Lucy Cunliffe

I was able to challenge her initial thoughts by showing the practicality of my design and explaining how it would function for a household of four adults who love to cook. I succeeded in creating some valuable storage and overcame structural difficulties.

When first analysing the architectural drawings, I recognized the boiler position and slope under the stairs compromised the space, storage, and function of the kitchen. I proposed building a stud wall and by moving the boiler I created a small room which also functions as a small utility space and pantry, a sliding door into the room further maximized the space. My client fully embraced this idea and fitted it out with shelving.

The kitchen sits at the rear of the fully opened ground floor of the house so zoning the overall space was important. I designed a feature champagne trough at the end of the island nearest the lounge. This change in height from the worktop created a natural screen from the sink area.

A limited budget meant I had to carefully allocate costs whilst choosing materials, ensuring money was spent on the elements that provided the greatest impact whilst maintaining durability. To reduce expenditure the door fronts were made from two contrasting laminates, a combination of wood effect and pale matt.

A substantial proportion of the client’s budget was used on the statement Dekton worksurfaces. We chose Khalo gloss Dekton with a strong veined pattern for use on both the island and the hob run, the colours in the worktop complimented the door colours.

The island houses an integrated washing machine, sink unit with Quooker tap, integrated dishwasher and recycling bins and allows for seating for the whole family on the reverse with shallow depth shelved base units for additional storage.

The client found that handles suited them on the tall units, so I sourced beautiful extra-long Buster & Punch handles in black metal. A wall nib was overcome, and a reduced depth shelved larder was designed over it.

The client prefers to cook on Gas and the large hob was fitted with a wall mounted extractor which was ducted straight out of the wall. The family has space to cook together in this space and entertain guests at the island.

The clients are delighted with the completed space and feel that their expectations and budget were met.

Project cost: £30,500.81

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