Quiet drama

Designed by Hayley Dryland, August and Co Design and Joanne Godding, Bespoke kitchens by Joanne Godding

From the designer:

The owners' primary brief for the new kitchen was discretion – they wanted a space that would quietly anchor the home, seamlessly connecting the cognac bar, formal dining room and family living area. 

"Yet alongside this sense of restraint, the kitchen also needed to embody sophistication, elegance and the timeless curated quality, that is seen throughout the home," says Dryland.

Secret heart – keeping clutter and prepping out of sight

With this in mind, a scullery was created to house the true working heart of the kitchen – a space where preparation, cooking and cleaning up could happen effortlessly and out of sight. 

It was only natural to position the large Wolf hob centre stage here, supported by wall ovens, an integrated prep fridge, a generous sink and dishwasher – everything required for seamless functionality. 

Clearing the air in an understated way

Ventilation was a key consideration, with a focus on effectively extracting cooking aromas. 

To address this in an understated way, a substantial rangehood is concealed behind cabinetry above the cooking zone, ensuring performance without visual interruption. 

However, while the intention was to keep the primary kitchen functions discreet, it was equally important that the space didn't feel closed off. 

To achieve this, oversized patterned glass doors set within refined metal frames where introduced. 

These allow the scullery to be enclosed when needed, while still maintaining a strong visual connection to the surrounding spaces. 

This detailing proved so successful that it was echoed throughout other key doorways in the vicinity.

Also, in response to the brief, the materiality of the kitchen was approached with equal care, balancing durability with a refined, understated aesthetic. 

All set in stainless steel

"The cabinetry is constructed entirely from stainless steel, both internally and across all external fronts, lending the space a sense of precision and longevity," says Godding. 

To temper this, the selected cabinet colours were intentionally softened – designed to recede and melt seamlessly into the surrounding architecture rather than dominate it. 

Tall and overhead cabinetry is fitted with Blum electronic push-to-open hardware, allowing for a clean handle free finish that reinforces the kitchen's quiet discretion. 

Integrated LED lighting has been incorporated throughout, including within the cabinetry, enhancing both functionality and atmosphere while subtly highlighting the craftsmanship of the materials.

Moody backdrop – creating depth and drama

Furthermore, the material and colour palette to the back wall of the kitchen was intentionally kept dark and moody. 

A rich walnut finish is intersected with aged bronze detailing, while black velvet stone wraps the benchtop and splashback, creating depth and quiet drama. 

Matte black tapware further reinforces this refined palette. 

"This darker composition not only grounds the space but also allows the Sub-Zero stainless steel fridge/freezer to sit comfortably within it – embracing its setting, rather than standing apart – ensuring every element feels considered and cohesive," says Dryland.

One of the key challenges in developing the kitchen design was established early on – dividing the overall volume into two distinct yet complementary spaces: the kitchen and the scullery. 

While the scullery demanded a highly functional layout with generous working areas, equal consideration had to be given to the scale and proportion of the main kitchen and how it would sit comfortably within the larger open-plan environment.

Striking a balance between scullery and kitchen

The selection of the island's marble centrepiece, along with the larger elements such as the fridge/freezer and key appliances played an important role in defining the optimal size and relationship between the two spaces.

At the heart of this design and overall sense of balance is the stand-out kitchen island. 

A truly beautiful stone was selected, its soft greens and greys layered with flowing waves of white and striking amber veining – a subtle reflection of the water views beyond the kitchen and living spaces. 

In contrast to the dark, moody and receding back wall, the island was designed to draw you in – to entice and engage. 

Wrapping the top and three sides in this expressive stone elevates it beyond function: it becomes the anchor to the kitchen, a piece of natural art that celebrates both materiality and craftsmanship.

Making the design personal

The front of the Island carries a deeper narrative. 

"A series of fins represent each family member who will inhabit the home over time – a gesture that moves beyond design into storytelling," says Godding. 

"Each fin is softly backlit, casting a warm, ambient glow that enhances the atmosphere while reinforcing the emotional intent."

This is more than thoughtful detailing – it is a curated expression of legacy, where design becomes both personal and enduring.

Story by: Trendsideas