How Yeo's blend of classic and ultra-modern style redefines kitchen chic

Yeo director James Yeo reveals how he and his team combined classic design elements with a pared-back modern look for a brand-new kitchen extension in a period property.
Photographs – Darren Chung.

Q: What type of property was it in and who was the project for?
A: The project was in a Victorian terraced house in Richmond, designed for a lovely family of 4.

Q: What was the brief from the client for this project?
A: They wanted something traditional but with a modern twist – that's one of our favourite briefs. We love the challenge of creating a contrast between old and new. With this project, the property had just undergone a renovation, so the kitchen had to flow seamlessly with the new extension while making a statement of its own. A balance of classic and contemporary, with one standout piece to tie it all together.

Q: How did you go about meeting the brief?
A: We put a fresh spin on traditional by pairing a modern layout with classic in-frame Shaker cabinets. We dressed the doors using Buster + Punch smoked bronze handles, bringing a modern edge to the doors. A drop-down ceiling coffer with LED lighting sets the mood, with more lighting tucked along the hob and sink run for that extra layer of detail. Chunky Caesarstone worktops and a waterfall island ground the space. Finished in Farrow & Ball's Railings 31', with a hand-veneered oak pocket door unit and sleek handle detailing.

Q: What type of cabinetry did you choose and what made it the perfect choice?
A: The in-frame Shaker cabinets were designed and custom-made in our workshop in Bude, featuring oak-veneered birch plywood units finished in a semi-matt 'Railings 31' from Farrow & Ball. The traditional-style beaded frames and classic profile detail on the cabinet fronts provided the perfect contrast to the contemporary monolithic kitchen island, demonstrating the perfect twist on tradition.

Q: Did you use anything different or unusual?
A: As well as Caesarstone 'Statuario Maximus' worktops, and Buster + Punch smoked bronze handles, we used Quooker taps, Neolith iron copper splashback, Gaggenau appliances, Blanco sinks and a Westin hood. We only use the very best materials and products in our designs. For example, when it comes to extraction, Westin is the benchmark. Powerful, refined, and built to perform – seamlessly integrated into our designs without compromise. We want to use products that our clients can trust and will last them for years to come.

Q: What were the particular challenges that you faced?
A: The biggest challenge was moving the single slab of Neolith Iron Copper for the splashback. We had to create a custom metal frame to carry it into the house without snapping it. It was extremely stressful due to the sheer size of it, and 2 pieces broke on the lorry on the way over, but when it finally arrived safely, it felt like a massive success and added the perfect statement to the design!

Q: Are there any design elements that you’re particularly proud of?
A: The standout feature in this design has to be the single slab of Neolith Iron Copper, measuring 1300 x 3650 x 6mm, used as the splashback. Getting it inside in one piece was no small feat, but we created a custom metal frame to make it happen. To finish, we added concealed LED lighting to highlight the texture and depth, turning it into a real statement piece.

Q: What is the client's favourite part of the finished project?
A: The client said: "Our favourite aspect is the counter and storage space set behind the pocket doors – and having the flexibility to show or hide this area. I also like the fact that the fridge, freezer and wine fridge are all flush and recessed into the wall alongside the larder cupboards – it gives the kitchen a real sense of pace around the central island. We're still loving the kitchen after 7 years!" It's comments like this that make it all worth it. We love to see our designs loved and lived in!