Creating a kitchen for a family home, where they and friends could gather, designer Andreya Ciampa of Lima Kitchens won the Kbsa Young Designer Award.

Designer for a family home, and replacing a kitchen which had been damaged by a leak, designer Andrea Ciampa of Lima Kitchens created an award-winning project.

The clients requested a social space, which could be used for the family to gather and also as a place to entertain guests.

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She recently scooped Kbsa Young Designer of the Year for the kitchen which not only met the brief, but optimised the use of a large space and made the most of natural light.

Breakfast bar position

The clients requested an island, and originally wanted bar-type seating on one side.

Andreya said at the same time, they wanted an area to gather for breakfast and where friends could be entertained in the evening.

She noted the large amount of available space, together with the position of patio doors which led out to the garden and bathed the kitchen in natural light.

Andreya said if she positioned seating along the island, as requested, people would be sat with their backs to the garden.

So, she encouraged the client to have a breakfast bar, which was perpendicular to the island, to not only optimise the use of the large space but also make the most of the garden view, as well as natural light.

“They loved it, and they loved the Black Oak which created such a lovely contrast with the kitchen”, she added.

Dekton details

Speaking about the overall aesthetic, Andreya explained: “I wanted to create an open area, where you could see the beautiful Dekton worksurface”, adding the clients wanted the same worktop material to be used on the wall behind the sink.

So used Dekton as a splashback behind the sink and an open shelf with lighting below to illuminate the material.

Above the shelf, Andreya featured tongue and groove panelling, which mirrored the use in the kitchen island.

In addition, she also used Dekton in the deep kitchen window sill, as a small feature area, where the client could display growing herbs or plants.

“Because you know when you put plants in a home, especially in a kitchen, it just elevates it”, adds Andreya.

Design challenge and highlights

Among the design challenges, Andreya explained were the technical difficulties of working around the existing underfloor heating and ensuring electrical services and water connections were routed to the correct places.

She also pointed to creating an attractive back wall, without relying on symmetry, and providing all the storage the clients wanted without it being excessive.

Andreya pointed out the breakfast bar and sink areas as her personal highlights of the project. “For me, the sink area which opens up the space, with tongue and groove panelling, I just love this look and I’m so happy my clients loved it as well.”

She continued, stating the clients were particularly pleased with the pocket drawer pantry and glass dresser.

“My clients are coffee aficionados and the pantry featured a coffee machine with a choice of different types of coffees and teas, which could be hidden away when the area is not in use.

“They also liked the glazed door dresser with mirrored back panel.”

She concluded: “It brings so much depth, plays with light in the room, and looks beautiful when they have their glasses displayed in it. When you walk into the house, you can see it straightaway.”

Read about all the winners of the Kbsa Designer Awards 2024.