POLISHED CONCRETE KITCHEN ISLAND
OXFORD – OXFORDSHIRE
This Oxford, Oxfordshire kitchen features an impressive four-metre-long polished concrete worktop cast with a substantial 100mm edge. Rather than producing an overly uniform surface, we retained some of the natural voids and character along the concrete edges to complement the rustic reclaimed-oak cabinetry.
The kitchen island and floating shelves were handmade from reclaimed oak salvaged from a 400-year-old church in High Wycombe. The long concrete island cantilevers along its length to create a generous breakfast bar, bringing a contemporary material into a kitchen filled with reclaimed timber and carefully chosen vintage details.
The contrast between materials is one of the things that makes this project particularly successful. Stainless-steel worktops were used elsewhere in the kitchen, while reclaimed wall tiles and charcoal-toned walls provide a restrained backdrop to the concrete and oak. Modern steel-wire stools beneath the island add another contemporary element without competing with the solidity of the worktop.
A polished concrete floor with lightly exposed aggregate continues the material through the wider living space. The clients chose a natural densified finish rather than a surface coating, allowing the floor to retain the variation and patina associated with concrete.
Bold colour adds another layer to the interior. A custom teal wall colour, green planting and reclaimed furniture bring warmth to the large open-plan room, while full-height sliding doors connect the kitchen and living space with the garden outside.
See more of our polished concrete worktops, including colours, finishes and pricing.
Project credits
Reclaimed oak kitchen island — Jos Smith-Whinney
Dark grey ply kitchen cabinetry — Uncommon Projects
Polished concrete floor — Midland Polished Concrete
Reclaimed wall tiles — Bert & May
Pestle and mortar collection — Drew Pritchard
Clay paint — Earthborn
Sliding doors — Kloeber
