Looking back

The space allocated to a kitchen may be large, but this doesn't always mean the result is going to be a convenient layout.

Interior designer David Bravo had a spacious area to work with when he was asked to design a new kitchen for this home. The owners wanted a traditional kitchen that felt as if it had always been there. However, the space only had two walls, which limited the amount of storage and counter space that could be provided.

"To overcome this, I designed cabinetry that went right up to the ceiling. And in the center of the kitchen, to gain as much countertop space as possible, I made the island extra large, and placed cupboards and drawers on both sides. Wherever possible, appliances such as the microwave and steam oven are located below it," he says.

To create the traditional look the owners had specified, slightly distressed teak wood was chosen for the cabinetry, which has European-style molded and beaded door and drawer fronts. The kitchen is filled with ornate detailing, with solid pieces of wood carved into acanthus leaves, flutes, scrolls, medallions and corbels. The corbels decorating the four corners of the island are overscaled to match its large size.

"We wanted the corbels to look as if they were shouldering the weight of the two huge slabs of granite on top," says Bravo.

A carved, decorative molding along the top of the cabinetry catches the eye, adding interest to this layer of the kitchen.

A black La CornuFe oven with copper and silver trim is complemented by the copper and brass light fitting and copper range hood.

To maximize storage, accessories in drawers and cupboards ensure every space in the kitchen is utilized. Pull-out side cupboards next to the oven provide handy storage for spices and oils.

Story by: Mary Webb