Modern nod to classic feel

This new kitchen acknowledges its historic cottage setting with a timber backing wall while a wall of crisp white side cabinetry echoes the floating island

The original kitchen/bathroom lean-too that was tacked onto

A skylight over the island provides additional lighting

The Zenith tap dispenses boiling and chilled water

The ceiling mounted ventilation avoids taking up wall

A contemporary paining adds a splash of colour

Designed by Paul Leuschke, Leuschke Kahn Architects

From the architect:

This historic cottage on a small Grey Lynn site needed to be modernised and extended.

In response, the original kitchen/bathroom lean-to that was tacked onto the back of the cottage was demolished and replaced with a new extension, following the main roof lines.

Inside, the newly formed open-plan living/kitchen/dining area opens up to the northern courtyard garden via a full-height wall of glass doors.

In the kitchen, it was decided to run the new timber flooring under a floating island and up the back wall.

This new timber wall is a modern nod to match the wall linings of kitchens of old and also acts as a textural contrast to the white cabinetry.

The island is the kitchen as there is no back workbench.

This was conceived due to the limited width available in the room.

The island has a Corian top with waterfall ends and an integrated Corian sink.

The drawers have a paint finish and cut-out handles for a clean line while adding visual interest.

The tap is a Zenith that dispenses both boiling and chilled water and normal tap water, so only one unit is required.

The island also houses a DishDrawer and hob.

At one end of the island is a wall of cabinetry, which continues into the open-plan living area.

At the kitchen end, it contains a large pantry, an oven, an integrated fridge, and crockery cupboards.

The fridge and pantry handles are custom-made from Corian.

The window above the oven gives a view out to the street.

At the other end of the island is a round, built-in table for six, which sits adjacent to the sliding doors that open out onto the courtyard.

The floor behind the island is in a practical, hardwearing slate.

A skylight over the island provides additional lighting by day, with strip LEDs on magnetic track and ceiling spots and feature pendant contributing by night.