How Kate Feather Design created a glamorous but practical family kitchen

We talk to Kasia Piorko, design director at Kate Feather, to hear how the design team came up with a hardworking and practical kitchen that oozes elegance and luxury. Photos by Kate Davies.

Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Teddington, South West London, this family home recently underwent a transformative ground-floor renovation. For the homeowners, a couple with 3 young children, the goal was to create a multifunctional space that is as practical as it is stylish.

At the heart of this reimagined space is a monochromatic open-plan kitchen by bespoke kitchen makers Kate Feather, where Caesarstone's 5100 Vanilla Noir surface takes centre stage. With its rich jet-black base and creamy, off-white veining, the surface delivers a high-impact visual statement, bringing depth, drama, and elegance to the design. More than just a beautiful feature, it also sets the tone for the wider material palette and layout – anchoring the entire scheme.

The homeowners, both passionate about cooking and entertaining, needed a kitchen that could keep pace with daily family life. “A busy family of 5 lives here, meaning the kitchen has to work hard as well as look fantastic,” explains Kasia Piorko, design director at Kate Feather.

To meet the brief, the design team remodelled the full ground floor, creating improved flow between key zones. A large central island now defines the space – providing a hub for cooking, dining, and relaxed conversation While sliding doors discreetly conceal the utility area, also topped with Vanilla Noir, to retain a sleek uninterrupted finish.

The cabinetry – painted in Little Greene’s ‘Jack Black’ – pairs beautifully with warm brass hardware from Armac Martin, while appliances from Fisher & Paykel, a cooker hood from Westin and a hot tap from Quooker were chosen for their performance and seamless integration. But it’s the thoughtful details that truly set the space apart – from the hidden breakfast station to the utility room’s brass rail for hanging laundry.

Kasia says Caesarstone’s Vanilla Noir was chosen early in the design process and used throughout – from worktops and splashback to the statement island. Visually, its dramatic veining and polished finish introduce a luxurious, high-contrast element that complements the cabinetry’s deep tones and brass detailing. Functionally, its durable, non-porous nature is engineered to perform in the most demanding kitchens.

“For this project, Caesarstone was the leading choice for both us and the client,” says Kasia. “We have a great working relationship with Caesarstone, which means we are confident in presenting the brand to our clients, not just for the beauty and breadth of options but because Caesarstone's service is second to none and we know they will help us deliver the best product at the best price and within deadline.”

Vanilla Noir not only elevated the kitchen’s aesthetic, but it also delivers on durability, hygiene, ease of maintenance, and comes with a lifetime warranty – all essential in a high-traffic family home. “There are many practical reasons for choosing Caesarstone, which is why it works so well for a kitchen surface. It is stain-resistant and won't harbour bacteria, as well as being heat resistant and tough enough to hold up to daily wear and tear without scratching. All of this makes it a great option for a kitchen surface! From a practical perspective, it is also low maintenance, meaning easy to clean and unlike natural stone, it doesn't need sealing,” says Kasia.

So what is the design team's favourite part of the design? "Personally, some of our favourite design elements are the hidden breakfast station – because who doesn't want one! – and the brass railing in the utility room ready to hang the ironing, which makes it more glamorous than the usual pile of washing!" says Kasia.