In the heart of Virginia Water, Surrey, nestled side by side, two homes tell the story of a father’s dream to provide and create family homes for each of his children and their families. We were privileged to be part of their journey by designing and installing the kitchens and utility rooms.
The brief was to create two very different personal kitchen designs that would meet each family’s individual practical needs and reflect their unique design styles, personalities, and aspirations for their new homes. From the very beginning, our collaboration with the Griffiths & Gough family was truly a partnership. Working closely with the family and alongside their builders, we embarked on a journey of creation and transformation.
Plot 1 - A Modern Kitchen Space with Warm Textured Details
The brief was to create a modern kitchen space with plenty of texture and details.
A kitchen space designed to cater to an avid sports enthusiast, the client wanted a dedicated area where friends could unwind and catch up on the latest games without disrupting family activities in the kitchen.
Working with the Griffith family’s unique interior style and interests, we designed a peninsular kitchen that also incorporates a dedicated media area. The peninsular area divides the kitchen and lounging space. We added bar seating on the media side of the peninsular to provide the perfect spot to perch, ideal for anyone who wants to keep an eye on the results whilst staying close to what’s happening in the kitchen. To draw the eye upwards, the stepped ceiling box was created for the pendants, mirroring the form and size of the kitchen peninsular.
For the tall run of cabinetry, we capitalised on the 3m high ceilings of the space by adding top boxes for more storage. We also added bulkheads above the fitted furniture so that the furniture fits seamlessly within the architecture of the room for a modern, streamlined look.
The modern kitchen space has loads of natural light from the skylight and bi-fold doors, aided further by the large splashback mirror that helps bounce more light back into the space. The mirror details are then carried onto the furniture surrounds, a detail that pairs perfectly with a warm textured palette. The key design features, such as satin lacquer cabinetry with a timber effect finish and bronze bar handles, add depth and sophistication to the space. The choice of materials, including Dekton for the TV surround, Silestone for worktops, and natural timber for the breakfast bar, ensured the space doesn’t feel clinical whilst offering both durability and elegance.
The result is a contemporary kitchen space that is tactile, inviting, and functional. It combines modern furniture with organic textures for simple yet rich detail.
Plot 2 - A Luxurious Social Kitchen Design With a Raised Dining Area and Bar
For the second property, the Gough family wanted a social kitchen space that would be inviting for guests and larger social gatherings. They wanted a modern kitchen design with an open-plan layout that promoted seamless flow between the kitchen, the adjacent TV snug, and the dining space, which boasts a sophisticated bar. The brief was to capitalise on the property’s stunning 3m high ceilings, creating a modern space with elements of classic luxury.
Initially considering a peninsular layout similar to plot one but working with what the client wanted from the space, the design evolved to feature a long linear island. As a space designed for entertaining, the large modern kitchen island creates more space for guests, creating a better flow and movement between zones. For the tall run of cabinetry, we designed bulkheads to fill the overhead space elegantly. The stud bulkheads better integrate the furniture into the room, preventing dust accumulation on the tops of the units and creating a clean solution for the extractor services.
This design also includes a raised dining and bar area. We used the same furniture and palette to tie the two spaces together. The bar features a dedicated wine cooler, open shelving, and a statement metal-coated bronze feature panel.
A very different design style to plot 1, the materials were meticulously chosen to add touches of classic design luxury. The flat panel German furniture in a statement timber-effect black oak creates a textured, sophisticated backdrop for bronze accents. The bronze in the handles and mirrors adds depth, warmth, and personalisation to the design. The bronze mirror panels reflect the raised dining area, enabling the chef to stay connected with guests.
We were incredibly honoured to work on this unique project, which was made possible by a father’s hard work and a family’s dedication to creating their dream homes.
