VINYL HOUSE: A Kitchen for Dancing
January 14, 2025 No Comments
VINYL HOUSEA KITCHEN FORDANCING Breathtaking renovation by husbandand wife team Benjamin Wilkes Studio When design and passion
Breathtaking renovation by husband
and wife team Benjamin Wilkes Studio
When design and passion intertwine, the result is a space that speaks to both the soul and the senses. Vinyl House, a project conceived by the award-winning London-based architecture studio of Benjamin Wilkes, is a perfect example of such a space—where music, cooking, and living in harmony converge in an exquisite dance of form and function.
We were absolutely thrilled to see our SP7 handmade terracotta tiles featured in a truly exceptional design project, brought to life by the husband-and-wife team Benjamin Wilkes Studio. Renowned for their ability to create vibrant, character-filled environments, Benjamin Wilkes Architecture and Interiors beautifully embodied the client’s passion for both music and cooking in this renovation.
The resulting space—a seamless, contemporary living area—feels alive with warmth, character, and a deep sense of purpose. The combination of natural materials, from oak cabinetry to the rich cognac leather of bespoke banquettes, creates an atmosphere that invites both intimacy and connection. But it is the integration of music into the design that sets this home apart.
The resulting space—a seamless, contemporary living area—feels alive with warmth, character, and a deep sense of purpose. The combination of natural materials, from oak cabinetry to the rich cognac leather of bespoke banquettes, creates an atmosphere that invites both intimacy and connection. But it is the integration of music into the design that sets this home apart.
A particular standout is the music room, which is home to over 40 meters of bespoke shelving designed to display the client’s vast vinyl collection. Nestled just off the kitchen and hidden behind sliding doors, this room is both a visual and auditory masterpiece, with carefully selected materials—cork-lined shelves and terracotta flooring—enhancing the acoustics and elevating the overall experience of the space.
For more information about our Spanish terracotta tiles or to order a sample, visit our website: www.lubelska.co.uk.
The Vision of Benjamin Wilkes Design Studio
At the heart of Benjamin Wilkes Architecture and Interiors is a husband-and-wife team: Benjamin, an architect, and Joanna, an interior designer. Together, they approach each project with a shared belief in the transformative power of thoughtful, timeless design. The studio’s ethos is rooted in a passion for creating spaces that are not only aesthetically beautiful but also deeply functional and joyful.
With a focus on natural materials that improve with age, Benjamin Wilkes and Joanna ensure each project is a unique reflection of their clients’ needs and desires. By blending architecture and interior design from the very start, they create harmonious spaces where every detail—from lighting to soft furnishings—works in concert to make a house feel like a home.
For Benjamin and Joanna, the process is highly collaborative, and they pride themselves on producing designs that are both creative and pragmatic. Whether it’s creating an expansive living area or a cosy corner for reflection, they focus on creating spaces that their clients will love to spend time in—spaces that feel personal, timeless, and meaningful.
The Project: Vinyl House
Located in Leytonstone, London, Vinyl House is a stunning extension and renovation of a two-storey terraced home, aptly named for its music room—a dedicated space to house the client’s immense vinyl collection. The project began with a desire to enhance the existing space and cater to the client’s dual passions: cooking and music.
The architectural challenge was to create a kitchen that could be both functional and an ideal setting for entertaining. Benjamin Wilkes replaced a previous rear extension with an expansive kitchen and dining area, which can be opened up to create a spacious environment perfect for hosting guests. A central island and banquette serve as the focal point, while a dining table sits beneath a row of skylights, creating a sense of openness and connection with the outside world.
In a bold yet thoughtful move, the music room was integrated into the design directly off the dining area. This room, accessed through sliding doors, features 40 meters of custom-built shelving that houses the owner’s prized vinyl collection. The inclusion of black-painted niches to house the record player and amplifier further enhances the music experience. This room is a true celebration of the client’s love for vinyl records, offering both a stunning visual statement and an immersive sound experience.
Sliding doors allow the music room to be opened up for social occasions or closed off for a more intimate, immersive listening session. Above, an oculus roof light provides a subtle wash of natural light, creating a serene atmosphere to complement the vinyl collection.
To connect the interior with the outside world, the design extends beyond the kitchen and dining area, opening up into a stepped paved patio that provides space for relaxation and reflection. The flow of materials, including the terracotta flooring, unifies the interior and exterior, creating a harmonious atmosphere. A bi-fold window box at the end of the dining area further integrates nature into the space, allowing light to flood in and offering a quiet corner for reading. Benjamin Wilkes’ focus on natural materials is evident throughout the project. Oak cabinetry, terrazzo countertops, and cognac leather banquettes blend effortlessly with the warm tones of the terracotta flooring, creating a cohesive and inviting space.
The Role of Terracotta Tiles in Contemporary Spaces
Terracotta has long been a material of choice for its timeless elegance, durability, and natural warmth. In contemporary spaces, its ability to create both texture and harmony is unmatched. At Vinyl House, the terracotta flooring not only enhances the aesthetic beauty of the space but also contributes to the room’s acoustics, providing depth and warmth to the sound.
Terracotta is particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas like kitchens and dining rooms, where its resilience and ease of maintenance are key advantages. The material’s ability to age gracefully means that over time, it only becomes more beautiful, adding a layer of richness to a space. In Vinyl House, the terracotta tiles create a perfect balance between rustic charm and sophisticated modernity, tying the entire design together.
In today’s design landscape, where sustainability is increasingly at the forefront, terracotta is also a material that aligns with modern values. Often made from locally sourced clay, it is durable, recyclable, and naturally resistant to wear and tear, making it a conscious choice for homeowners who wish to invest in materials that stand the test of time.
The warmth of terracotta combined with the sleekness of other materials, like oak and terrazzo, results in a space that feels both grounded and elevated, rustic yet refined—exactly what the designers of Vinyl House set out to achieve.
Final thoughts
Vinyl House is more than just a home; it’s a testament to the power of design to transform everyday living into something extraordinary. By merging the client’s passions for music and cooking with a commitment to natural materials and timeless design, Benjamin Wilkes has created a space that truly reflects the essence of its inhabitants. With its stunning integration of terracotta, oak, and terrazzo, Vinyl House invites both the body and the mind to engage—whether in the kitchen, the music room, or the dining space—offering a sanctuary where life’s pleasures can be fully enjoyed.
For more information about our Spanish terracotta tiles or to order a sample, visit our website: www.lubelska.co.uk.
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