into a downsized ground-floor basement apartment. Coincidentally, their former home was just next door. An encounter with the new owners – who warmly complimented them on the stunning kitchen they had left behind – sparked the idea to recreate a similarly meaningful and beautiful space in their new home.

The clients wanted a kitchen that would feel warm, bright, and welcoming – an uplifting contrast to the dark, enclosed feel of the existing layout. Colour was important, but rather than introduce it directly through cabinetry, the clients envisioned using paint, accessories, and personal décor. This required a timeless and versatile kitchen palette that could act as a foundation for self-expression.

We selected a refined mix of Stone Grey and Angora Grey cabinetry to deliver a neutral yet warm base. These tones offered a sophisticated, light-enhancing backdrop while allowing the clients’ colourful styling – such as burnt orange and teal accents – to shine through.

One of the clients’ frustrations was a bulky cooker hood that blocked the view to the garden and the rest of the room. To resolve this, we dropped the ceiling slightly and created a boxed-in extractor detail. This streamlined the space, concealed the hood, and opened up the sightlines, allowing the clients to cook while enjoying the garden view – bringing joy and practicality into one focused design gesture.

The room featured two central support pillars that could not be removed. Instead of seeing these as obstacles, we integrated them into the kitchen island design, wrapping them with open shelving to turn them into a central architectural and decorative feature.

Another key request was a dedicated coffee area where the couple could leave out small appliances without cluttering the main prep and sink zones. A third structural pillar became the natural anchor for this zone. We created a semi-separate coffee station, complete with a tinted mirrored splashback that enhanced light and added visual depth, making the space feel more open.

The clients took the lead on decorating, adding African-inspired artwork, wallpaper, and textiles in rich tones like burnt orange and teal. These personal touches brought the kitchen to life and made it feel like home – a blend of modern function and soulful character.