Tom Watlow

The process began with an initial site visit to the client’s bungalow to scope out the current layout and interior style of the room. The client’s requirements for their new kitchen were set out to maintain their current free-standing American style fridge freezer, range cooker and integrated microwave. As a busy family with two dogs, they also wanted the kitchen to feature as a multifunctional area with a comfortable space for entertaining guests.

Firstly, it was proposed as to whether the sink and tap services could be moved from under the window area, to an area on the island, as one issue was preparation space. Through an investigation into seeing that sink services currently ran up into one of the cupboards on the island, this could be done. The range cooker would stay on the back wall, but this would move slightly over to the right to accommodate floor to ceiling storage and a pantry to conceal free-standing appliances, either side of their fridge freezer. A false chimney breast with a mantle shelf concealed the extractor and created a stunning feature over the cooker. The sink and tap would be moved to the right-hand side of the island to ensure this was not facing directly opposite the cooker.

As the kitchen was a space that the family used the most, not only to cook, but also to gather round at, the size of the island was made deeper, and two designated seating areas were designed within the kitchen space. This included a raised timber breakfast bar on the island behind the sink, seating 3 stools. It also meant an upstand from the quartz worktop could run behind the sink, stopping any water splashes getting to the breakfast bar. Additionally, low level base units were then used to create an occasional comfortable seating space between the window and bi-fold doors.

Regarding the aesthetic direction of the design, the client’s ideal choice was an in-frame door, but due to the inclusion of a high value Calacatta gold quartz worktop, this would send their cost for the kitchen north of their ideal budget of £25K. Therefore, a laid-on, solid timber, painted door with a subtle beading round the shaker frame was proposed. However, to still maintain that ’in-frame’ look, details such as pilasters, pelmets under the base units and framed end panels, gave that extra level of attention to detail. Colour wise, neutral grey tones with a darker tone on the island was decided to create that ‘timeless’ look. But, to bring out more warmth in the space, an oak breakfast bar and complementary oak open shelving were also included.

Overall, the clients were incredibly pleased with the outcome and exceeded their expectations for the total project.

The whole project took around 3-4 weeks to complete from the rip-out of their old kitchen to the final finishing touches. Any issues during the process were identified and rectified quickly. For example, the movement of electrical sockets and ceiling lights to accompany the new design, and the fixed book shelf which was not large enough to hold the client’s books vertically. This was solved quickly through communication with the fitter to ensure this could be moved, and any cabinet holes filled in.

The clients were incredibly pleased with the overall outcome and was exactly what they hoped for in creating the timeless and classic look they wished to achieve, all while keeping within their budget. They love the colour and warmth the design brings, as well as the attention to detail on specific design aspects (e.g. the raised timber breakfast bar and open shelving, the pilasters and framed panels) within the kitchen in order to get that premium looking aesthetic.

Cost of Project: £23,153.50

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