SCANDINAVIAN NOIR KITCHEN
This South Devon home called for a kitchen that could balance visual drama with everyday practicality. Designed by Richard Parnell, the space needed to work hard for a busy household, comfortably hosting family, friends and furry companions, while delivering a refined, contemporary aesthetic.
THE DESIGN
The brief centred on creating a dark, moody kitchen that felt confident rather than heavy. Texture, contrast and scale were key considerations, with materials carefully selected to add warmth and depth while maintaining clean architectural lines.
At the heart of the room sits a substantial island, positioned to support both daily use and social interaction. One end incorporates seating, ideal for late night working, informal meals or entertaining, while the opposite end houses a discreet built under drinks fridge, ensuring refreshments are always within easy reach.
A structural beam located centrally within the room could have interrupted the flow of the space. Instead, it was carefully concealed beneath bookmatched Dekton Laurent, turning a functional necessity into a striking design feature that enhances the overall composition.
THE RESULT
The island is finished in Manston Matt Aluma, delivering a smooth, contemporary surface that grounds the scheme. Surrounding this, the wall and back cabinetry is specified in Linden Brown Warmia Walnut, a richly textured wood effect door with warm tones and darker veining running throughout. The result is a layered palette that feels both luxurious and inviting.
Storage has been thoughtfully planned across the back run, with generous cabinetry and underlit wall storage adding both functionality and atmosphere. Integrated lighting highlights the texture of the materials while supporting everyday task use.
THE EXTRAS
Built into the wall cabinetry are top of the range Neff appliances, seamlessly integrated to preserve the clean lines of the design. A built under Neff drinks fridge is housed within the island, adding convenience without visual clutter.
The sink run features a Quooker PRO3 Fusion Square boiling water tap in Gold, combining practicality with a subtle statement finish that complements the darker tones of the kitchen.
Worktops and splashback are finished in Dekton Laurent in a 20mm thickness. Used consistently across horizontal and vertical surfaces, the deep veining and dark base colour unify the scheme and elevate the overall finish.
THE EXTRAS
Built into the wall cabinetry are top of the range Neff appliances, seamlessly integrated to preserve the clean lines of the design. A built under Neff drinks fridge is housed within the island, adding convenience without visual clutter.
The sink run features a Quooker PRO3 Fusion Square boiling water tap in Gold, combining practicality with a subtle statement finish that complements the darker tones of the kitchen.
Worktops and splashback are finished in Dekton Laurent in a 20mm thickness. Used consistently across horizontal and vertical surfaces, the deep veining and dark base colour unify the scheme and elevate the overall finish.
THE EXTRAS
Built into the wall cabinetry are top of the range Neff appliances, seamlessly integrated to preserve the clean lines of the design. A built under Neff drinks fridge is housed within the island, adding convenience without visual clutter.
The sink run features a Quooker PRO3 Fusion Square boiling water tap in Gold, combining practicality with a subtle statement finish that complements the darker tones of the kitchen.
Worktops and splashback are finished in Dekton Laurent in a 20mm thickness. Used consistently across horizontal and vertical surfaces, the deep veining and dark base colour unify the scheme and elevate the overall finish.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS PROJECT
DYNAMIC SPACE SINK DRAWERS
Designed to work around the realities of plumbing without compromising on usability, the U-shaped sink drawer turns an often underused area into practical, accessible storage. It supports a clean, uncluttered sink run while keeping frequently used items close at hand.
QUOOKER BOILING WATER TAP
The Quooker boiling water tap transforms the way a kitchen works. From filling pans in seconds to making hot drinks on demand, it removes waiting time from everyday routines. Discreetly integrated into the sink area, it combines intelligent engineering with refined design, proving that practical features can still feel beautifully considered.
DRAMATIC DEKTON DETAILS
Dekton worktops bring a sense of confidence to kitchen design. Their deep colourways and striking veining create visual impact, while the ultra-compact surface ensures the worktop stands up to everyday use without compromise. It is a material chosen not only for its strength, but for the way it elevates the overall look of a kitchen.
WARM KITCHEN ELEMENTS
Wooden kitchen elements introduce warmth, texture and depth to a space, creating balance within contemporary design schemes. Whether used for cabinetry, internal storage or feature details, wood brings a natural softness that complements modern materials while maintaining a timeless quality.
