Kitchen of the week: Curves and character in a host family London

Kitchen of the week: Curves and character in a host family London - When the owners of this house in Richmond wrote a wish list for their home cooking, they wanted contemporary design, to be able to use every bit of space, and for there to be an inclusive sense, so the chef would not be excluded from the fun. As they run their own home business, they still use the kitchen to prepare meals, and are enthusiastic cooks.

Advance kitchen designer Johnny Grey, known for his unique vision and creative designs. It is a cult figure in the industry and has been described by The New York Times as " one of the most influential kitchen designers in the world. "Imagination is not lacking in his vision for the kitchen - the design is innovative thinking and highly functional.

"The space is actually very difficult," says Johnny. 'You can not fit a standard kitchen, and the owners wanted to avoid a layout of the office. "Previously, the room had been a conservatory / office that was slightly smaller. It was rebuilt and enlarged to make room for the kitchen, and skylights were added to provide an abundance of light. Johnny then began weaving his magic ...

Cooking A glance
Who lives here A large family with adult children
Location Richmond, London
designer Johnny Grey Johnny Gray Studios

Johnny Gray Studios.

The kitchen is L-shaped space and was quite difficult to work with. "There are three distinct areas to it, says Johnny, the veranda, a connecting corridor and, at the other end, a small study area. This meant that there were three distinct activities to design for

He solved it by using the three spaces for different functions -. A
culinary and dining area, a storage area and the device, and a home office.

Units in the culinary field are made predominantly from wood and poured concrete. The curved corners eliminate obstacles. T he key to soft geometry is that it is based on how the eye works, Johnny explains. When the eye detects sharp angles, it sends out a threat alert. Without corners, you can increase the amount of work surface because the body needs less room to maneuver around obstacles. "

custom tile, Alex Zdankowicz.

Johnny Gray Studios.

"When we start planning a space, we set the room control position, and everything is derived from this," Johnny said. '. I have quite an extensive design philosophy and my first instinct is always to work on the part driving position "is all about eye contact and sociability, something Johnny calls based design instinct - on able to meet your instinctive needs.

In this kitchen, the command position is behind the island, such as standing person can see the two "legs" of the L-shaped space This command position determined where different areas would be - the kitchen is in the center to ensure the cook is fully involved, the home office is down the hall and living room / conservatory room is opposite the island.

Johnny Gray Studios.

The shape of the central island is very unusual, almost like diamonds. "We worked on the minimum space required to walk around the cabinet of the sink and the perimeter, he sketched on paper and the negative space in the middle became the island model," says he said.

The unit contains an integrated knife block and end grain cutting board, Johnny reflects the belief in functionality. "Some people are worried about using wood blocks end, but there is no other material that's also good to prepare food on. It is resistant to wear, easy to clean, and there is a natural oil in the timber which destroy bacteria.

The solid English ash server bar also doubles raised as a place where people can perch to chat with the chef. "All these little things make the emotional significance of the kitchen that much more enjoyable, says Johnny.

The concrete was incredibly heavy, and made by craftsmen mold revealed Midlands.

See 10 ideas to add an island to your kitchen

Johnny Gray Studios.

the initial phases of the project are all about planning, layout, shape and function of the room, "Johnny said. "Then, a visual designer comes and we brainstorm colors, surfaces, textures ... and a miraculous way you end up with a design on your hands." This gives the kitchen a looseness which does could not be achieved through more rigid approaches.

Johnny Gray Studios.

The backsplash tiles with glass inserts platinum form a pattern running down the wall. "We ordered tile artisan tile manufacturer Zdankowicz Alex, we're trying to include in each project. It lies down and brainstorm with the client, and manufactures and installs every single tile itself. "The distinctive plate is walnut.

The work surface Corian.

Read expert advice on how to choose the perfect work surface for your home and lifestyle

Johnny Gray Studios.

hanging lamps were chosen by customers; the rest of the lighting was designed by the lighting consultant Light IQ. The white Corian cabinets have a border around the entire unit which is lined with lights, so they shine at night. "We used a lot of indirect lighting - a mixture of halogens and LED - emphasize the lines of the different characteristics and make it relaxing, Johnny said.

The device parking is very functional, with marble worktop and aluminum drums that can be pulled down when the area is not in use. "One of the owners is a serious cook," says Johnny.

Units, Corian.

Johnny Gray Studios.

A spacious pantry is in front of the 'Garage device. Johnny is a firm believer in the pantry. "If you are on a budget and you have room for a pantry walk-in, it takes the pressure off the amount of cabinets you need, which is more expensive," he says. "More than that, it relieves the room to have too much furniture, which can dominate.

The client historic Dutch tiles of the 19th century, and these were integrated with white tiles custom made by Alex Zdankowicz to create a character backsplash.

Browse pantry more elegant

Johnny Gray Studios.

the spice rack, which is right next to the office, was inspired by the Indian tradition of tin. "We wanted something with a very relaxed, beaten-up look off the clean white Corian," says Johnny. Aside from aesthetics, the spice rack is very functional, holding dozens of bottles, jars and packets.

Johnny Gray Studios.

Johnny created a broom closet at the end of the kitchen, across the study area. It lies directly on the ground without a base to allow easy access to the vacuum cleaner and brushes.

Artist Felicitas Aga was commissioned to paint the Indian-inspired designs for the doors to warm this side of the room. The canvas was stretched on signs in English walnut to create the colorful function.

Why all kitchens should have to look so transparent - why all must be in rows and behind cupboard doors. Johnny issues, calling it "death by boring cupboard

Creating, Felicitas Aga.

Johnny Gray Studios.

the home office area is down the hall, next to glass doors and under the end of the skylight race, so it is nice and light.

Johnny designed the office, which is made from maple with walnut legs. Felicitas Aga artist designed the carpet, which was made by Veedon Fleece in a factory in Nepal.

"We wanted to keep this fairly quiet area, because we have a lot of things," said Johnny, 'but it is still very easy to use.

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Kitchen of the week: Curves and character in a host family London Kitchen of the week: Curves and character in a host family London

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