Bulthaup
project
Carl Hansen & Søn
Next 125
Rimadesio
+2
Cosy Sunken Kitchen in a Narrow Space
A long, narrow lower-ground room transformed into a warm, layered kitchen and dining space that makes the most of its garden outlook.
A long, narrow lower-ground room transformed into a warm, layered kitchen and dining space that makes the most of its garden outlook.
the brief
A challenging narrow room that needed to feel connected, comfortable and inviting.
The existing kitchen occupied one end of a long, lower-level room, with the main working area facing away from the garden. The proportions made the space feel disjointed and corridor-like, despite the natural light and countryside views beyond.
Property
Location
Somerset
The Design
Creating a sense of progression
Rather than treating the room as one long kitchen, the design was developed as a sequence of spaces.
Moving through the room, a dining area and integrated bar lead towards a window seat, breakfast bar and finally the main kitchen. Each has its own purpose, but together they create a natural progression through the space and prevent its narrow proportions from feeling corridor-like.
At the far end, the kitchen becomes the focal point, positioned to take advantage of the garden and countryside views beyond.
The Design
Turning the kitchen towards the garden
A slender central island was carefully proportioned to suit the width of the room, bringing the principal cooking and preparation areas together without overwhelming the space.
The hob and sink sit within the island, allowing the clients to look towards the garden while cooking, while an extended breakfast bar creates an informal place to sit directly in front of the bifold doors.
Along the rear wall, full-height cabinetry brings together the ovens, refrigeration and storage. Its deeper, warmer finish adds contrast and visual depth against the softer sand-grey island.
Layers of warmth throughout the room
A soft, earthy palette helps bring warmth to the long space. Sand-grey cabinetry is combined with warm timber, textured surfaces and restrained stainless-steel detailing, allowing the interior to sit comfortably alongside the landscape outside.
Beyond the kitchen, the dining area, window seat and softly illuminated bar create places to gather, pause or simply enjoy the garden. A mixture of uplighting, discreet task lighting and statement pendants adds another layer, allowing the atmosphere of the room to change throughout the day.
Large bifold doors bring in natural light and open the room directly onto the countryside, strengthening the connection between the kitchen and its setting.
The Details
Kitchen & Materials
The kitchen furniture is by next125, combining Sand Grey Matt Velvet cabinetry on the island with Tobacco Knotty Oak used across the taller furniture. Havwoods reclaimed timber wall cladding in Pine Grey adds texture and warmth, while Porcelanosa Bottega Caliza floor tiles provide a quieter, neutral foundation. A Franke Kubus undermount sink in Silk Stainless Steel completes the main working area.
Furniture
The dining and seating areas feature a selection of Carl Hansen & Son furniture chosen to complement the warmer material palette. Bar stools combine walnut-oiled legs with Thor 377 leather seat pads, while the Elbow Chairs have an oak frame in white oil with Thor 301 leather. Wishbone Chairs in white-oiled oak with black woven seats sit around an extendable Carl Hansen oak dining table.
Appliances
The island includes a BORA Pure induction cooktop with an integrated extractor, alongside a Quooker PRO3 Fusion Square tap in stainless steel. Integrated Liebherr refrigeration includes a larder fridge with BioFresh and a freezer with an ice maker. Siemens iQ700 appliances complete the kitchen, with a multifunction oven, compact oven with microwave and warming drawer.
