The Elegant Dark Oak Kitchen in London
In the charming district of Acton, West London, a newly renovated Victorian-style brick house balances traditional British architecture and Art Deco influences. The elegant dark oak kitchen from Nordiska Kök, inspired by Scandinavian design, enhances the home's sophisticated atmosphere.
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At the heart of the home lies the Nordiska Kök kitchen, where the warm, deep tones of dark oak create a beautiful contrast with the beige quartzite, exuding simplicity and timeless elegance. “Onn” pendant lights by Arturo Alvarez.
The new extension features full-height glazed French doors and screens, allowing light to flood the space and creating a seamless visual connection to the garden.
Located on one of Acton’s most sought-after streets, London-based architecture firm Rider Stirland Architects has created a personal, playful, yet timeless home for their client. Here, traditional British architecture, Art Deco elements, and clean Scandinavian aesthetics merge into an eclectic mix that feels both warm and inviting.
– Our client wanted to create a special family home, distinct and particular to them. We extended the house to create an open-plan kitchen, living and dining room, altered the layout to create key secondary spaces, and refurbished the interiors throughout, says Barry Stirland, Founder, Rider Stirland Architects.
The open-plan layout between the kitchen and living area allows for a seamless flow between social spaces. Roof glazing brings in natural light, further enhancing the airy and spacious atmosphere.
The bespoke kitchen from Nordiska Kök embodies a modern expression, where dark oak and warm beige quartzite interact to create a space that exudes both warmth and elegance. The combination of natural materials and light-coloured walls provides a modern contrast to the rest of the home’s interior, emphasizing the simplicity of Scandinavian style.
The spacious kitchen island provides generous workspace. Taj Mahal quartzite in a leathered finish is used for the kitchen worktop and splashback.
Arched design elements are a consistent feature throughout the home, enhancing the geometric aesthetic characteristic of Art Deco.
A standout detail, both functional and subtle, is the cupboard for cooking essentials, hidden behind a sliding splashback section. Kitchen tap by Francone.
Thoughtfully designed details seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. A cupboard for cooking essentials, hidden behind a sliding splashback section made from the same quartzite as the worktop, is a subtle yet key functional element of the kitchen. The integrated pantry offers ample storage while maintaining an elegant and sophisticated look.
– A subtle yet key functional element of the kitchen is a section of splashback that slides to reveal a hidden cupboard for our client’s cooking essentials. It is located within an arm’s reach of the induction hob. Both the worktop and splashback are formed in a beautiful natural quartzite with a leathered finish, says Barry.
The open-plan kitchen enhances social interaction, maximizes natural light, and creates a spacious, airy feel. With a seamless flow between cooking, dining, and living areas, it offers flexibility, functionality, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The kitchen floor, crafted from composite stone tiles and laid in a bespoke pattern runs through into the pantry at one end and the utility room at the other. The bespoke cabinetry in the utility room, featuring dark oak and white cabinets, further enhances the cohesive aesthetic of the home.
– We love the modern design of the Nordiska Kök cabinetry and the materials are beautiful in themselves. The chosen dark oak and white cabinets for the kitchen and the utility room complement the overall project, the end result is a real showpiece, says Barry.
Laid in a bespoke pattern, the kitchen floor adds a playful touch to the overall design. Wall lights “Marlowe” by Felix Lighting.
Wood and tiled composite stone in warm tones and varied textures come together in a harmonious design, adding depth and character to the space.
The utility room features cabinetry from Nordiska Kök, and follows the same colour palette as the kitchen, creating a seamless and cohesive feel throughout the home.
The newly extended area now accommodates the kitchen, dining and living spaces, creating an open-plan setting ideal for social gatherings for family and friends. The project draws inspiration from the Art Deco movement, where geometric shapes, clean lines, vibrant colours, and carefully selected materials form a cohesive design throughout the home.
Arch motifs are recurring design elements throughout the home, mediating between the different spaces.
The modern extension beautifully contrasts with traditional architecture, blending contemporary design with historic charm,
Geometric flooring in the hallway guides visitors further into the home.
“It was important for every part of the house to become well-used, and for the interiors to feel playful yet timeless. We were inspired by New York Art Deco, and created a variety of bespoke tiling patterns along with the use of an arch motif throughout the house.”
Furniture and decor are carefully arranged in a balanced, symmetrical manner, creating a sense of order and harmony.
Art Deco interior design
Art Deco is a design style that emerged in the 1920s and reached its peak in the 1930s. Known for its elegant appeal and geometric shapes, Art Deco interiors combine sophistication with functionality. These interiors often feature symmetry, metallic finishes, and vibrant colors like gold, black, and deep jewel tones.
Vibrant colours, traditional cornices and geometric shapes enhances the eclectic atmosphere of the home.
The charming Victorian-style house in Acton, West London, perfectly balances British architectural heritage, playful Art Deco influences, and clean Scandinavian aesthetic.
The new extension also houses a beautifully designed home office with garden views.
Architect: Rider Stirland Architects
Photo: Chris Wharton
Acton, London
Acton in West London, was originally an ancient village in the 17th and 18th centuries, and its name, meaning "Oak Town," stems from an Anglo-Saxon term linked to early settlement in the area. Today, Acton is known for its vibrant mix of cultures and diverse architectural landscape, with a mix of period homes and modern developments that reflect its rich history and evolution. With excellent transport links and growing popularity as a residential area, it is considered to be one of London’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods.
The kitchen was designed and crafted in Nordiska Kök’s carpentry Studio outside Gothenburg and shipped to the client in England. We are proud to offer our bespoke quality kitchens in Scandinavian design, crafted in Sweden, and available for delivery across Europe.
Discover how to order a kitchen from Nordiska Kök and find inspiration in our beautifully crafted designs, including the vibrant Colourful Scandi kitchen in Aldersbrook, East London and the elegant Chiswick Kitchen in London.
