Inside Gaggenau’s new London flagship, where luxury kitchen design meets historic architecture

If you’re planning a new kitchen, or simply love seeing how beautiful design and clever technology can work together, Gaggenau’s latest London opening is worth knowing about.

The German luxury appliance brand has unveiled its largest European flagship in Marylebone, taking over a historic building overlooking Portman Square.

But this isn’t your typical kitchen showroom.

Designed in collaboration with Munich-based architecture studio 1zu33, the space brings together contemporary kitchens, original architectural details and professional-grade appliances, with a few unexpected design touches along the way.

And with dedicated spaces for live cooking, dining and design events, there’s plenty more to explore beyond the appliances themselves.

A piece of London’s history

One of the most interesting things about the new Gaggenau London flagship is the building itself.

Housed within Orchard Court, which dates back to 1929, the showroom has quite a history. During the Second World War, it was home to the French Section of Winston Churchill’s Special Operations Executive.

Rather than starting with a completely blank canvas, the design team has made the building’s heritage a central part of the interiors.

Working with architecture studio 1zu33, Gaggenau has developed a concept called ‘Layers of London’, which takes inspiration from the city’s architecture, traditional English kitchens and the materials that have shaped its buildings over the years.

Original columns have been stripped back and sandblasted, while surfaces inspired by Portland stone bring another distinctly London reference into the space.

It’s a good example of how old and new can work together, with the building’s original character providing a backdrop for the contemporary kitchen designs.

Kitchen appliances become part of the architecture

Of course, the kitchens themselves are a big part of the appeal.

Instead of rows of appliances on display, Gaggenau has created a series of kitchen and living spaces that show how its products can fit into a wider interior design scheme.

Some appliances are integrated into the kitchens, while others are displayed almost like sculptural pieces, drawing attention to their materials, shapes and finishes.

It’s an interesting approach, particularly as kitchens increasingly need to do more than provide somewhere to cook. In many homes, they’re also spaces for entertaining, socialising and everyday family life.

For anyone designing a new kitchen or considering a major renovation, there’s inspiration to be found in the way the showroom brings together architectural details, materials and appliances.

The emphasis is on creating a cohesive space, where the practical elements of a kitchen feel just as considered as the rest of the design.

More than just a kitchen showroom

There’s also a strong focus on food and entertaining, which makes sense for a brand known for its professional-grade cooking appliances.

A dedicated Chef’s Table will be used for live cooking experiences, collaborations and intimate dining events, giving visitors the chance to see the appliances in action rather than simply looking at them.

The flagship will also host design talks, exhibitions and other cultural events throughout the year, creating a meeting place for architects, designers and anyone with an interest in interiors.

Simon Plumbridge, Head of Gaggenau UK & Ireland, says: “The new London flagship is a significant step forward for Gaggenau in the UK. We have increased the scale of our presence and moved to Portman Square, an area that is fast becoming increasingly important for design and interiors in London.”

He adds: “The new space gives us the opportunity to bring our customers, professional partners and the wider creative community together in one place.”

Gaggenau’s design story goes global

London isn’t the only city getting a new Gaggenau flagship.

The brand has also opened a space in Taipei’s Xinyi District, where the interiors take inspiration from traditional Hokkien shophouses and Taiwan’s cultural heritage.

Rather than following a conventional showroom layout, the Taipei flagship is divided into five different areas, including a gallery, salon, dining room and atelier, each offering a different way to experience the brand.

Meanwhile, in Brussels, Gaggenau is relocating to the historic Royal Depot at Tour & Taxis. The new 220 sq m space combines contemporary kitchen design with local materials and architectural references.

It’s an approach that gives each showroom its own identity, rather than simply repeating the same design in different cities.

For the London flagship, that means celebrating the character of Marylebone and the building’s history, while showing how contemporary kitchen technology can sit comfortably within a more traditional architectural setting.

And for anyone who appreciates thoughtful kitchen design, it’s a reminder that the most interesting interiors often come from finding the right balance between heritage, materials and modern functionality.

Find out more at gaggenau.com.