Nick Burr’s Cover Story
The purchase of a brand-new apartment on the Dorset coast put Tina and Brian Foss in an enviable position. ‘At that stage, the building was a hole in the ground – all we had was a sketched plan of the space,’ says Tina. ‘But being there from the start gave us a choice in everything.’
The couple, who both work in financial services, couldn’t wait to relinquish the dated kitchen in their former home. They were so keen to wipe the slate clean that they took the radical decision to off-load its entire contents. ‘It was incredibly liberating, leaving us free to choose elements that would complement our new surroundings,’ says Tina.
The apartment, with its stunning sea views, cried out for a contemporary kitchen. ‘We wanted some real drama,’ says Brian, ‘and imagined a retro design in white and stainless steel.’
It didn’t take Tina and Brian long to find what they were looking for. They spotted white hi-gloss units by German company Rational in the Kitchen Elegance showroom. Designer Nick Burr quickly impressed the couple with his bright ideas. ‘We were especially keen on a design that featured a sequence of storage units and appliances along the back wall, and had a central island,’ Tina recalls.
Nick’s solution is an impressive mix of practicality and beauty, with generous storage at every turn. At eye level, airline-style cabinets keep tea, coffee and other essentials to hand. Dry goods are stored in a pull-out larder, while an American-style fridge freezer keeps fresh produce crisp and tasty.
Beneath a small peninsula, Brian has compensated for the lack of a wine cellar by installing an undercounter cooler and wine rack. ‘I couldn’t find a rack in stainless steel, so I took a sketch to a metalwork artist who made one up for us,’ he explains.
An oval island forms the hub of the room and conceals a dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer. Standing on one side, you’re in the heart of a working kitchen with everything to hand. High stools demarcate the other side as a breakfast bar, forging a link between the kitchen and the dining area. An icy shade of Corian, with its moulded integral sink and drainer, is a low-maintenance, durable and attractive worksurface that resembles marble.
The open-plan design has taken some getting used to, but Tina and Brian love it. ‘If you put down a coffee cup, the whole place looks untidy,’ says Brian, ‘but we’ve learned to be disciplined. We think Nick’s amazing design deserves to look its best.’