The designer: James Yeo at YEO Design

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The story: Classic yet modern, YEO Design has created and built a stunning in-frame Shaker-style kitchen for a property in Richmond, packing it full of its favourite brands.

Designer Q&A:

Q) What was your brief from the client?

Traditional with a modern twist. Designed for a family of four, this space had to flow seamlessly with the new extension while making a statement of its own. A balance of classic and contemporary, with one standout piece to tie it all together.

Q) How did you answer that brief?

We put a fresh spin on tradition by pairing a modern layout with classic Shaker-style doors. Buster + Punch smoked bronze handles bring the edge. A drop-down ceiling coffer with LED lighting sets the mood, with more lighting tucked along the hob and sink run for that extra layer of detail.

Chunky Caesarstone worksurfaces and a waterfall island add the weight. Finished in Farrow and Ball Railings 31, with a hand-veneered oak pocket door unit and sleek handle detailing.

Q) Which products did you use and why?

As always, we’ve sourced the best brands in the industry – Buster + Punch smoked bronze handles, Gaggenau appliances, Blanco sinks, a Quooker tap, a Caesarstone 5031 Statuario Maximus worksurface, Neolith stone splashback and a Westin hood.

When it comes to extraction, Westin is the benchmark. Powerful, refined and built to perform, it’s seamlessly integrated into our designs without compromise. We only use the best products.

Q) Which design elements do you think make the scheme so successful?

The standout feature in this design is the single slab of Neolith Iron Copper, measuring 1300mm x 3650mm x 6mm, used as the splashback. Getting it inside in one piece was no small feat, but we created a custom metal frame to make it happen. Concealed LED lighting highlights the texture and depth, turning it into a real statement piece.

Q) Any advice for anyone who may be planning their own new kitchen project?

If we could offer one piece of advice, it would be to get the kitchen designer or cabinetmaker on board as early as you can. Too often, we see people wait until later in the process but the kitchen and furniture set the tone for so many other trades. Getting us in from the start keeps everything running smoothly.

The details:

Kitchen by YEO Design

Interior fittings by Blum

Handles by Buster + Punch

Worksurfaces by Caesarstone

Splashback by Neolith

Appliances by Gaggenau and Westin

Sinks and tap by Blanco and Quooker

Hayley loves: the blend of classic and contemporary style in this light and airy open-plan space.