Photography by Line Klein (@linethiktklein), courtesy of KBH Københavns Møbelsnedkeri.
Scandinavian contemporary kitchens are known for their pale, stripped-down allure. But this custom design by KBH Københavns Møbelsnedkeri (translation: Copenhagen Cabinetmaking) plays against type.
The 323-square-foot kitchen belongs to Rebecca and Peter Elbek—she’s a jewelry designer, he’s a tech investor, and they have four daughters, ages 3 to 18.
“Peter and I started collecting contemporary art when we met 25 years ago, and we have a bit of a fetish for fireplaces; the KBH team were extremely clever in making sure that everything was incorporated.”
Installed by the family when the space was used as the living room, the raised fireplace and firewood niche are framed by Made a Mano lava stone tiles. The sink counter is Nero Assoluto, a black granite quarried in Zimbabwe.
In the back corner, the stove and cooktop are set off by a patinated brass backsplash. KBH was founded in 2006 as a small workshop devoted to applying traditional woodworking techniques to bespoke kitchen designs.
There are three sets of under-counter fridge drawers and a freezer concealed in the island.
The island has rounded corners for ease of use in a tight space.
On the other side of the fireplace, the over-the-counter storage includes the aforementioned appliance garage (also known as a tambour cupboard).
“When the cupboard is pulled up, there’s space for our kitchen machines and equipment on a pullout tray—very practical,” says Rebecca.
Custom cutlery drawers are one of KBH Københavns Møbelsnedkeri’s signature touches.
At the end of the island opposite the stove, a section of the counter is topped with brass for setting down hot pots.
Challenged to find space to hang pots and pans and kitchen tools, the designers inserted a brass rod under the deep counter and detailed the island with a tall brass toe kick.
A combination bar and storage cabinet stands at the other end of the kitchen, matched by a pair of glass-fronted storage cabinets near the sink. The leather-topped High Stools are by Space Copenhagen.