Shehryar Khan of Sheraton Interiors reveals how he created a hardworking kitchen design that meets the demands of contemporary family life, while complementing the overall aesthetic of a period property perfectly.
Q: What type of property was it in and who was the project for?
A: This kitchen renovation was carried out in a charming Victorian terrace house owned by Lisa, co-founder of The Gut Stuff. Lisa was looking for a space that was not only beautiful but suited for both everyday use and entertaining.
Q: What was the brief from the client for this project?
A: Lisa has a young growing family and the kitchen is the heart of her home – a place to cook, entertain, and spend time with family and friends. She wanted a balance between timeless and modern, with plenty of storage, an island and a dedicated space for displaying her memorable items.
Q: How did you go about meeting the brief?
A: We began by reconfiguring the layout to maximise the kitchen's functionality and importantly making sure it flows nicely.
The skylights and large arched French doors were perfect for natural light, which was crucial for Lisa's vision of a bright, welcoming kitchen. We combined open shelving, cabinetry, and a central wooden table that works as an island as well as a display piece.
Q: What type of cabinetry did you choose and what made it the perfect choice?
A: We opted for bespoke, painted Shaker-style cabinetry in a studio green by Farrow & Ball. This style perfectly complemented the Victorian character of the property.
Q: What materials did you use? Did you use anything different or unusual?
A: We used quartz for the worktops and brass hardware. The vintage Persian rug adds warmth. The mix of modern quartz with classic cabinetry and eclectic elements, such as the repurposed farmhouse-style table adds so much personality to the kitchen.
Q: What were the particular challenges that you faced and what were your solutions to overcome them?
A: It was challenging to incorporate modern amenities into a traditional Victorian property without compromising its historical character. The solution involved a careful balance of old and new: we retained key features like the original floor and alcoves while introducing contemporary yet still traditional-style cabinetry and modern appliances.
Q: What is your favourite part of the finished project? Are there any design elements that you’re particularly proud of?
A: Lisa had a farmhouse-style table which she loved so we added quartz to match the rest of the kitchen, and make the table more durable!
Q: What is the client's favourite part of the finished project?
A: Lisa's favourite aspect of the kitchen is the sense of openness and light, which makes it a joy to cook in. She especially loves the pantry and the display shelving for her favourite ceramics and the vintage accents that make the kitchen her own.
