Industrial Glamour

This beautiful semi-industrial-style kitchen is a bespoke design from Roundhouse. We spoke to the designer, Robyn Gifford who worked in close collaboration with the client, Clapham-based Debbie Hawkes, who is also an interior designer at Studio Ogee.

Who are the clients?

A couple living in SW11. Debbie Hawkes is a talented interior designer and partner at www.studioogee.co.uk/ and had very clear ideas of what she wanted.

What was the brief for the project?

The clients came into the Roundhouse showroom in Nightingale Lane looking for a kitchen that was “not a Wandsworth kitchen,” i.e. something a little bit different. A simple minimal kitchen with heart, with somewhere they could eat. They also wanted it to be a black kitchen, where iconic appliances could be used and enjoyed. They had considered importing a Vipp kitchen from Denmark, but after seeing that Roundhouse furniture is entirely bespoke and realising that I completely understood the look she was seeking to achieve, Debbie decided they’d like to collaborate with me.

Where would you start with a project like this?

With looking at how the client wants to use the space – beyond for cooking – as well as what equipment and storage they would like to include.

What makes this kitchen design stand out from the crowd?

The pure simplicity and elegance of the design. Everything is perfectly positioned and is purposeful, there is nothing unnecessary or fussy. The materials and finishes are unpretentious and understated; for example, the satin brushed stainless steel worktop and, on the island, Nero Assoluto Linen finish and Rustique Oak white oiled finish with black resin infills. The solid spiral galvanised steel ducting makes a serious design statement as well as being eminently practical.

Any suggestions for people embarking on a new, similar kitchen design?

Just because a space isn’t large doesn’t mean you have to downsize appliances accordingly. Often one or two large pieces help to make the space work really efficiently, and help it to look larger. In this instance, the clients definitely wanted to use the iconic Wolf range and freestanding Subzero cooling appliances, alongside Wolf extraction, not just to create an impact; they also appreciated their absolute excellence of design and functionality.

What was the most challenging part of the brief?

Providing enough space for eating around yet still having enough room for the cooking and clearing functions. Also, as we were not having any wall cabinets or shelving, we needed to be careful to provide enough storage for china as well as dry goods. The tiled walk-in pantry with a stylish reeded glass door is the perfect solution.

What do you like most about this project?

I really love the mix of materials – the dark Farrow & Ball Railings matt lacquer cabinets, the combination of stainless steel & textured linen natural granite worktops, the white oiled oak breakfast table and the fabulous statement appliances. There are lots of different things going on, yet it remains looking very calm and elegant.

What are your favourite items in the kitchen?

I like the pot filler on the wall near the range which saves lugging pots of hot water from sink to hob top and back. It helps to create the lovely zoning on the back wall that just fits in so perfectly. I love the fridge, the drawers flanking the oven and the clearing away sink /dishwasher rubbish area – it’s small yet perfectly formed!

What’s your verdict on it now?

Fantastic – I think this kitchen is timeless – the combination of great appliances, beautiful natural materials and considered design.

Debbie Hawkes at Studio Ogee is based in Clapham, most of their projects are in south-west London, but they happily travel further afield or abroad.

www.roundhousedesign.co.uk
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www.studioogee.co.uk
Instagram @studioogee

Roundhouse Urbo matt lacquer bespoke kitchen in Farrow & Ball Railings. On long range run Satin brushed stainless steel worktop with Wolf edge detail and Nero Assoluto Linen finish splashback; on island worktop in Nero Assoluto Linen finish and Rustique Oak white oiled finish with black resin infills. Subzero and Wolf appliances. Hornbeam Ivy Wall mount Pot filler. Quooker PRO3 Fusion Round brushed chrome boiling water tap. Roundhouse bespoke kitchens start at £35,000.

Roundhouse
95 Nightingale Lane, SW12 8NX, 020 7471 8834;
11 Wigmore St, London W1U 1PE, 020 7297 6220
www.roundhousedesign.com