Blackheath Kitchen

“Tim Moss has designed something that is very special for me. I have a kitchen that I completely adore.”

We have recently installed a kitchen for Joanna Herald (www.heraldnicholson.co.uk) an award-winning garden designer based in Blackheath, London who has recently moved her kitchen from a dark basement onto the light filled ground floor of her beautiful early Victorian house. She was keen to get away from the ‘fitted kitchen’ look and had a clear vision of what she wanted to achieve. She wanted free-standing cupboards built up on legs, rather than sitting on the floor, to give a sense of space and informality and it was essential, that all appliances could be totally concealed, so that everything could be tidied away out of sight.

Together Joanna and Tim came up with a truly bespoke kitchen that has huge visual charm. “Everything Tim suggested was right,” explains Joanna recalling how they mulled over every detail of the kitchen including the proportions of each glazing bar. Through clever design and with gentle steering and guidance, Joanna’s brief was met. “I achieved everything I wanted, and more.” Tim came up with some enlightening ways of using the space and hiding unsightly but necessary features. For example by painting the ends of the furniture run black the middle section of lighter coloured cupboards is thrown into relief making it look free-standing.

The fridge freezer is pushed back into the wall so as not to jut out into the room. What looks like an elegant, tall, shallow cupboard surprises as it opens up onto a deep larder fridge, the single drawer dishwasher sits perfectly off the floor and the extractor is fitted discreetly underneath one of the glazed wall units.

All of these appliances are ingeniously concealed to prevent any unsightly aspects of modern day living spoiling the overall look of the kitchen. Joanna is thrilled, “Every time I enter my kitchen I think how much I love it.” She enjoyed choosing the accessories and the antique drop handles and wall-mounted tap add that little something extra that gives a feeling of quality and timelessness.

Image copyright Martin Black

Image copyright Martin Black

Image copyright Martin Black

Cowbridge Kitchen

Just returned from fitting a very sleek kitchen in a beautiful 18th century cottage in the market town of Cowbridge, South Wales, commissioned as part of a major renovation of the property.

The owners wanted a clean-edged, contemporary design befitting their new steel and glass extension. However, they also wanted the design to reflect the warm, natural tones of the cottage and surrounding courtyard garden.

Cowbridge kitchen

They opted for flat paneled door in a beautiful Alpi manufactured veneer, which has a soft textile quality. The colour gently takes the eye from kitchen to garden.

The structure of the kitchen was also important. The owners -  both keen cooks -  wanted maximum counter-space and plenty of elbow-room with an ergonomic positioning of storage and appliances.  Copious cupboard space was also provided to ensure the minimalist aesthetic could be easily maintained in the reality of a busy kitchen.

From the client

"I asked Tim to design a kitchen that would also be a dining room, so clutter would need to be minimalised. Also to focus on the garden which can be seen through the kitchen’s two glass walls. His design is a triumph and has just the right feel for our lifestyle: kitchen equipment, cupboards, drawers and so forth occupy the two solid walls, but although substantial, simply don’t dominate the room. They do the job elegantly and most efficiently  (he suggested really good appliances), but what draws the gaze is the living world outside.

"I love our new kitchen: the design is stunning (all visitors gasp in amazement) and the working areas spacious and ergonomic, but the atmosphere of the room is calm and welcoming. It’s as comfortable to work in as it is to sit at table with friends and family. It’s become the life-enhancing centre of our home."

Linda Osborn

Kitchen for Arts & Crafts house

Just returned from a photoshoot at this recently fitted kitchen in an Arts & Crafts house in Hampstead. The owners, keen cooks, wanted furniture referencing the history of their home. The delicate moulding on the doors set in the beaded frames give the kitchen an understated but elegant look. The handles,  Lincoln Pull by Clayton Munroe in their patine finish, tie in with the Arts & Crafts ironmongery of the house.

The cooker is a Lacanche Citeaux in chocolate enamel, and is complemented by a  Miele oven, microwave and steam oven, which add flexibility and capacity to the cooking range.

The cupboards are painted in Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone, which offsets the light-toned Caesarstone worktops in Ginger. 

Grand Wardrobe

We are just finishing this lovely grand wardrobe for a beautifully restored Tuscan Villa. Measuring 3m H x 2.2m W it still sits discretely in the room. The rich purple [Farrow & Ball, Pelt] complements the aged chestnut of the high gabled bedroom ceiling.