01 Ask [Define Requirements]
The client, a professional couple with a small family, residing in a classic Victorian 3-story terrace in west London, desired a breakfast bar that would serve multiple purposes: a casual dining space attached to an existing island, a work-from-home station, and an entertaining hub. They provided the following initial requirements and constraints:
- Dimensions: Limited space dictated a maximum length of 1.2 meters and a depth of 0.6 meters. The extended height needs to comfortably accommodate bar stools, approximately 1050mm.
- Material: They expressed a preference for a durable and easy-to-clean surface. Initial thoughts included quartz or a high-quality solid wood. The base material needed to be sturdy and visually appealing.
- Colour & Style: The kitchen featured light grey cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. The breakfast bar should complement this aesthetic, leaning towards neutral tones, possibly incorporating a contrasting element.
- Budget: While not explicitly stated, the clients indicated a willingness to invest in quality materials and craftsmanship, suggesting a mid-to-high-end budget.
- Timeline: The project needed to be completed within 6 weeks due to an upcoming move-in date.
Spindlelegs Bespoke Furniture
02 Research [Problem Solving]
- Breakfast Bar Dimensions and Ergonomics: Online resources and kitchen design guides were consulted to ensure comfortable knee clearance and optimal counter height for bar stools. Standard bar stool heights were researched to inform the breakfast bar height.
- Surface Materials: Quartz, granite, and solid wood options were compared based on durability, maintenance, cost, and aesthetic qualities. Information on different wood species (oak, walnut) and their suitability for a breakfast bar surface was gathered.
- Base Construction and Joinery: Different base construction methods, including solid wood frames and metal supports, were considered. Joinery techniques like mortise and tenon, biscuit joints, and screw and dowel were researched for strength and visual appeal.
03 Imagine [Possible Solutions]
- Solution 1: Quartz Countertop with Wooden Base: A rectangular quartz countertop in a light grey shade, supported by a solid oak base. The base would have clean, straight lines.
- Solution 2: Solid Walnut Countertop with Metal Frame: A solid walnut countertop with a waterfall edge, supported by a minimalist black powder-coated metal frame. Butcher Block Style Breakfast Bar: A thick butcher block countertop made from sustainably sourced maple, supported by veneered chipboard.
04 Plan [Down-Selecting]
After presenting the initial concepts and 3D models to the clients, and considering the budget and timeline, Solution 2 (Butcher Block Style Breakfast Bar) was selected as the most promising. The down-selection process involved:
Detail of the
Side Elevation
Countertop Material
Quartz was chosen for its durability, ease of maintenance, and availability in a suitable light grey colour that complemented the existing kitchen.
Base Material and Finish
Solid oak was selected for its strength and natural beauty. A clear matte lacquer finish was chosen to protect the wood while showcasing its grain and maintaining a modern feel.
A London family needed a multi-functional breakfast bar for their light grey kitchen within 6 weeks.
Imagining a 3D Space
It is our commitment to promote through a collaborative approach with clients. This typically runs through a set of limited iterations. Imagining those updates and satisfying client preferences, using 3D software , as visualised below, is our preferred process.
Enjoy the video!
For a no-obligation, design consultation contact Spindlelegs today.
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Breakfast Bar, Kitchen Design, Residential Design Interior Design, Case Study, London, United Kingdom, Bespoke Furniture Custom Furniture, Modern Kitchen, Minimalist Design, Quartz Countertop, Solid Wood (Oak), Drawer Storage, Handleless Drawers, Space Saving, Functionality. Aesthetics, Design Process, Requirements Gathering, Problem Solving, Brainstorming, Sketching, 3D Modeling, Down-Selecting, Prototyping, Final Design, Interior Designers, Architects, Kitchen Designers, Homeowners, Furniture Makers,
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