Anthi Grapsa Renovates London Home With Blue Kitchen

Interior architect Anthi Grapsa has completed a residential renovation in Ealing, London, that centers on a high-contrast kitchen design and a unconventional “reverse” color scheme. Domino reported that the project involved gutting a poorly insulated rear extension to create a light-filled kitchen space featuring stained blue millwork, copper backsplashes, and reclaimed science lab countertops.

Kitchen Renovation and Material Choices

The project, which spanned one year, focused on improving the ground-floor flow for a homeowner who works in the music industry. Grapsa replaced an existing glass extension with a new kitchen addition that connects the dining area to the home’s patio. The kitchen cabinetry is finished in a blue stain by Morrells, a choice Grapsa made to preserve the natural oak grain while providing a saturated color that reacts to the light from a large overhead skylight.

The stain on the oak cabinetry was ideal because it allows the natural grain to remain visible, creating beautiful variations in tone, from brighter blues to deeper navy, rather than a flat, solid finish.

Anthi Grapsa

To complement the blue cabinetry, the design team incorporated reclaimed iroko wood salvaged from school laboratory worktops. Additionally, Grapsa sourced marble from a supplier to provide a durable surface around the kitchen sink. The flooring utilizes terrazzo, while existing pine floors throughout the rest of the house were repaired and refinished rather than replaced.

Reverse Color Application and Decorative Details

In the study and guest bedroom, Grapsa implemented a design approach she described as a reverse color scheme. Instead of painting the walls, she applied Rouge II paint by Paint & Paper Library to the ceiling, doors, skirting boards, and trim. This framing technique aims to create a vibrant focal point while allowing the walls to remain neutral, keeping the room versatile for multiple uses.

The home also features custom elements intended to maintain visual connections throughout the layout. A bespoke etched-glass window, designed with a composition of curved and straight lines, was installed in an opening that formerly served as a doorway between the kitchen and the dining area. This window allows light to filter through while providing privacy.

Small-Scale Design Interventions

Grapsa utilized smaller spaces within the home to introduce bold patterns. The powder room, which is tucked beneath the stairs and integrated into the joinery, features circus-themed wallpaper designed by Daniel Heath. The architect noted that she views smaller rooms as opportunities for immersive design, allowing for the use of pattern without overwhelming the rest of the dwelling.

The renovation also included the installation of a marble mosaic floor in the powder room, featuring a mix of yellow, brown, and beige tones.