A contemporary galley kitchen in Orpington

Rachel and Nigel from Orpington contacted us while in the process of reconfiguring their family kitchen, incorporating bi-fold doors to give them more open access to their garden. We were delighted to work with them and add to our Orpington kitchens portfolio.

They wanted a contemporary kitchen that optimised storage space and provided easy access through the room.

Installed in a rear extension, under the light of a beautiful roof lantern, we created a kitchen which makes the most of every inch of space and reflects the modern style they prefer.

Galley kitchen layout

Because of the bi-fold doors at one end of the kitchen, leading out to the garden, the room naturally lent itself to a galley layout. So, we fitted the storage and appliances along two sides of the kitchen.

We used the traditional ‘triangle’ positioning of the cooker, sink and fridge to provide a natural flow of movement for the cook.

Thanks to this being a fairly wide room, we were also able to incorporate a breakfast bar at the entrance to the kitchen. This provides additional storage space and a seating area. Plus, it’s a subtle barrier between the entertaining and business sides of the room, subliminally preventing guests from getting in the chef’s way.

Storage solutions

The bi-fold doors at one end of the kitchen reduce the wall space available for storage, so it was essential that we made the most of all the remaining space.

We installed drawers in a range of depths to give Nigel and Rachel storage flexibility. The space over the fridge was used for a cupboard and the addition of the breakfast bar allowed for a couple more cabinets to be fitted underneath.

But we didn’t just stop with the positioning of the cabinetry. We also looked at how to make the best use of the space within the cupboards and drawers. For example, this small chef’s pantry next to the fridge provides food storage space and hides away small appliances. The plug sockets at the back of the pantry ensure that you don’t even need to move the appliances to use them.

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Elsewhere, we fitted drawers and dispensers to get the most out of every part of the kitchen.

Bright and modern style

Rachel and Nigel wanted a light, contemporary feel to their kitchen. They opted for frameless (lay-on), handleless doors for a sleek, streamlined look. We finished the doors in a light grey acrylic veneer, enhancing the modern style and bouncing light around the room.

As always, the solid oak drawers and cupboards are fitted with soft-close mechanisms, making them a joy to use.

For the worktops and breakfast bar counter, we contrasted the light cabinets with a steel grey ‘leathered’ granite worktop. This provides a tough, durable and attractive work surface.

To add a dash of colour to the scheme we also installed back-painted glass splashbacks in a warm red, specifically RAL3002.

Kitchen appliances

Nigel and Rachel’s kitchen’s size didn’t allow us to install a huge array of appliances. This made it so much more important that the ones we chose would give them the maximum capacity and flexibility.

The Nexus cooker provides plenty of food preparation options, with five gas hob rings, two electric ovens, a grill and a proving/warming drawer.

The sink is furnished with a Quooker Flex, an all-in-one boiling water tap. This does away with the need to have a kettle cluttering up the work surfaces. We also fitted two soap dispensers to match the tap, one dispensing hand soap and the other washing up liquid; a practical and beautiful solution.

A large Fisher & Paykel RF540ADUX4 French-doored fridge provides ample cold storage space and the freezer drawer below gives easy access to essentials. We also fitted an integrated dishwasher next to the sink.

All appliances are in stainless steel, reflecting the overall modern design of the kitchen.

Lighting the room

The kitchen receives an abundance of natural light from the roof lantern and we wanted to ensure that it was just as well-lit when the sun had gone down.

In addition to the recessed lighting in the ceiling, we added LED task lighting underneath all the wall cabinets. This provides illumination just where it’s needed.

Find out more about worktop lighting solutions.

Above the breakfast bar we added a teardrop shaped light fitting, hanging at just the right height to provide good lighting without banging your head on it!

The clients’ reaction

Nigel and Rachel were delighted with their new kitchen, both in terms of the look and the practicalities.

Faultless service from start to finish – we were reconfiguring our kitchen by blocking up a back door and changing a window to bifold doors – the rest of the design was provided by GBK&I and is an amazing use of our space.

GBK&I are a very professional group and our fitter Gary was the best – amazing work ethic, thorough, polite, hard working and he really did an amazing job. We cannot believe it’s the same kitchen.

I now enjoy being in my kitchen as it’s very modern. I’d definitely recommend GBK and would use them again when we move. Thank you to Vince and the whole team.

Rachel Lewis

If a contemporary galley kitchen, or any other kitchen layout, could enhance your home, then please call us on 01959 53 22 33 to discuss your project with one of our design experts.