Felix Milns on Designing the Wavendon Kitchen

Set within a classic end-terrace home in West London, the Wavendon kitchen forms part of a full ground floor remodel delivered alongside Zulufish. Externally traditional, the home opens into a dramatic side extension with poured concrete flooring extending into the garden, five overhead rooflights within a pitched roof, and Crittall doors that flood the space with natural light.

We spoke to Felix Milns about the thinking behind the design.

Q: What did your client want to achieve?

The client wanted a flexible, free-flowing space that would work for the whole family. With young children, the kitchen needed to support busy daily life while still feeling calm and considered.

It was important that the space didn’t feel like a white box. The room is expansive and filled with light, so introducing warmth and depth was key. The clients also wanted to integrate a television into the main wall without it feeling overbearing, and to create a space that felt more lounge-like than purely functional.

The overall direction was clean and contemporary, but with enough layering to transition from daytime family use to a more relaxed evening setting.

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Q: How did you respond to that brief?

We began by studying the volume of the room and dividing it into distinct yet harmonious zones: cooking, dining and living.

The sculptural island naturally separates preparation from relaxation. Beyond this, a softer living area extends from the kitchen, using the same material palette to maintain cohesion.

The abundance of glazing meant light was a defining feature. We chose a rich blue palette to reflect the sky above while adding depth to the space.

The client’s budget was £80,000 including VAT, which we delivered inclusive of appliances and a premium Calacatta Neolith worktop.

Q: Why did you choose this cabinetry and work surface combination?

The cabinetry is painted in Salamander by Benjamin Moore, a deep inky blue that immediately gives the space presence and warmth. In a room with so much natural light, the darker tone adds balance and avoids the space feeling flat.

The Calacatta Neolith worktop, used across the splashback and island, provides sculptural impact while remaining practical. At 12mm thick, it feels elegant and minimal, yet it is ultra-durable and hygienic, ideal for family life.

Q: Was there any structural work involved?

We were working with Zulufish who delivered a full remodel to the ground floor. Unusually the side return had already been extended into, however the original side walls had not been removed, so the space that is now the open plan kitchen living area was divided into 3 small rooms and a corridor. The difference once the space was opened up completely transformed the dynamic of the house.

Q: What design elements make the scheme particularly successful?

The island is central to the concept. It provides significant storage, conceals appliances, and creates a natural divide between cooking and living areas. We introduced a metallic effect finger bar to add a touch of glamour to the otherwise minimal look.

Subtle details, such as aligning the island with the expansion joint in the concrete floor, contribute to the overall sense of precision.

Q: Now the project is complete, what are you most pleased with?

We would say this kitchen is a perfect example of contemporary sophistication. The clean lines and chameleon-like colour really unite the main kitchen and island, creating a harmonious connection between living and cooking areas.

Q: Do you have a signature style?

Not at all, in fact each project is wholly unique and bespoke to the space and the lives of the client, underpinned by studied craftsmanship and creativity. It’s what makes our work so rewarding to see each kitchen come to life.

Q: Are you seeing more large-scale kitchen projects?

The kitchen has become the most multi-faceted space in the home. While open-plan layouts remain popular, we are increasingly designing what we describe as “flexi-plan” spaces: open but with clearly defined zones for relaxing, dining, working or laundry.

Walk-in pantries and concealed breakfast stations are also rising in popularity. They allow everyday items to remain accessible but hidden, maintaining visual calm within larger spaces.