Blue Sky Thinking

The concept for this characterful ‘Legacy’ kitchen was very much driven by the ideas of the client, Stephanie Rakowski, who envisioned an eclectic scheme that was classically-inspired yet very much of its times, and to her own tastes. Jane Stewart, multi award-winning Design Director of bespoke specialists Mowlem & Co, worked closely with Stephanie to create a space that reflected the individual nature of the family home while maintaining an air of authentic provenance and ageless elegance. The handsome proportions of the units are enhanced by fully framed doors and by hand-painted finishes in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Plummett’ for the wall cupboards and ‘Down Pipe’ for the island unit, which also offers a cantilevered breakfast bar. Large crittal windows and doors frame the ‘fourth wall’ with access to an enclosed terrace, echoed by a similar feature separating-yet-connecting the kitchen/living area from the rest of the interior. Features include fine Bianca Eclipsia marble worktops and splashbacks, with a recurring motif of glass; as framed inserts in certain wall units, decorative chandeliers and clear glass pendants, and a section of antiqued mirror awl cladding beneath the glassware cabinet. Distinctive details, such as the beautiful chrome bespoke ‘espagnolettes’ handles, enhance the traditional-yet-modern personality the scheme. This kitchen emanates a refined sophistication, yet is designed to be loved, worked in and enjoyed by the entire family as well as to welcome guests. Hence features such as a special wine storage and service ‘zone’, a cosy living area in the L-shaped section of the light filled room, and beloved family favourites in the form of a period dining set and a distressed free-standing cabinet, console table and grandfather clock. Lighting is also key to the ambience of the scheme, with a range of dimmable pendants, as well as task lighting. Appliances aptly chosen for the level of functionality demanded by this design include Sub Zero refrigeration and a Wolf range cooker - clear choices to match the impressive proportions of the furniture. A series of further appliances offer all of the latest conveniences, while a range of taps (over two separate sinks) include an extendable spray hose and a handy pot filler behind the professional style cooker.