Not everything has to be 'in keeping' – in fact, sometimes design works better when it isn't. Angelica Hedges rounds up 10 stunning contemporary kitchen schemes that let the architectural features of a space do the talking.
1. The raw simplicity of the Sebastian Cox Kitchen by DeVol works perfectly in the context of this ornate period property. The handleless design of the cabinetry creates a clean, modern feel, contrasting expertly with the period setting and allowing the eye to be drawn to the more traditional features of the house.
2. This scheme by Kitchens International in a townhouse in Edinburgh features Leicht's Ceres Lava handleless kitchen combined with a Ceres Magnolia island and breakfast bar. The effect brings a communal, 'living room' feel to the space, and allows the dark, contemporary cabinets to recede, so the traditional features take centre stage. The essential kitchen appliances are hidden by matching pocket doors to keep the area clutter free.
3. This kitchen is designed by Pirkelmann + Schmidt from Munich, and uses HIMACS products throughout. All visible surfaces are formed from solid surface HIMACS in matt Alpine White, which is strengthened by natural minerals and acrylics. The cabinetry has a core of plywood, completed with 12mm HIMACS, and with the additions of a flush-mounted gas cooker and integrated sink, this design combines traditional Italian architecture with modern kitchen styling.
4. From DeVol, the Old Schoolhouse Brixton Kitchen features the original school floorboards for a historical touch, and one simple run of Shaker cupboards with the fridge-freezer, double pantry and dishwasher forming the basis. The stainless-steel run with the sink and the hob introduces an industrial edge to a traditional setting.
5. Pictured here is an award-winning design from Kitchens International, featuring cantilevered Callerton oak units painted in a stark white to pair with the Corian worktop, bringing in an air of light and space. The kitchen features useful storage solutions along the wall to keep the kitchen devoid of clutter and optimise the space, while the rounded cellar walls in a raw stone add warmth to the unique environment.
6. This contemporary kitchen was designed by Simon Taylor Furniture in a Grade II listed Georgian property in Berkshire, to form a state-of-the-art, industrial-style space. Pictured here is tall kitchen cabinetry with brushed stainless-steel fronts and handles, with all the cupboards topped with LED lighting. Along the industrial-style cooking run are Gaggenau appliances, which complement the steel island, which has a Topus Concrete worktop from Caesarstone.
7. This family kitchen by Kitchens International features a sleek, contemporary island as the main focus of the room, which also provides a place for socialising and casual dining, and enables cooking time to be centred around family time. The Callerton furniture and elements such as the Quooker tap, heighten the modern feel, while traditional features have been highlighted in a contrasting dark tone.
8. This kitchen showcases a range of HIMACS products in a vaulted space with an irregular interior in rough stone. The two runs of units are formed from oak and are 4.3 metres long, with the worktops, splashback, and side facades in bold HIMACS Alpine White. The surface is crafted to be easy to clean and hygienic, with a built-in chopping board along the side of the worktop.
9. From Schmidt, this kitchen features sleek, handleless lacquered doors from the brand's Strass Brilliant range, with the laminate worktop in Nelson. It offers a combination of hidden storage and open shelving, with a peninsula that provides a sociable touch and seating area for dining. The sink has been flush mounted to give it a discreet finish, and the overall subtlety of the style allows elements like the stained-glass wall to take centre stage.
10. This luxury kitchen by Keith Myers of The Myers Touch was designed specifically with the intention of enhancing the period features of the room by blending them with contemporary components. The kitchen has been sectioned into three core zones – preparation, cooking, and dining – all with the addition of modern cabinetry, worktops, appliances, finishes and materials. The island creates a bold centrepiece in the midst of a period theme.
