The Malta Kitchen
Winner of International Design & Architecture Best Kitchen Award 2023, design et alThis fabulous penthouse apartment overlooking the sea in Malta is a new build with 360 degree views and terraces (one with a pool) on three sides.
Our clients wanted a contemporary look to suit the architectural nature of the space, which is surrounded by full height glazed windows and doors opening onto the terraces for truly inside / out living. Their love of interesting and luxurious materials brought them to Ledbury Studio, and Charlie made full use of a wide palette of beautiful finishes in his designs. As the apartment has very few walls and an open glazed staircase to the floor above, the backs of the tall cupboards are on display and had to look as good as the fronts. Each element of the kitchen had to be conceptualised in a freestanding context as they are clearly visible from all sides as well as above!
The space is divided into a few areas;
The Kitchen
The tall cupboards housing refrigeration and cooking, larder etc are made from black palm veneer framed in natural oak and clad behind with polished mica and a screen made from wooden slats with back lit opaque glass slivers in between. The tea and coffee station to the right of the tall cupboards has a liquid bronze fascia with polished stainless steel, black walnut and marble interior, and is clad behind in polished fluted stainless steel. The majestic breakfast bar made from black palm veneer and is clad in polished mica which has been back lit.
The Bar
The skilful use of materials for the “bar that has everything”, creates a dramatic effect. Tall wine coolers fronted with hammered pewter and resin panels, sit below backlit onyx panels with metal frames. Shelves made from polished stainless steel provide a rack for glasses with antique mirror backpanels and glass shelves for bottles. The black palm cupboards below hide fridges and an icemaker and the worktop is underlit crystal quartzite, adding even more theatre. This whole wonderful piece is further framed in black stained oak and backlit honeyed onyx. At night the effect is true theatre!
The Bar Table
Ideal for perching around for drinks, the bar table is made from a base of blackened stainless steel set in a tray of polished stainless steel. The centre is made from crystal quartzite which is underlit , with a surround of black and white marbles set in a geometric pattern.The elbow rail is made comfortable in a hand stitched leather supported by bright polished steel brackets.
This kitchen and surrounding areas have been designed for maximum wow factor. To bring all these elements together takes an enormous amount of fine craftsmanship and skill but the result is sophisticated, glamorous and simply stunning!
Other kitchen projects
Discuss your kitchen
with Charlie Smallbone
Charlie would be delighted to discuss your new kitchen project with you in more detail, and if appropriate to meet with you to create a design specially suited to your needs and lifestyle.
