City of Westminster Victorian Townhouse Kitchen

This bright basement kitchen is in a Grade II* listed early Victorian townhouse in central London. Hang on…is that an oxymoron? Bright plus basement…not in this case. The use of colour, materials and natural light sources means this room does indeed feel airy and bright. Patalab Architects negotiated strict planning laws respecting the heritage of this building, whilst modernising the home for family life. The challenge for us was working with the shape of the room to include enough storage without overwhelming the space. The lower cabinets are Atlantic Blue, a dark hue that grounds the design, whilst shallower London Plane wall cupboards sit above on one side. These incorporate fluted glass fronted cupboards, a playful alternative to solid doors. The only tall cupboards are Market Mustard yellow and they are located opposite the window, thus reflecting this bright sunshine hue into the room. The glossy white Silestone quartz worktop and splashback reflect light too, whilst a terrazzo floor runs through the kitchen and dining room to the green courtyard garden uniting these areas together. The architects sum up the impact of this kitchen’s renovation perfectly ‘whilst preparing lunch you now can chat with family members gathered around the dining table and enjoy views onto the green courtyard bathed in sunlight.’ Heaven!
Photographer: Julian Abrams