Dalia and Mike Levy combined dark and light units to create a sophisticated kitchen with striking good looks.
When Dalia and Mike Levy decided to invest in a new kitchen, they had the luxury of working with an empty space as they had gutted the house completely. Mike has been a property developer for many years and Dalia works alongside him on some of the design processes, so together they embarked on their new project with confidence. We both have lots of experience of renovating properties and we work well as a team/ says Dalia. Mike had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve for our kitchen and his ideas played a big part in the end result. Luckily, we agreed on most things as we both know what the other likes.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

Having worked with Neil Lerner Designs on other projects, the couple were only too happy to work with one of its designers Rob Hodge on their own kitchen. We were involved in the project from the beginning.
says Rob. The original kitchen was much smaller, so it was opened up to create a larger area. The beauty of this project was that we knew electric and water supplies could be positioned wherever we needed them. We were also able to specify stud work and ceiling boxing, and figure out where we wanted to put the ducting for the ceiling extractor before we started on the kitchen design itself —which means a much neater job.
Its clear this kitchen benefits from those advantages, with the cabinetry fitting in elegantly and looking refined. For example, the Ebony Macassar recessed, veneered panels surrounding the cabinets emphasise the neatness of the new studwork.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

All the structural work had to be millimetre perfect, explains Rob. We liaised with the contractor a lot so he knew what we needed. Tricky details involved the flyover boxing above the window that dictated the thickness of the studwork that reached up to the ceiling, which in turn dictated the height of the tall units. Thankfully, years of experience ensured that best results were achieved.
The kitchen also needed to be kosher - Jewish dietary laws require the separation of meat and dairy products, so Robs design had to work around a strict appliance list. The kitchen plan had to accommodate two dishwashers, two large sinks and three ovens, as well as ample storage for keeping two sets of cookware and dishes separate.
While practicality was a priority, it was also important to the couple that the kitchen was beautiful. The combination of Antique White lacquered units and the darker Ebony Macassar veneered cabinets is a classic combination, providing a simple but attractive colour palette that wont date, but which is also modern in its feel. We wanted the room to have an impact on anyone entering it, says Dalia. In our minds, it had to have the wow factor.

PERFECT FAMILY SPACE

The new design has ticked all the right boxes for Dalia and Mike, who are both extremely proud of what theyve achieved. In fact, Dalia happily admits to spending most of her time in the kitchen, especially in the summer when the doors to the garden can be thrown open, creating an enjoyable space to work.
As I was choosing everything, I knew I wanted it to be my dream kitchen, and thats exactly what we have, says Dalia. Its a very practical room but its also a nice sociable area where the family feels comfortable. Its big enough to entertain in, theres plenty of storage and working space, and when the children are home we all gather around the island. To me, its the best room in the house.