As part of a new build, this open-plan kitchen has been zoned into cooking, relaxing, and dining areas. Fancy a tour?
As soon as she saw this kitchen design in the showroom, homeowner Suzy knew it would be the perfect design for entertaining and family life in her new-build home.
The open-plan kitchen is heavily influenced by New England-style architecture. And, it was designed by Suzy with the help of an architect friend.
“I had been searching for the perfect plot for a number of years when we stumbled across a timber-clad bungalow on its last legs sitting on seven acres of woodland,” she says. “From design and planning to completion, it took around five years – as we had Covid to contend with and electricity cables to move.”
The open-plan kitchen design
After the new-build home was complete, Suzy decided the kitchen should be the first room to tackle. “I felt this would set the vibe for the rest of the interior,” she explains. “Plus, as a family of five – I have three sons aged 23, 21, and 10 – we spend much of our time in the kitchen when at home.”
Suzy looked at several companies, but couldn’t find what she was looking for. “The designs at the time were typically too country cottage or overtly bachelor pad,” she remembers. “Davonport was recommended to me and it was love at first sight when I saw the Soho range in their showroom: its design was exactly what I looking for.”
Suzy’s brief was for a functional, sociable space ideal for entertaining, with a layout that worked perfectly for family life. “We have a sofa in the corner where you can chill and watch TV and the dining area overlooks the garden. The hob on the island faces out onto these spaces. My youngest does his homework on the split-level worktop and it’s easy to help him and cook at the same time – although most of the time he plays with his Microstar football figures here.”
The kitchen island
The kitchen island is also perfect for when guests come around. “These seating areas really come into their own when we have a relaxed supper with friends. They can stand around it, or sit on the barstools or low-level chairs. The dining table only comfortably seats eight, so we can place many more people here,” says Suzy.
The appliances
The Wolf kitchen appliances, particularly the warming drawer, are also ideal for dinner parties. “You can pre-cook food such as rice and keep it warm until ready to use,” Suzy explains.
“The steam oven has a wonderful reheat setting, which is great for when my older sons aren’t home on time for dinner. And I simply adore my Miele hob which, as unglamorous as it sounds, is a dream to keep clean. I had a range cooker before and thought I always would. We had to do a stint in the dilapidated bungalow with its very basic, old-fashioned kitchen. However, the wall-mounted oven was a revelation.”
“I could actually see what I was cooking and really enjoyed not having to bend down to lift heavy trays out – I was converted. I absolutely love to cook. The Wolf appliances are so generous in size and all the different functions are a joy. They also look fabulous, which, as shallow as it may sound, is essentially the main reason I chose them. Equally, the Sub Zero fridge-freezer was shown within the Soho range at Davonport. And, it fitted in so well with the overall design and large enough to store enough food for my very hungry boys – I looked no further,” says Suzy.
The finishing touches
For the finishing touches, Suzy added a dropped ceiling that mirrors the shape of the kitchen island to further zone the functional space. “It works brilliantly and looks more interesting.” Copper lights create a statement feature, while a subtler graphite finish for the handles on the pantry cupboard complements the black tap. A perfect balance of beauty, practicality and fun.
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