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An American Cherry Kitchen

LocationGlasgow, UKDesignStudio Teller

After a decade of living in a one bedroom flat, in London, Rosie and James craved more space and ideally a bigger kitchen. They made the decision to move back to their native Scotland, not only to be closer to their family, but because the lower property prices would afford them much more space to grow into. The move gathered pace once they purchased a wonderful Victorian, mid-terrace, red sandstone property in the conservation area of Jordanhill, in Glasgow’s West End. They bought the house with the intention of extending it, and reimagining the small galley kitchen and separate dining room, that simply didn’t suit their lifestyle. Having just vacated their cramped space in the English capital, the couple really wanted somewhere to entertain, and somewhere with plenty of space to host all their friends and family. Rosie has always worked in food, having undertaken recipe development and food styling for magazines, as well as writing about restaurants for many years. So it was a priority to create an environment that would make cooking and entertaining a pleasure.

The kitchen designers, Studio–Teller, came onboard during the architectural design stage and worked closely with the couple to choose an overall design style for the kitchen. Having considered a number of different materials, potential colourways, and also construction styles, they ultimately agreed on a warm cherry timber. They felt the warmth and texture of the natural timber would create an interesting contrast to the light-filled, high-ceiling space that would be painted in light tones.

 

 

 

 

 

Constructed in a framed style using American Cherry, the combination of simple wooden cabinetry and clean white lines creates an almost ‘Washitsu’ aesthetic that wouldn’t look out of place in a typical home in Kyoto, Japan. The whole space has a simple sophistication wherever you look. The flat fronted raw timber doors with no handles. The simple but beautifully aligned white wall paneling. The clean lines of the luxurious ‘Crema Marfil’ marble worktops by Blyth Marble and seamless white Comporta Rubber floors. They all combine perfectly to the room’s peaceful ambiance that instantly calms your mind. This effect is a result of the space's commitment to order and restraint.

 

 

It takes effort and determination to maintain the appearance of open shelves. So many of us would struggle to resist the clutter and personal ‘knick-knacks’ that inevitably come with everyday life. Yet here it seems almost effortless.

 

A full height fridge freezer and pantry unit that is discreetly hidden behind pocket-pivot doors, runs into a lower main run of cabinetry, alongside a Rangemaster gas range cooker. The hidden pantry conceals a coffee-making workspace, shelving for dry goods, custom egg holders, and perforated aluminium and timber vegetable baskets. Taking advantage of a hidden infill space behind the wall, it also includes two extra-deep drawers and a sliding door that opens to reveal a secret storage compartment.

 

 

 

As you would expect with Rosie’s background in food, there is real evidence here to suggest this is very much a hard-working, fully functioning kitchen. You see this clearly with the choice of sink, a Shaws Double Shaker. Rosie grew up with a Shaws Butler sink, and has always wanted one in her own kitchen. They are both functional and beautiful, and have generous proportions that allow her to fit full baking trays in one bowl while still being able to use the other.

 

The sink’s simple but classic style works perfectly with the kitchen’s overall design scheme. The couple sensibly added a robust Perrin & Rowe Ionian Bridge Mixer with a separate Rinse in a nickel finish. They included a very practical, but equally beautiful Pot Filler in a Nickel Finish over the range – also from Perrin & Rowe. This Pot Filler was an ‘absolute must’ for Rosie who loves to cook, so gets plenty of use out of the additional water point during busy prep.

 

 

 

The sink is positioned directly below the large arched window, giving a perfect view of the garden. The sink’s crisp white glazed finish immediately catches your eye, and acts as a focal point for the sightline from the hallway into the kitchen.

The freestanding island, set higher than the main kitchen run, contains additional cabinetry, integrated bins, a 12-bottle wine rack and open display shelving. The marble worktop, polished nickel hardware and solid Cherry shelving provide a central hub for family and friends to gather around and catch up over coffee, or maybe a glass or two of wine.

With thanks to Studio Teller and Richard Gaston.