The Cheltenham Kitchen

In a recently built house on the edge of the Cotswolds, this open plan kitchen with swoon-worthy views lies at the heart of this very modern home. The first brief from our lovely clients for the design was very clear about the palette: ‘plain’ a celebration of whites, woods and marble. So for us this was a wonderful opportunity to really let the wood in our design sing and to create cabinetry to form the backdrop for this grand space. 

Built from the ground up, architects Edge Design and construction company DMS Property Renovation created this family home and the result is breathtaking. Taking full advantage of the stunning panoramic views across the historic spa town and the rolling hills beyond, the kitchen-dining-living room is on the first floor with sleeping quarters below, a layout often referred to as an upside-down house.

There is a drama and confidence to this room with its vaulted ceiling and sleek architecture. The kitchen’s proportions and layout are perfect for the space, with the floor-to-ceiling cupboards nestled under the mezzanine.

The focal point of our design is the large island, which positively glows with golden coloured Oak wood; these are veneers we hand arrange to delicately enhance the beauty of the grain. Above the island hang design classic Gubi pendant lights, part of the lighting plan designed by Interiors By Sly. A larder was on the must-have list and here internal oak drawers complement the island, the wood also picked up on the single shelf on the back wall.

The floor is concrete, but in keeping with the scheme is a soft beige, warmer than a typical concrete on the grey-scale. Soft seating, a wood burning stove, a marble-topped dining table – there is actually so much going on here, an open plan space to cook, dine and entertain loved ones, whilst also maintaining a cosy family feel, a place to take a soft seat, grab a book, a cuppa and relax.