How HØLTE created a high-end contemporary look while keeping costs to a minimum

We talk to Dan Robbins, lead designer at London-based design studio HØLTE, about how they achieved the clean, linear style their clients wanted for their kitchen, and made sure they came in under budget. Photos by Beth Davis.

Q: What type of property was it in and who was the project for?
A: The project was for a young family. The house is a light-filled, contemporary property with clean lines and an open-plan layout.

Q: What was the brief from the client for this project?
The client approached us with a clear vision for their kitchen. They admired our Woodsyre project, particularly the framed dividing panels, and wanted to build on that concept by introducing horizontal panels alongside the vertical ones.

This was achieved using a physical timber handle along the top edge and a fixed panel along the bottom. They shared several reference images of classic, minimal yet warm kitchen styles and finishes to guide the look and feel.

Q: How did you go about meeting the brief?
A: We worked closely with the client, listening carefully to their ideas and preferences. Since they had a strong concept, our focus was on translating their vision into a practical, beautifully detailed kitchen while maintaining the clean, linear, and geometric look they wanted.

Q: What type of cabinetry did you choose and what made it the perfect choice?
A: The kitchen uses carcases from Howdens, which helped keep the project within budget as part of a larger renovation. This approach allowed us to focus resources on the bespoke timber details that define the design.

Q: What materials did you use? Did you use anything different or unusual?
A: We used our WOOD-E range throughout, with a European Oak veneer. The client specifically chose a quarter-cut veneer, which is slightly less common because it produces straighter leaves of veneer and reduces natural timber movement. This complements the vertical and horizontal dividing panels, reinforcing the framed design of the kitchen and maintaining a clean, linear appearance.

Q: What were the particular challenges that you faced?
A: The client wanted all the timber components – dividers and handles – to share the same thickness to create a cohesive look. To achieve this, we developed a new handle detail that is biscuited into the top edge of each panel, ensuring consistency while keeping the design seamless.

Q: What is your favourite part of the finished project? 
A: The kitchen fits beautifully into the light, airy space of the home. I think the combination of vertical and horizontal panels adds visual interest without the fussiness of a traditional shaker design.

We’re especially proud of how the physical handle is incorporated into the overall design, creating a functional detail that naturally enhances the framed look.