Every Time I See Tim Burton’s Former Wooden Kitchen, This 'Invisible' Design Trend Makes More Sense – Four Years Later, It’s Still Utterly Sleek
Eglon House, a raw, industrial masterpiece in London, boasts the chicest kitchen you'll ever see – it continues to inspire four years after my first viewing
In 2021, I first learned about the term 'invisible kitchen'. It was also, coincidentally, the year Tim Burton sold his London home: The architectural masterpiece known as Eglon House. Designed by architect Chassay Last and Russell Sage Studio, the historic property in affluent Primrose Hill is a raw, industrial structure with ultra-contemporary bones – but no room showcases its splendor quite like the kitchen.
When Tim listed his home for sale in May of that year, I covered the story, and it was the first time I saw his 'invisible kitchen'. At the time, the term felt unbelievably futuristic, and now, four years later, it feels more accsessible, but no less inspiring.
Ultimately, an invisible kitchen is one that blends seamlessly into the surrounding living space, so it doesn’t read as an ultra-functional space when not in use. Often, it involves following a blueprint, such as the one for the space in Eglon House.
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The sleek, chic nature of Tim Burton's kitchen has resonated with me for years. However, it's important to remember that above all, a kitchen needs to be functional. Striking a balance between a space that is aesthetically stunning and ready to serve your needs is an intricate art, especially with this 'invisible' trend. This is where the experts weigh in to help.
'In my opinion, the trend towards concealing kitchens stems from a desire for quiet luxury, cozy minimalism, and optimising the space available. In fact, pure interior design is the freshest style trend to emerge in 2025, shaping quality home environments that promote relaxation and thoughtfulness in the kitchen and the rest of the house,' begins Matt Phillips, the head of UK operations at Rotpunkt.
'As the kitchen living space becomes increasingly customised to suit the individual, I think that the concept of the ‘invisible’ kitchen is a very personal one. Your home should be personalised in a way that reflects your personal style, so be sure to consider a rich assortment of options, including fluted glass end units and wall panel solutions, in addition to coffee stations, which can be hidden away while still being easily accessible throughout the day.'
Plus, when tapping into this kitchen trend (as with any kitchen), it's crucial to prioritise your needs and how it can assist you in your daily life.
'It’s easy to forget that it may have been some years since you purchased a new kitchen, so look out for new concepts such as super-sized units which can easily accommodate larger appliances or furniture that enhances the functionality of the entire ground floor,' Matt adds.
This look is not readily achievable; with the correct planning, you'll create a space that's just as striking years after it's first discovered. Just look to Tim's former home as the ultimate blueprint.
