Everything is duplicated in a Kosher kitchen, including the elegance of Dekton Portum

The complexity of a kosher kitchen, where respecting Jewish culinary tradition requires working with unusual precision, not only from a functional perspective but also aesthetically. In this North London home, Sheraton Interiors turned this challenge into an exercise in meticulous design, creating a contemporary, serene, and highly personalised space for a family seeking an impeccable and efficient kitchen.

Shehryar Khan, director of Sheraton Interiors, explains that the key to the project was understanding how kosher tradition influences the use of space. The strict separation between meat and dairy dictates that food is stored and prepared independently, which involves duplicating major appliances and work areas. “For the family, it was crucial that the kitchen remained as clean and functional as possible while adhering to kosher rules,” he states. The team decided to organise the home into two areas: a meticulously designed main kitchen and a secondary pantry kitchen hidden behind sliding doors, housing duplicated appliances such as a gas hob, a fridge, and a dishwasher, without interfering with the aesthetics of the main space.

In the main kitchen, the inevitable duplicated elements, such as the two sinks, were resolved in a compact and discreet manner, aiming for visual coherence and avoiding the functionality imposed by tradition from affecting the overall design. Alongside this, appliances equipped with Sabbath mode were indispensable. “Certain activities, such as using electrical appliances for cooking, are restricted during the Sabbath,” explains Shehryar. Therefore, equipment capable of remaining on for extended periods —48 hours or more— was installed to allow slow cooking or reheating without manual intervention.

With the technical requirements resolved, the studio focused on the kitchen's visual identity. The homeowners were always clear about the idea of a timeless monochromatic palette, while the cabinet style generated more debate. Initially, a classic Shaker aesthetic was considered, but they ultimately opted for the designer's proposal: a bespoke moulding system. “The concept was inspired by traditional design but given a modern twist by extending the detail across the cabinets and doors,” says Shehryar. The decision allowed for a balance between classic and modern, consolidated with the combination of cream-coloured cabinets and black Shaker base units.

Simultaneously, Dekton Portum surfaces add an additional level of technical and visual sophistication. The material flows seamlessly from the worktop to the splashback, continues along the sides, and rises to the extractor hood, creating a continuity effect that enhances the overall cleanliness. The grey veining of Dekton Portum sets a clear direction in the space, and its durability allows for pronounced volumes and demanding use.

The central island, with an angled drop and a comfortable overhang for seating, becomes the focal point of the kitchen. Its geometry accentuates the purity of the design and maintains harmony with the black stools and dining room furniture. The adjoining living room extends the same monochromatic palette, incorporating arches that already appear in other areas of the home, creating a coherent and visually ordered flow.

“When I design kitchens, I want them to look as if they’ve just come out of a showroom. And Dekton offers the perfect combination of beauty and functionality. It’s the ideal solution for a modern kitchen that demands style and durability,” says Shehryar.