This couple wants to improve the layout of their kitchen-diner, so we’ve asked two designers to help them come up with the winning solution…
Liz Evans, an academic, and her husband, Tudor, a business manager, have lived in a Dutch barn-style property in Monmouthshire for 31 years. Since their two grown-up daughters left home, they’ve been keen to have a more convivial open-plan kitchen and larger socialising area. A new extension will provide the extra area, as will relocating the kitchen, but they are unsure how to lay out the spaces.
So, Liz decided to take part in our Drawing Board feature where interiors experts come up with creative ideas for our readers’ renovations and design dilemmas. This time, KBB journo Rachel Ogden asked interior designer Charlie Pettican at CKP Design, and Belinda Dangerfield, director at Qudaus Living, to help find the perfect layout for their kitchen.
The space
An extension to the rear of the property will measure approximately 2 x 1.5m, creating a lounge that’s around 6 x 5m. The kitchen will be moving to the front of the house, into what is currently a living area. This will be 5.4 x 3.2m at its widest point. Its ceiling height is 2.5m.
The brief for the new kitchen
- The couple chose their home for its unusual style and pretty gables. Inside, it has a cottage feel, but Liz and Tudor would like their kitchen to feature handleless units in matt colours, such as cream. They plan to locate it at the front of the house, with the space to the rear becoming a dining and seating area. Their main aim of the new layout is to make the kitchen, dining and sitting room areas as sociable, comfortable and welcoming as possible.
- Liz works at home much of the time, their daughters often visit, and there is a grandchild on the way, so the house is bustling. The new space will be relatively narrow, but the couple would like to include a place to eat and drink, possibly an island. However, they are keen that the kitchen doesn’t impinge on the dining area. This will be home to a large table that can extend into the sitting room, and potentially, an existing set of 10 chairs.
- On the wishlist is under-floor heating, to keep the kitchen feeling cosy, an effective lighting scheme, the same practical flooring throughout the space, and shelving for plants and books. The sitting area may need an additional source of heat and should have space for a TV.
- The new kitchen should ideally have a pair of ovens, an induction hob, and an integrated fridge and dishwasher for a sleek finish. Liz also likes the idea of pop-up sockets and a tambour-fronted unit.
The budget is £25,000 excluding installation.
Designer one
Charlie Pettican is an interior designer at CKP Design. She studied Interior Design at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Solution one
“My initial thoughts on this design were to create a space that would work well with the desired island Liz and Tudor wanted, as well as helping it to feel welcoming and sociable. As there was only room for a narrow island, I was keen for it not to feel blocky. This led me to design the breakfast bar, made from Spekva’s bespoke wood in a walnut dark oil. Its round shape is inspired by the curves of the couple’s existing dining table.
“The island’s positioning is ideal for hosting and cooking when guests are over, plus it makes a great preparation space. In addition, it forms a practical working space triangle with the oven, hob and fridge. To enhance the unit’s look, I incorporated a shelf with strip lighting that adds the wow factor. Finishing the kitchen short of the seating created a small space at the other end. This gives the couple the option to either extend their dining table into the kitchen or the lounge space, as well as space for a feature chair or plant.
“Across from the island, the sink is situated in front of the window, overlooking the views outside. Again with entertaining in mind, there’s a Quooker tap that provides instant boiling water, perfect for a quick brew when family and friends are over.
“All the appliances are by Neff and include a slide-and-hide oven, which has a lock function – great for when children are around – and an induction hob. Liz preferred handleless units, so I have chosen a modern J-pull handle in Symphony’s New York range with wooden tones to add warmth.
“The colour scheme is predominantly Harbour Grey, a warm beige, paired with Costina wall units in Noce; this seemed fitting with their existing furniture and would enhance the texture of the space with its illusion of a reeded door. I’ve topped the units with quartz work surfaces in Calacatta Oro Nuovo, which pairs well with the warm tones thanks to its subtle golden veins.
“Finally, as the couple were keen for their living space to feel cosy, I have included a bespoke working electric fireplace, as part of a media wall with a TV to one side. A rounded sofa, along with two small round comfy chairs, can be moved throughout the seasons and rotated to look at the views outside. This ensures that no matter how many guests are present, or what time of year it is, Liz and Tudor’s open-plan kitchen-diner-living area will be a snug, welcoming space.”
Liz’s verdict
“This design seems to bring out the best in each space while connecting the rooms together effectively. We will certainly be using this open-plan style that we think would enhance a more sociable feel. The dining area looks snug for times when there’s just two of us, but sufficient space remains for extending the table at busier times.
“The kitchen particularly impresses, and the wooden breakfast bar at the end of the island looks practical and attractive. We like the link between the wood of the wall units and the furniture we already have, and the design of the lighting. The lights above the island and the back light of the inset shelf on the island really appeal; the shelf’s strip light seems to give depth and substance to a narrow space.
“The only element that doesn’t quite meet our aims is the position of the island. We understand how running it parallel to the long wall gives more space, but would like the island to be the width of the kitchen, adjacent to the dining area so that we can look towards the garden when preparing food.”
Designer two
Belinda Dangerfield is the founder and director at Qudaus Living. She has more than 20 years of experience in the kitchen industry and specialises in bespoke designs.
Solution two
“Liz and Tudor’s extension and room reconfiguration aims to create a sociable, comfortable and welcoming environment that aligns with their lifestyle and love for entertaining. Swapping the positions of the kitchen and lounge redefines the flow of the home, maximising space and enhancing the connection between the kitchen, dining and sitting areas.
“The kitchen, now located at the front of the house, serves as the central hub for socialising. With this in mind, I have made Liz’s wishlist island the focal point of my design. It not only provides a functional workspace but its seating acts as a casual gathering spot, too, enhancing the social dynamic.
“At the far end, I have included a small drinks area with a wine cooler. This serves as a transitional zone between the kitchen and the day room, and is ideal for whether guests would like a glass of wine with dinner or while lingering at the breakfast bar. This practical kitchen layout allows the dining area to remain unimpeded, accommodating a large, extending table that can flexibly expand, perfect for hosting larger gatherings.
“To maintain a clean and organised kitchen, I have integrated a breakfast pantry at the far end. As well as housing dry goods, this provides a dedicated space to tuck away small appliances when not in use. Adjacent to this, the niche is utilised to its full potential by incorporating a versatile ‘work wall’. This feature can be customised with interchangeable elements, such as shelving and glass holders, allowing Liz to personalise and adapt the space to suit her needs.
“Drawing inspiration from the couple’s moodboard, I have selected the neutral tones of Rotpunkt Zerox FM Beach Grey and Terra Grey for the furniture, which blend seamlessly to create a warm, light and cosy atmosphere. The inclusion of a Stone Grey Concrete breakfast bar and panelling on the work wall adds depth and texture, tying the kitchen together with an inviting and sophisticated aesthetic.
“The sitting room, now overlooking the garden, has been designed to be an ultra-comfortable space that encourages relaxation and connection. With plush seating and strategic TV placement, this room provides a retreat while remaining seamlessly connected to the social heart of the home. I have suggested including glass bi-fold doors between this area and the day room. This ensures fluid movement between spaces when open, and an extra layer of cosiness during the cooler months when the doors can be closed.”
Liz’s verdict
“We felt that this creative design provided an interesting variety of sociable spaces in ways that we hadn’t previously considered. The kitchen island with high stools would be ideal for spontaneous early evening drinks, and the day room area looks great for an energising morning coffee or a relaxing afternoon tea. Although we like the idea of a more formal dining area, we really wanted to have as spacious a lounge as possible, so it’s unlikely that we will position the table there.
“The kitchen design in particular has stimulated some lateral thinking. For instance, we love the idea of a ‘work wall’. It seems a creative way to use space without impinging on the area around the island and it could provide a great opportunity for an attractive display of utensils and tools. If there’s sufficient depth, it might also be a good spot to store my numerous cookery books. We like the idea of a breakfast pantry for clutter-free work surfaces, too. As well as this, we hadn’t considered having a drinks area and wine rack in the kitchen, but seeing how well it works means that we will try to incorporate something similar.”
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