International Design Award 2017
A beautiful family residence is the latest addition to Extreme’s portfolio of work within the iconic Wentworth Estate, Surrey and has been shortlisted for an award in the Kitchen Over £100,000 category. After creating the kitchen in this property ten years earlier, Extreme was approached by the client to design a new luxury kitchen for their newly extended home. Extreme’s Creative Director, Marcello Cuconato, shares his insights into this exciting project.
“The principle for the space was to design exquisite furniture that complements the rest of the interior. However, rather than blending into the interior scheme and architecture of the property the kitchen would be a feature in itself, exuding the level of sophistication, style and design that reflects the character, success and achievements of the owners. This was to be a beautiful, luxurious yet very functional environment in which the couple could entertain and cook for the family.
“Materials less commonly associated with kitchens were used and whilst bevel mirror and high-gloss veneer aren’t unusual, the unique combination with textured liquid metal, leather and bronze reflected the extent to which this design was conceived specifically for this couple. The clients owned a shagreen leather dining table which would sit in the open-plan kitchen and dining area so the bespoke metal finish chosen for the kitchen is executed in a shagreen texture, subtly tying the two areas together. This metal texture is present throughout the design in various forms, resulting in a cohesive aesthetic.
“Octagonal angles were a key part of the architecture of the building and this can be seen with the design of the boxing around the cabinetry. Conversely, the curves on the island offer a softer, more elegant aesthetic and overall form which juxtaposes the linear and angled elements within the rest of the design and surrounding space. Along the walls, a shadow gap frames the cabinetry creating a recessed area for a flexible lighting scheme which gives options to create the right atmosphere and mood for all occasions. Each recess is finished in the metal texture to continue the detail and throws a luxurious shagreen metal appearance which comes to life when the lighting is on.
“As with all of our projects we looked at the whole space, creating a design scheme that connects all aspects of the living areas. The kitchen furniture leads to a drinks display that then flows to the living area beyond. The drinks display area is a luxurious statement piece in itself, featuring a curved design to complement the island. The bevelled mirror provides an elegant backdrop to the exposed shelves which are finished with a textured metal inlay detail. For entertaining, the large adjoining prep-kitchen (hidden behind the main kitchen) allowed food preparation to be hidden away.
This bold, elegant design is the outcome of a collaboration between individuals with shared values, with both Extreme and the client sharing an appreciation for design, attention to detail and an uncompromising ambition for precise execution. The result in a truly unique space that achieves the client’s vision and reflects their individuality.