Architect Jo Edwards couldn’t wait to take on this creative brief to remove a structural wall and design one large, warm, bright and fun kitchen-diner.

The project was to remove a structural wall that separated a glazed side extension and kitchen to create one large, warm, bright room. At the same time, the brief included designing a fun kitchen-diner that would be unusual, joyful and make the homeowner, Gillian, smile.

“It sounded great to my co-director and husband Adrie Rensen and me,” says Jo of Edwards Rensen Architects.

The renovation

When Jo and Adrie first saw the space it was ‘dark and damp’. “The glazed side extension was built in the mid 1990s and has dark green aluminium frames. It was mostly still perfectly good, so replacing it would be expensive and wasteful,” Jo says. “We discussed about eight possible layouts with Gillian and she liked the idea of dining and reading in natural light and not blocking any of the routes through her house.”

The pair started working in 3D, drawing the space, the structure and the kitchen. “Once these were working well, Gillian came to our office where we have lots of samples and we had fun developing a palette of materials,” continues Jo. “The lovely fluted oak was suggested by Asher at Belsize Build, our great fitted furniture and kitchen makers.”

Fluted, reeded, and grooved kitchen islands: click here for 15 inspiring ideas

Works began by making a large opening in the dividing wall and inserting exposed steel beams, now painted in pink. And, larger, better-insulated garden doors help bring in further natural light and create a strong connection with the outdoors.

How to choose glazing for your kitchen extension: click here

The kitchen-diner

For the kitchen itself, a long run of units houses the main appliances including the fridge, hob and ovens. Tall and base units provide plenty of storage, while a mirror over the splashback creates the illusion of continuing space.

Opposite, a large island with oak fronts and a white marble worktop with grey and copper streaks includes the sink and tap, as well as built-in open shelving and enough space for a couple of barstools.

“Gillian is really pleased that her new space is lively and joyful, but also balanced and high quality. We carefully designed all the details of the fitted furniture and our kitchen makers produced excellent workmanship, which was vital to the success of this project,” summarises Jo.

Photography: Adelina Iliev

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