A striking, blue kitchen in Petts Wood

When Sandeep and Sonia approached us, they were in the process of fully renovating their home in Petts Wood. This included an extension to turn the existing kitchen into an open plan family room.

They wanted a kitchen which would create a fun, welcoming space for entertaining friends. They were also planning to start a family, so the room needed to be adaptable to their future needs.

Getting the structure right

It was important to ensure easy access through the room. Equally, we didn’t want the kitchen to just feel like a passageway. To avoid this, we created two very distinct areas to the room.

The main kitchen area contains all the functionality you need from a modern kitchen. A large island unit provides extra space and creates a boundary for this part of the room.

On the other side, we installed a dining area and dresser. Using the same styling and colour palette as the kitchen gives a feeling of unity between the two areas.

Classic design with contemporary twists

The cabinets are all constructed with oak carcasses in a classic, in-frame style. The painted ash, shaker style doors further enhance the traditional feel. The Amerock bar handles, in gunmetal grey with polished nickel tips, hint at a more contemporary side to this room.

The most striking feature is the deep blue we’ve used for the majority of the cabinetry – specifically Farrow & Ball ‘Stiffkey Blue’. However, for the wall cupboards and shelving over the sink, we opted for the lighter ‘Skylight’ grey-blue. This prevents the room being overpowered by the darker colour.

The worktops and splashback are in our Q217 white quartz, finished with a fabulous, end grain, butchers block bar. This provides casual seating for the kitchen and a bit of extra worksurface space when needed.

Deep brown leather chairs and high stools enhance the blend of classic and contemporary design. As do finishing touches such as the suspended lights, textured wall tiles and oak table supported on ornate cast iron legs.

Making the most of every nook and crannie

It was important to Sonia and Sandeep that their new kitchen provided plenty of storage space, while allowing easy access to the most commonly used items.

The first hurdle for us to overcome was the boiler, which was positioned in the corner of the room. We built a large, corner larder cupboard around it, which houses the boiler and has plenty of space for storing other items.

The full height cabinets fitted throughout the room ensure that every inch of space is available for storage, including over the fridge freezer and ovens. This is particularly useful because much of the lower cabinet space is taken up by the integrated dishwasher and washing machine.

Below the hob we installed open shelving, giving the chef quick access to the most essential items.

On the opposite side of the room a large dresser holds their tableware. And even the bench contains hidden storage beneath it.

All modern conveniences

Sandeep and Sonia were keen to install appliances to give themselves capacity and flexibility for entertaining friends and as their family grows.

The Neff gas hob is installed in the central island with a lantern-style extractor fan hung above it. The positioning of the hob means that the cook can continue to chat, rather than continually having to turn their back on their guests. Neff ovens are installed to the left of the wall units, incorporating a combi microwave oven, a standard oven and a warming drawer.

Arching over the sink is a Quooker boiling water tap, providing instant access to boiling, cold and chilled water. Beneath it is a Kohler cast iron sink, set into the worktop.

The large, American style fridge freezer, including ice dispenser, is the Fisher & Paykel model RX611DUX1.

The hidden Neff dishwasher and washing machine complete the practicalities of this kitchen.

The end result

Sandeep and Sonia were delighted with their new kitchen – a perfect family room for cosy nights in or lively evenings entertaining friends.

Sourcing a kitchen can be a minefield. GBK&I understand this and make the whole process simple, taking out the stress from a building project.

From the very first meeting with Jack through to completion of our project (almost a year later) we have been nothing but impressed. We ran through numerous different design concepts with Jack’s guidance and he put forward some great suggestions to give our kitchen that unique/bespoke feel.

I was particularly impressed with the speed in which the kitchen was fit, all in all under two weeks.

We would highly recommend GBK&I to anyone looking for guidance on how best to use their space and for the high quality kitchens they produce, supply and fit! Thanks Team GBK&I.

And we were delighted to hear that they have now added to their family with a beautiful baby boy. We hope that their new kitchen will give them all many years of pleasure.

We design and install stunning bespoke kitchens across this area, for example in Oxted, Westerham, Biggin Hill, Bexleyheath and Bromley.

If your kitchen could do with a splash of colour or a complete rethink, contact us on 01959 53 22 33 or visit our Sevenoaks showroom to find out how we can help.