Cookridge, Leeds

Timeless classic charm meets contemporary urban chic. This kitchen was a joy to design and build, given the visual backdrop and copious size of the room with bi-fold doors looking out into the garden.

Mike and Angela wanted a kitchen that not only looked amazing but would also serve as a very user-friendly place to work in, Mike being the one to do the cooking and Angela to do the baking.

Mike wanted a good-sized range cooker and chose a Rangemaster Espirit dual fuel in chrome, which not only fulfilled his culinary needs but also looked the part in a kitchen evincing contemporary chic.

Angela was keen to have a Butler’s Pantry where she could store all her baking products, as well as it being a hideaway for the kettle, toaster, etc.

The high-end ergonomic specification of this kitchen boasts four wide drawer packs, a blind corner storage pull-out, a 500mm wide base pullout and a 600mm wide pull-out waste bin that holds two 44-litre bins.

The 20mm thick composite quartz “Avalanche” work surfaces steal the show, particularly around the island with the two “waterfall” end panels and the under-mount detail on the Blanco Andano extra-large 1½ bowl stainless steel sink—which Mike loves for cleaning his big pots and pans. Also notable on the island is the detail on the handle-less doors which have been reduced in height under the knee-space to allow “finger-pull” access to open them, thus avoiding the need for handles which could possibly cause knee injury to anyone seated at the breakfast bar.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a work-specific utility, in the same colours and finishes as the kitchen—with sink, washer and dryer along with boiler housing, cloak cupboard and a tall cabinet to hold all the toiletries and towels for the adjacent wet room/toilet. 

Mike and Angela have expressed in no uncertain terms how extremely pleased they are with their new kitchen and utility.