Robert Burnett unites traditional skills with contemporary finishes for a spectacular result.

WHAT WAS THE BRIEF?
My client, intencr designer Sian Stonehill, was starting :he refurbishment of a mid - Victorian Gothic - style house :n Kensington which she had just bought. She challenged Holloways of ludlow to design an original and striking new kitchen - something youd be unlikely to see on the high street. It was to be a functional room but designed with entertaining in mind. And, though it was to be installed on the lower ground floor, we had to make sure it didnt feel dark or gloomy.

WHAT WAS YOUR STARTING POINT?
The layout came first. For instant visual impact, we created a sleek run of cabinets along the wall opposite the doorway. As well as housing most of the cooking appliances, the cabinets also conceal some raised foundations and create a streamlined look. Next came the island with its sweeping sail shape, designed to create a clear walkway between the entrance and the dining area adjoining the kitchen. The island also gives Sian a clear preparation area where she doesnt have tc turn her back on her guests.

WHAT ABOUT WORK AREAS?
We centred the sink under the bay windew for maximum natural light. The busiest part of any kitchen is the area between the sink and the hob, so we wanted to make sure there would be plenty of work surface within easy reach. Here, the sink is close to both the cooking area and the is.and. while also creating a distinct clearing - away area, unseen from the dining table.

WHAT MATERIALS DID YOU USE?
For the drawer fronts we chose birds - eye maple, a traditional furniture veneer, and made it contemporary with a modern grey stain and layers of high - gloss polyester lacquer to create an impression of depth and to reflect light. The resul: looks almost quilted and three - dimensional. Each of the drawer fronts has a gloss - painted, light - coloured frame, designed to accentuate the staggered drawer pattern, which was inspired by :he styleof a traditional dresser.

HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO CREATE A FEELING OF LIGHT?
Although the veneer is dark, we used just enough to create impact and were careful not to overdo it. Large areas, including the sides of the island, of off - white high - gloss paint prnvirle halance and all the reflective surfaces, such as the glass breakfast bar, polished ceramic floor, glossy quartz stone worktops and lacquer finishes, combine to bounce light around the room.

AND THE LIGHTING?
To accentuate the unusual shape of the island, we designed a lit ceiling coffer and added two dramatic pendants to catch the eye. There is plenty of task lighting in the room too, underneath the wall cabinets and from the ceiling spots. The lights in the coffer and the pendants are dimmable, allowing Sian to create a more subtle evening mood.

ANY OTHER DETAILS?
The curved splashback and hood were inspired by the gothic style of the windows. They also add another sinuous element to complement the shape of the island.

WHY IS THIS ROOM SO SUCCESSFUL?
Sian wanted a completely original kitchen and Im fairly sure that if I walked into any other house in Londsn. I wouldnt find one with the same drawer pattern, let alone the same materials. These aspects create a very contemporary take on traditional joinery.