Case Studies and Featured Projects

What was the concept for the design of the kitchen? 

Central to our ambition was to get as much light and space into the house as possible, particularly the kitchen which is on the lower ground floor. We were very conscious throughout the project that our South African clients were accustomed to abundant light and open space, particularly horizontal space. We wanted to find as much of this as possible for them here in their new home in London. This was particularly challenging as we didn’t have much to go by with this tall Victorian semi-detached terrace house on an unusual and small triangular site. Despite the size, the house did have the advantage of two gardens – albeit small and like two slivers of a pie. 

It was also important for us to give the kitchen a sense of material character and richness. This was consciously done through a reduced, contemporary palette.  Our client was bringing their furnishings and belongings from South Africa – including paintings, richly coloured furniture, carpets, pieces of artwork. It’s a fantastic and eclectic collection. For this it was important that the surfaces of the house were neutral, but without being flat and empty. We wanted this background to still have a sense of depth and material texture and richness – a natural and organic character. It is for this reason that Zellige tiles suited the project so well. Other materials we worked with included the wide board oak floors set against off-white walls as well as Douglas fir ceiling rafters, steel stair with oak treads. The kitchen designers, Future Classics from South Africa, also kept to this neutral approach contributing a lightly textured green kitchen with off-white countertops. 

How were textures and finishes decided for the design scheme?

It was important that the core of the house was neutral, yet with a textural variety and richness. We wanted to provide a setting on which our client’s eclectic furnishings would comfortably sit – organically.   

The tiled splashback being visible through the shelves is interesting, could you tell us more about this idea? 

We wanted the wall surface to feel as if it were slipping behind the cabinets, up to the ceiling. Following on with this, we wanted the tiles to be read as a part of the plastered walls. As such it was important that the tone of the Zellige tiles was similar to the off-white colour of the walls – a subtle juxtaposition. The light colour places an emphasis on a material and textural shift. It was important that the tiles were not a different colour. In doing so, we wanted to focus on the material qualities of the tile — its pearly gloss, irregular surface and edges and rich variety of white tones. The darkness of the wood shelves enhances the reading through contrast. 

Could you tell us about the colour choices?

As mentioned above, it was important to ensure that the colours were neutral. And by having the colour the same as the walls, your eye appreciates more the material qualities of the tile – rather than say a green or red colour. All the colours are natural earthy ones you would readily associate with by being in nature. 

What role did the tiles play within the design scheme?

While the extent of tiling is relatively small, the choice of tile was very carefully considered. We had many, many meetings with our clients to ensure we got it right. They seem really pleased with the results.