BATHROOMS & KITCHENS
The peninsula, as well as the other worksurfaces, are made of Silestone in Eternal Calacatta Gold, with a suede finish. This means the worksurfaces have a matt and slightly textured feel, which feel less hard than a shinier surface, and is very aesthetically pleasing.
Another theme of the kitchen is the copper detail. It’ s everywhere- from the hob to the light switches. Galyna mentioned how copper was chosen as a strong companion to their white design. They did a Google search for the best colour palette to match with white kitchens, but thought other suggestions such as grey or teal would have darkened the room and made it feel smaller. They felt copper would match the earthy colours and rustic style of the period property they live in. Once copper was chosen, they discovered appliances in the same colour- from their mixer, knives, kitchen roll holder … you name it, they’ ve got it in copper!
As for the wood, which was used in the cupboards and doors, solid ash was chosen for its grain, which shows up beautifully under the paint. Polar White was used to aid the sense of space. The cabinet interiors were in Lava Grey, but the fronts were edged with white to match the doors, so that the dark lines wouldn’ t appear between the doors.
Every detail was considered. For example, the side fillers on the living room’ s alcove units were measured to the size of each door, rather than using one single large piece. The criss-cross design of the grid adds to the consistent design, thus pleasing the eye and adding to the feeling of space.
Sebastian said:‘ As a designer, I am very focussed on detail and consistency, which is how I like to arrive at the bigger picture. It’ s almost like I’ m being told by the materials and space what to do. It’ s in the details that I try to find solutions.”
PROCESS & AFTERTHOUGHTS
Galyna chose The London Kitchen Company over others because she appreciated Sebastian’ s ability to search for solutions, where others didn’ t dare dream.
“ We invited several kitchen companies … most didn’ t have the original ability to imagine what it could be. With Sebastian you say‘ I want this’ and he visualises it. We asked- can you fit all the appliances. Sebastian said, give me a day and I’ ll come up with something. Other companies said- no it’ s impossible, the space is too small.... I felt he was working for the customers’ needs … he found an upholstery company for the window seat and made it happen. Even if his company didn ' t have something he would hire someone else … he helps fulfil customer’ s visions”.
And Sebastian appreciated working with someone with many strong ideas:“ She made decisions which really helps. Galyna stuck to her guns on things, which is a great help to ensuring the designer is always being pushed to come up with solutions, leading to better design in the end … although finding parking in Fitzrovia is a nightmare!!”
Galyna & her family downsized from a 5-bed to a 1-bed with the intention that the house wouldn’ t often be full as the children went to boarding school. But when we spoke, the whole family was quarantined for two weeks after travelling- really putting the space to the test.
‘ We’ ve had a week with the kids so far- without stepping outside for a second- and we’ re not suffering at all! I’ m so grateful for this space”.
Mission accomplished.
www. thelondonkitchencompany. co. uk
Photography credit: Chris Snook
22