Shepperton
Edward Schoolheifer’s mid-century homes of Manygate Lane in Shepperton have become icons of modernism, and the owners of this property had spent many months searching for a kitchen design that would do justice to the open-plan 1960s architecture of their home. They turned to Uncommon Projects seeking a more contextually appropriate alternative to the conventional, all-white proposals they’d been given.
Space was limited, so maximising storage was a priority. Uncommon Projects retained the elements of the space that worked – the galley layout, peninsula, and sink position – and introduced tall units on the back wall for the fridge-freezer and oven, framing these with a nib wall and bulkhead above to complement the original recessed ceiling. At the end of the peninsula, an open bookshelf introduces depth and informality, as does the open shelf above the sink.
A warm oak veneer has been chosen for the cabinets to complement the original pine ceiling and hardwood floor, whereas a bold yellow on the peninsula contrasts with the dark grey of the cabinet doors and seizes the attention when viewed from the courtyard.
From the beginning, the goal was to honour the modernist ideals behind the original design, updating it to meet the needs of modern-day living while retaining the warmth and materiality inherent in the space.