London luxury: A Hampstead haven defined by detail

Personal space

Working closely with one of our Senior Design Consultants, Robert Meshev, the owners of this grand property in a chic part of London wanted a space that offered both form and function. A couple from the UK on one side, and Belgium on the other, both with an eye for detail and an appreciation for engineering perfection, the clients had a clear sense of how they wanted the space to work, preserving practicality while combining it with a style that reflected their love of cooking and entertaining, their international lifestyle, and an innate sense of calm.

Honouring the heritage of the building, with its vast windows, high ceilings, and plaster mouldings, they also wanted the space to speak to the best of contemporary style. The final phase of a modern extension, the stage was set for a culinary space that formed the central hub of the home, offering a sanctuary for the couple whether they were having a quiet morning coffee, or hosting family and friends from around the world.

Form and function

The preservation of seamlessness and tranquillity was paramount for the couple – a mindset that lent itself to the integration of technology and craftsmanship that allowed for hidden storage and smart functionality. As a generously sized room, it supported the use of contrasting hues, from dark woods to clean, muted tones, as well as statement pieces of custom-designed fittings and finishes.

The journey to the final aesthetic unfolded through a series of meticulously considered iterations, as the couple refined what felt right for them and their home. Under Robert’s direction, trust became the foundation of the process, culminating in an environment defined by master craftsmanship and state-of-the-art engineering – an expression of depth and sophistication that sits effortlessly within its surroundings.

The art of balance

A careful interplay of colour and texture reveals a subtle Scandinavian influence: herringbone wooden flooring paired with an off-white island, crisp white walls, dark wood-veneer tall cabinetry, and durable ceramic worktops that echo the beauty of natural stone.

Above the sink, a sculptural shelf adds both visual intrigue and practical function, its form suggesting the ability to slide in opposite directions—a modern interpretation of Yin and Yang that deepens the room’s sense of balance. With the generous scale of the space and floor-to-ceiling storage, this singular feature quietly hints at the understated luxury of abundance.

At the heart of the room, a custom island seamlessly integrates with a solid oak table that mirrors the surrounding woodwork, creating a harmonious dialogue between the two. The cubist lines of the island are softened by the gentle curves of the Occhio lights above, while the arrangement forms a natural gathering point for convivial conversation, connecting those seated with anyone cooking or moving through the space.

Hidden agenda

So much of what makes this space sing is in the cumulative effect of hidden details. An iron hand in a velvet glove, it is the unyielding commitment to perfection that ensures it exudes sophistication. Guests will know they have entered a world that’s uniquely special but will never be able to point to a singular source of their impression.

Notable details include pocket doors that accommodate a drinks and coffee station; the integrated Gaggenau appliances; and the tall cabinets set deep into the wall to give the illusion of being slender on the outside whilst offering the functionality of depth within. The use of the SieMatic SLX system, which combined lightness and luxury with technical sophistication also underpins the overall effect.