Industrial chic

Ben Gregory, design consultant for Kütchenhaus Bristol, reveals how he set about creating a kitchen with a contemporary, industrial vibe for the owners of a Grade II listed building...

What type of property was the project in and what was the brief?

The location was a detached, Grade II listed property, which was built in the mid to late 19th century. Our clients, Claire and Darren, had a brief that was very clear. With the kitchen set to be the hub of their new home, they wanted a really industrial style, to pair with the Crittall-style glazing being installed at the same time.

What type of cabinetry was used?

The client chose our Nobilia LINE N (true handleless) cabinetry with the Easytouch Graphite Black ultra matt door finish. Paired with black and stainless steel appliances, this helped create the cool, industrial look the client was after.

What materials did you use? Was there anything different or unusual?

A must for the client was a very durable work surface. After debating whether or not to go with a concrete finish, they fell in love with Dekton Trilium by Cosentino, Blanco Silgranit sink in the recently launched Black finish and Extra-wide (120cm) range cooker and extractor hood, both in stainless steel.

Can you tell us what was used for the floor?

The flooring consists of a natural sandstone tile. The same flooring is present in the kitchen, utility and snug area in front of the bi-fold doors.

What were some of the challenges?

Because this property is over 150 years old, there were aspects of the room that required attention. Having the work surface templated meant we could keep the cabinetry along straight lines and provide extra depth for services. Located in the utility was a tailor-made heating system for the whole property, so being able to order cabinetry with bespoke depths meant the overall look was not compromised.

What would your advice be to a designer who is just setting out on a similar project?

Look past the ultra-traditional exterior and façade of a property –introducing a contrasting style can actually elevate the period features that are being kept.

I believed that less was more with this particular project, and fortunately this was in-line with the client’s brief. And don’t be afraid to go for darker finishes because when they’re paired with incredible glazing and lighting, they create a ‘wow’ factor in any home.

When it comes to the finished project, are there any design elements that you’re particularly proud of?

My favourite part has to be the island size and positioning in the room. The positioning meant the island was centred when viewing the kitchen from the dining room and didn’t distract from the view to the rear garden.

What are your clients' favourite parts of the finished project? For Claire it was the Dekton worktop and the drawer space that was provided, and for Darren the element that stood out most was the built-in wine cabinet.

Was the kitchen space newly created before the kitchen was installed?

The new kitchen and the utility furniture were installed within the existing kitchen space. The dated glazing was all removed and replaced with Crittall-style glazing to complement the style of the new kitchen. The roof light floods the space with plenty of natural light, which works well with the kitchen furniture and worktop finishes. The introduction of the bi-fold doors which look over the garden enables the outdoor space to be enjoyed during the summer months, even when spending time in the kitchen.

Is this industrial style a popular one for your customers?

The industrial look for a new kitchen is very bold and works very well in certain spaces. The signature German look is very sought after, with clean lines and no handles. Our range of door fronts provides considerable choice for clients, and there are plenty of matt, gloss and textured fronts to choose from. n

• Kütchenhaus, Unit 11, Clifton Down Shopping Centre, Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2NN; 0117 213 0680; uk.kutchenhaus.com/store-finder/bristol