Congratulations to Cochrane Design, winner of the Kitchen Over £25,000 Award The International Design & Architecture Awards 2013

Cochrane Design successfully won the Kitchen Over £25,000 Award in the International Design & Architecture Awards 2013

The brief was to create a kitchen that is functional, great for socialising and that also has a timeless elegance. The client wanted the space to feel uncluttered when not in use and to be as welcoming and relaxing as the other living spaces throughout the house. The starting point for the design was to open up the lower ground floor. From here we were able to take advantage of the double aspect and generous proportions. This change to the layout was integral in creating the right atmosphere for entertaining on a large scale.

67Chase-16

Beneath the bespoke paneling and cabinetry lies the beating heart of a kitchen that would satisfy even the most demanding chefs. Tellingly the only appliances on display are the Wolf oven and hob, everything else is hidden in order not to detract from the aesthetic of the room. It is these details that have created a space that has an intimacy and inviting calmness not often associated with a kitchen. The paneled walls and doors hide a large fridge freezer and stacked laundry system as well as a secret toilet which is beautifully presented and every bit as luxurious as the rest of the property. The classic panelling runs throughout the house creating continuity and a seamless transition between spaces.

67Chase-15

Colour has been used with great effect to break up the space. This also helps minimise the scale of the kitchen and designates different zones. At one end of the kitchen the space is dedicated to a stunning island with a sleek, thick Carrara marble work top and breakfast bar. Together with the floating shelves opposite these accentuate the balance that has been struck here between a contemporary and traditional aesthetic.

cochrane1

The second, a continuation of the fantastic floor to ceiling storage draws you into a relaxed, inviting area. Arguably the best seat in the house, a rich velvet sofa sat in the bay window is the perfect place for relaxing with a cocktail and soaking up the atmosphere of the party. Whether alone or entertaining this kitchen has been designed to be an inviting and versatile space. The original requirements have been central to the thought process and the final outcome is a true collaboration between designer and client.