Built in 2002, the Blue House in Hackney is one of the most architecturally significant contemporary houses in East London – with its instantly recognisable, cartoonish façade. As part of a refurbishment and extension programme completed in 2020, Uncommon Projects was called in to replace the original kitchen, without radically altering the layout.

Working closely with the original architect, Professor Sean Griffiths, and his preliminary sketches for a new open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, Uncommon Projects developed an appealingly unusual scheme in keeping with the house’s idiosyncratic character.

Sean wanted to use Uncommon Projects signature in-frame style for the base units, finished with a matt maroon laminate to complement the hardwood parquet floor, but was keen to push convention when it came to the wall and tall units. For the wall cabinets, they collaborated on a striped design in matt white, matching the neighbouring balustrade. Partitioned from the dining and food-prep area by an open, oversized door frame, the tall units housing the oven, fridge and pantry were finished with asymmetric lacquered panel doors in a rich teal.