Devonia

The owners of this Islington townhouse had a clear idea of what they wanted from their new kitchen. Their references showed contemporary blue cabinetry with natural oak detailing, and their brief included a generous island, a banquette, a wine fridge and, if space allowed, additional fitted storage.

Working directly with the homeowners, we developed a layout that accommodated everything they had asked for. With the design direction already established, much of our early work focused on getting the proportions right and making the best use of the available space.

Exploring a Different Material

One of the earliest decisions was to use Fenix for the cabinetry. The blue was almost identical to the clients' reference images, and the matt surface was particularly well suited to the design they had in mind.

At the time, Fenix was a new material for our workshop, and we were particularly interested in using the 4mm version in a construction that would allow us to incorporate solid oak edging and integrated handles.

It wasn't an established application. Even after speaking with the manufacturer's technical department, there was no previous experience of the particular construction we were proposing.

Before committing to the material, we produced several prototypes, experimenting with different adhesives and testing the bond between the Fenix and its moisture-resistant MDF core. We also developed prototypes of the solid oak handle detail.

Once satisfied with the construction and its long-term reliability, we proceeded with the cabinetry. The resulting panels combine Fenix on both faces with solid oak lipping, allowing the integrated timber handles to become a consistent detail across almost every door and drawer front.

Making the Most of the Space

The island was central to the clients' plans, but its dimensions needed careful consideration. Rather than working to a predetermined size, we discussed how they liked to cook and established the amount of space they wanted around it.

This informed the final proportions, allowing us to create a generous working island while retaining comfortable circulation throughout the kitchen.

Dekton was selected for the worktops and splashbacks, providing a consistent surface alongside the blue cabinetry and oak details.

Inside the cupboards, the materials and construction were equally considered. The larder incorporates oak veneer and solid oak door racks, while a purpose-made vegetable drawer features movable compartments and a slatted timber base to encourage airflow.

A Place to Sit, Work and Spend Time

At the opposite end of the room, the clients wanted a banquette that could accommodate everyday dining as well as time spent working at the kitchen table.

This part of the room was relatively narrow, so the seating needed to be carefully proportioned to avoid making the space feel enclosed.

We designed the banquette with a cushioned backrest for comfort and incorporated storage beneath the seating for items that weren't needed regularly.

The upholstery also offered an opportunity to introduce more colour. The clients chose a brightly patterned fabric that sits comfortably alongside the blue and oak finishes, giving this part of the room its own character.

Storage Beyond the Kitchen

The final element of the brief was an additional fitted unit, incorporating storage for the clients' considerable book collection alongside several more practical requirements.

Designed to share the kitchen's height, materials and detailing, the tall cabinetry includes wide, reinforced open shelves for books.

At one end, a pair of doors opens to reveal a home bar with glass shelving and a Dekton surface. At the other, a dedicated cupboard accommodates the household vacuum cleaner and additional supplies.

Although serving several different purposes, the unit was designed as a single piece of furniture, visually connected to the kitchen rather than appearing as a separate addition.

A Collaborative Approach

The kitchen formed part of a wider commission for bespoke joinery throughout the townhouse. We worked directly with the homeowners from the initial design stages through to making and installation, alongside the architect responsible for the building works.

The finished kitchen is very close to what the clients originally envisaged, with much of our work going into the finer details of how it would be made and used. From developing an unfamiliar material application to determining the right amount of space around the island, each element was considered in relation to how the room would be used.

As the homeowners later wrote: