Small Contemporary White Matte Handless Kitchen with Island

The Brief

When we first met the clients at their home in Lindfield, West Sussex, it was clear they were looking for more than just a stylish kitchen—they wanted a space that felt calm, deliberate, and enduring. With a generous open-plan layout and a love of clean, contemporary design, they came to us seeking something pared back, but not cold—minimal, yet still full of character.

They were instinctively drawn to the handleless slab cabinetry, we saw this as an opportunity to create something beautifully architectural. We chose a muted grey finish to keep the space grounded and refined, and paired it with natural wood accents to introduce warmth and visual depth. A marble-effect island became the central focus of the layout—not only as a practical workspace and breakfast bar but also as a sculptural element that draws you in from every angle. Integrated Miele appliances were specified to preserve the clean lines, and a bespoke glass-fronted cabinet allowed for personal display without cluttering the visual flow.

Storage was key. The clients wanted a kitchen that worked effortlessly day to day, so we incorporated concealed solutions throughout—including a larder with internal lighting and glass-sided internal drawer boxes, tailored to the family’s exact needs. This brief reflected a clear, design-aware client vision—our role was to elevate that with proportion, palette and precision detailing. The end result is a quiet, contemporary kitchen that complements the architecture of the home while offering exceptional functionality.

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The Design

Working with Light, Space and natural texture

This project was about restraint. The space already had generous light and good architectural bones, so I focused on keeping the layout quiet and intentional. We used soft grey slab cabinetry as a neutral backdrop and brought in wooden accessories to lend warmth and balance without introducing too many materials. The island was treated as a sculptural element—finished in a marble-effect quartz that gives texture and movement without overpowering the room. Appliances were integrated fully, allowing the volume of the furniture to read clearly, without interruption.

Details That Disappear (Until You Need Them)

The detailing was deliberately subtle. There’s a decorative larder, discreet handleless grip rails, and task lighting tucked beneath the upper run—designed to disappear until needed. We added a glazed cabinet to introduce reflection and layering, softening the transition between kitchen and living zones. It’s a design that sits back and lets the space breathe, but every line has been considered. For similar projects, visit our pages on bespoke kitchen storage and contemporary kitchen design.

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