Kitchen design is about more than aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that resonates with the soul of the home. While awards may not be the goal, an exceptional kitchen goes beyond surface-level finishes. It’s about the craftsmanship, thoughtfulness, and passion poured into every detail, transforming a room into a living experience.
At Nicholas Anthony, our focus is on bringing that philosophy to life. We start by truly listening to our clients, immersing ourselves in the space, understanding how it functions, and collaborating with artisans and technical experts. By blending innovation and artistry, we design kitchens that don’t just meet expectations—they elevate them.
One such example is The Carpenter Kitchen, an exquisite project nestled in the Essex countryside. This design earned us the Kitchen Design Over £50,000 Award at the prestigious International Architecture & Design Awards.
The mark of excellence
Winning this award is not just about recognition – it symbolises a commitment to pushing the boundaries of kitchen design. This year alone, our team was honoured with several accolades, including three awards from The International Property Awards, an organisation celebrated for its high standards in design excellence.
The International Architecture & Design Awards, hosted by design et al, are renowned for showcasing designs that transcend the ordinary. Winning one of these awards affirms our dedication to innovation and artistry. For our team, being recognised for The Carpenter Kitchen was a meaningful milestone, as this project became a canvas where creativity, skill, and passion truly thrive.
Design et al described the project as: “a kitchen that defies convention and redefines the concept of traditional kitchen design. Drawing inspiration from nature and executed with impeccable precision, the project exemplifies innovation, creativity, and adaptability.”
A journey in design
Designing The Carpenter Kitchen was a creative journey that allowed our team to demonstrate the full extent of what great design can achieve. The clients offered us the freedom to explore bold ideas and refine the design in response to the building’s unique characteristics. Instead of viewing structural quirks as limitations, we saw them as opportunities to innovate.
Turning obstacles into opportunities
One of the pivotal moments of the project came when we embraced the unconventional angles of the walls. Instead of adhering to traditional cabinetry designs, we used these angles as inspiration, creating bespoke features that added visual interest and showcased decorative elements. This transformed potential design challenges into highlights of the kitchen’s dynamic atmosphere.
Breaking boundaries in kitchen design
The vision for The Carpenter Kitchen was bold and unconventional. The client desired a space that exuded sophistication and mystery, moving away from the typical bright and airy kitchen in favour of something moodier. We used rich, dark hues – black oak melamine cabinetry, stained oak panelling, and walnut flooring – infusing the kitchen with a sense of intrigue. Metallic accents on the SieMatic doors enhanced this contemporary look, creating a striking contrast with the natural light streaming in through bi-fold doors and strategically placed skylights.
Understated luxury
Balancing the dark colour palette required careful consideration to ensure the space remained warm and inviting. Seamless finishes, smooth lines, and handleless cabinets created an atmosphere of understated luxury. We elevated the design with brushed bronze doors, whose distinctive colour and 6mm frames added an unexpected element of refined opulence.
The art of bringing it all together
Ultimately, the magic of The Carpenter Kitchen lies in the harmony of its elements – form, function, and finish come together to create a space that is more than just a kitchen; it is a place of gathering, of ritual, and of refined living. To us, that’s what makes an award-winning kitchen; a space that enhances daily life and invites a sense of belonging.