This kitchen fits into the wider open plan interior without dominating it

In contemporary interiors, the kitchen is often located at the centre of proceedings but that doesn't mean it has to visually drown out its surroundings along the way. This sleek kitchen by designer Annika Rowson fits into the home's wider open plan interior without dominating it.

"Our brief was for a modern yet raw, pared-back kitchen to complement the stunning concrete panels and floors in the architect-designed home and also to blend into the open-plan living and dining areas," says Rowson. "The family kitchen also had to offer plenty of storage."

A mix of Keruing wood and Onyx veneer was chosen as the warm feature cabinetry materials. These black and rich brown surfaces are balanced by the white of the rear cabinetry and the slender 12mm Glacier White Corian waterfall island benchtop and perimeter benchtop.

"The island benchtop's extended overhang is given hidden strength by a matt black powder coated steel support, which disappears into the shadow of the overhang," says the designer.

In terms of convenience and ease of use, Blum Servo Drive touch-to-open hardware is fitted to all cabinetry. A Hafele Concepta Pocket Door ensures easy access to the side pantry unit while drawer banks are fitted with internal compartmentalised drawers to provide ample storage.

"The window splashback is another feature of the design. This admits morning light to warm the kitchen," says Rowson.

"Hafele LED Strip Lighting on a powdercoated track provides additional task lighting over the hob area at night."