A modern kitchen interior featuring a prominent black L-shaped island with a white countertop, dark wood cabinetry, a tiled backsplash, and a herringbone wood floor.

Black Stained Oak Kitchen

Dulwich, London

In collaboration with A Small Studio: Set in a 1960s property in Dulwich Village, this kitchen came about as part of a full downstairs remodel by architectural firm A Small Studio.

The growing family loved their location but needed more space, so the garage was converted and extended, creating a new home for the kitchen — now bathed in light thanks to a glass roof light running the full length of the room.

The clients wanted to reuse their existing kitchen cupboards rather than start from scratch, so we updated them with new faces, while the newly enlarged space gave us the opportunity to add far more storage and a proper island.

We worked closely with the family to design a large double larder and fridge unit, with extensive storage including a dedicated tea, coffee and toaster station alongside everyday food and spice storage — all with push-to-open drawers and doors, kept free of visible hardware for a clean look.

The island measures three metres and houses double ovens, six sets of drawers, two cupboards, and enough space to comfortably seat family and guests at the breakfast bar. Both the island and the rest of the kitchen are finished in a steel frame powder-coated in RAL 9005, paired with oak veneer birch plywood fronts stained in smoked ebony — a finish that gives the wood real warmth while still letting the natural grain show through.

The island worktop is topped in a substantial 5mm-thick stainless steel surface. It was a pleasure working with both the clients and the architects to achieve a space that genuinely reflects the family's personality and style.

Details: Stained ebony oak veneer on a birch plywood core. Steel frame powder-coated in RAL 6021. Metal handles. 5mm thick stainless steel worktop.
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