An exceptional kitchen for an iconic face

David Gandy is renowned foremost as the English Gentleman male model who is the face of Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, also his images have been the cover of numerous magazines, and he has worked with some of the most prestigious designers and premium brands internationally.

Located in London, Gandy had the need to renovate his house, especially the kitchen area, the pantry and the cloakroom to give them an exclusive and differentiating touch, so he relied on Alan Ramm at the exquisite design and cabinet makers Bakehouse who had showcased Neolith surfaces to integrate them into his spaces, designed by Alan the founder of Bakehouse kitchens.

David being attracted by the natural state of order and proportions provided by Georgian architecture, nobody better to design this space than Bakehouse Kitchens of the Georgian town in Stamford Lincolnshire, England. They worked collaboratively with David Gandy to make his dream a reality, using Neolith Abu Dhabi White Silk on the countertops of his kitchen, pantry and boot room, integrating features like the cladding and intricate mitred detailing to the island of the kitchen. Neolith architectural surface provides luxury and sophistication in each room, while it is a durable and resistant material capable of enduring continuous use whilst standing the test of time.

David Gandy's old kitchen had a very generic design, and the house was being remodelled, so David wanted to personalize it down to the smallest detail in the kitchen. He wanted a fully bespoke kitchen, personalized, to make a difference and to turn it into an ideal space both for him and his family, as well as for the eventual visit of his friends. A kitchen that encourages and enables enjoyment and blends perfectly with the origins of the house, although with a more modern and traditional touch at the same time, Bakehouse were perfect in designing and delivering this for David and Neolith the best ally to achieve it.

Balance, symmetry, and simplicity, as well as elegance and opulence, was exactly what David Gandy cared for. David was fascinated by the work of Bakehouse Kitchens, who took into account ergonomics, practicality and a very personal touch. This is why they introduced Georgian contours into the design, as well as the Neolith surfaces to give the kitchen area a distinctive and characteristic look of natural marble, but with superior technical characteristics due to its resistance to heat and scratches. Gandy loved the characteristic style that was explored and the possibility of incorporating walnut tones into the overall design too.

The beautiful design by Bakehouse even provided continuity to the aesthetics of the kitchen, through to the scullery and pantry which also incorporates the Neolith Abu Dhabi White countertop, combining it with the walnut tones of the cabinet details with a careful display of both preparation utensils and small appliances to facilitate day-to-day life in a proportionate and balanced environment.

David Gandy was very keen for the perfect boot and mud room/utility to have a space where he could organize the whole family's jackets, shoes and wellies especially having the park so local, the Farrow and ball Green Smoke colour was a great success for the space, contrasting with the Neolith surface, also Abu Dhabi White, which was placed on the countertop.

“A place where everyone has their own space, perfectly organized, as if it was a locker… I have always wanted to have a room like that,” says Gandy. “The green tone undoubtedly gives it a lounge vibe feel that brings in the green from the outside, since we have a beautiful green space just opposite.”

David Gandy was, without a doubt, amazed by the early result obtained from both the careful design from Bakehouse Kitchens through to their completion of works and craftsmanship. Along with their stone masons Olympic Marble the finishes and high level of customization offered by the Neolith surfaces, known for their precision, elegance, versatility, and durability and for also being one of the most sustainable surfaces in the market, just complemented everything.

Pictures by Simon Archer Photography