An award-shortlisted kitchen where expressive natural stone, antique brass and sculptural furniture redefine contemporary living.

Our bespoke kitchen design in St John’s Wood, Material Dialogue, demonstrates how architecture, craftsmanship and carefully selected materials can transform an unconventional space.

Point 5 Kitchens is delighted that this distinctive project has been shortlisted for Kitchen Design of the Year Under £40,000 at the KBBFocus Awards & Celebration 2026.

Created for a sculptural artist, the kitchen combines dramatic Patagonia quartzite, antique brass and bronze-tinted glass. Together, these materials establish an elegant dialogue between artistic expression and everyday functionality.

A Bespoke Kitchen Designed Around Architecture and Art

Located on one of St John’s Wood’s most prestigious residential streets, the property is a converted apartment with exceptional architectural character.

Its dramatic double-height reception area and gallery-like proportions create an atmosphere unlike a conventional home. Therefore, the kitchen needed to complement the surrounding architecture rather than simply occupy the available space.

The homeowner’s background as a sculptural artist added another dimension to the brief. Every element needed to demonstrate the same sensitivity to form, proportion and materiality found in contemporary art.

Our design approach focused on creating a kitchen that felt architectural, expressive and beautifully resolved.

Rather than introducing conventional furniture arrangements, we developed a composition that celebrates the relationship between natural materials and bespoke craftsmanship.

Overcoming the Challenges of a Mezzanine Kitchen

The kitchen occupies a space beneath the apartment’s mezzanine level, creating several architectural challenges.

Structural elements restrict the available height and natural light. Consequently, a conventional kitchen layout could have made the space feel darker and visually compressed.

Our designers approached these limitations through careful spatial planning and a strong emphasis on visual lightness.

A calm cabinetry palette creates continuity, while open shelving allows the striking stone surfaces to remain visible.

Furthermore, carefully considered proportions help the furniture feel integrated into the architecture.

The result is a welcoming kitchen that feels intentional, balanced and connected to the wider apartment.

Patagonia Quartzite: A Natural Stone Statement

The defining feature of Material Dialogue is its spectacular full-height Patagonia quartzite splashback.

This extraordinary natural stone introduces dramatic veining, crystalline textures and a rich variation of colour.

Positioned directly within the main sightline from the apartment entrance, the quartzite immediately captures attention.

Rather than interrupting its natural beauty with traditional wall cabinets, our designers chose to celebrate the entire stone surface.

The result is an architectural focal point that feels closer to a carefully curated artwork than a conventional kitchen splashback.

Moreover, the quartzite introduces movement and visual depth, bringing character to the space beneath the mezzanine.

Bespoke Antique Brass and Bronze Glass Shelving

To complement the Patagonia quartzite, our team developed a bespoke floating shelving structure in antique brass.

The carefully engineered framework supports approximately 2.6 metres of bronze-tinted toughened glass shelving.

Its slender proportions create an elegant contrast against the expressive stone, allowing the natural material to remain the dominant feature.

Meanwhile, the warm brass finish introduces a subtle sense of luxury and craftsmanship.

The tinted glass adds transparency and depth without overwhelming the composition.

Together, these elements create a distinctive architectural feature that combines display storage with refined detailing.

This approach demonstrates how bespoke kitchen design can achieve functionality without compromising visual clarity.

A Calm Colour Palette That Celebrates Natural Materials

Combining expressive materials requires careful restraint.

Patagonia quartzite, antique brass and bronze-tinted glass each have a distinctive character. Therefore, the surrounding cabinetry needed to create balance rather than introduce further visual complexity.

Our designers selected RAL 7048 as the unifying colour throughout the furniture and panels.

This sophisticated, understated tone provides a calm backdrop for the more expressive materials.

As a result, the quartzite’s natural pattern becomes more prominent, while the brass and glass contribute subtle warmth and depth.

The consistent cabinetry finish also helps the kitchen feel cohesive within its unusual architectural setting.

Rather than competing for attention, every material contributes to a carefully balanced interior.

Curved Open Shelving and Sculptural Kitchen Details

A conventional linear kitchen could have felt disconnected from the apartment’s gallery-like proportions.

To create a more welcoming transition, our designers introduced a curved open shelving feature at the end of the furniture run.

Its softened geometry draws the eye naturally into the kitchen while extending the perceived footprint of the design.

The curved form also reflects the homeowner’s appreciation of sculptural objects and artistic expression.

Throughout the project, our team used subtle architectural details to maintain a sense of visual lightness.

For example, carefully angled shadow gaps create the impression that substantial stone surfaces float above the cabinetry.

These details soften the appearance of heavy materials and reinforce the kitchen’s contemporary character.

Intelligent Kitchen Planning Beneath the Mezzanine

Although Material Dialogue has a strong artistic identity, everyday functionality remains central to the design.

The kitchen needed to provide a comfortable cooking environment within the restricted space beneath the mezzanine.

Our designers incorporated a venting induction hob into the island, avoiding the need for a conventional overhead extractor.

This solution maintains clear sightlines while supporting effective cooking ventilation.

Furthermore, integrated Siemens appliances provide modern functionality without interrupting the furniture’s refined appearance.

An extra-wide integrated fridge freezer offers generous storage, while the ovens and combination microwave support flexible everyday cooking.

Carefully selected brass fittings, including a Quooker Flex tap and matching sink, complete the working area.

These details demonstrate how technical performance and architectural elegance can work together.

Precision Manufacturing and Bespoke Craftsmanship

Material Dialogue required close coordination between creative design, technical planning and specialist manufacturing.

The antique brass shelving structure needed to support the glass shelves securely while maintaining a delicate appearance.

Likewise, the cabinetry required precise dimensions to fit beneath the mezzanine and around the existing structural elements.

Our manufacturing team developed the furniture to suit the apartment’s unique proportions.

Careful detailing ensured that the curved shelving, integrated appliances and stone surfaces formed a cohesive composition.

Moreover, the use of shadow gaps required accuracy to achieve the intended floating effect.

Every element reflects our commitment to bespoke manufacturing and carefully considered craftsmanship.

Sustainable Bespoke Kitchen Design with Lasting Appeal

Sustainability also influenced the design approach.

Energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting help reduce everyday energy consumption.

Meanwhile, durable materials such as natural stone, glass and brass support the kitchen’s long-term performance.

Where possible, responsibly sourced finishes were prioritised throughout the project.

The design also embraces longevity through timeless materials and practical functionality.

By creating furniture tailored to the property, our team developed a kitchen intended to remain relevant for years to come.

KBBFocus Awards 2026: Kitchen Design of the Year Under £40,000

We are proud that Material Dialogue has been shortlisted for Kitchen Design of the Year Under £40,000 at the KBBFocus Awards & Celebration 2026.

The nomination recognises a project that challenges conventional kitchen design through architecture, material innovation and technical expertise.

From its extraordinary Patagonia quartzite splashback to the bespoke antique brass shelving, every detail reflects an individual approach to craftsmanship.

Perhaps most importantly, the design achieves remarkable architectural impact within a product investment of under £40,000.

This figure relates to the project’s product investment rather than necessarily representing every cost associated with the completed renovation.

The winners will be announced on 3 December 2026 at The Brewery in London.

We look forward to celebrating alongside the wider kitchen design industry.

A Distinctive Bespoke Kitchen in St John’s Wood

The completed Material Dialogue project transforms an unconventional architectural setting into an elegant and highly individual kitchen.

Its natural stone focal point creates immediate visual impact, while the restrained cabinetry palette maintains a sense of calm.

Antique brass shelving introduces warmth and refinement. Meanwhile, curved furniture and carefully developed shadow gaps reinforce the sculptural character of the space.

The design successfully balances artistic expression with the practical requirements of contemporary living.

Above all, Material Dialogue demonstrates how thoughtful bespoke design can respond to architecture rather than impose a conventional layout.

Discover Bespoke Kitchen Design in St John’s Wood and North London

At Point 5 Kitchens, we design and manufacture bespoke kitchens that reflect the architecture, lifestyle and individual requirements of each client.

Our projects range from contemporary apartments and period properties to ambitious architectural extensions.

Every design combines carefully considered materials, intelligent planning and precision craftsmanship.

We work with homeowners across St John’s Wood, Hampstead, Belsize Park, Marylebone and the surrounding areas of London.

Visit our Belsize Park showroom at 53 England’s Lane, London, to explore our kitchen displays and discover the possibilities of truly bespoke furniture.

Our experienced team can help you develop a kitchen that feels personal, functional and beautifully integrated into your home.

Book a personalised design consultation with Point 5 Kitchens and discover how we can bring your vision to life.