3 design solutions TO INSPIRE YOU

1 BREAKFAST CUPBOARD

Originally the breakfast cupboard was next to a table, but the family all preferred to eat at the island. ‘We’ve since replaced the table with an extra sofa,’ says Sharon. But the breakfast cupboard is far from redundant. ‘Being that little bit further away from the main kitchen means friends and family can make drinks without getting under my feet,’ adds Sharon.

2 STATEMENT LIGHTS

In pursuit of light pendants that would be dynamic enough to stand their ground against the gorgeous beamed ceiling, Sharon discovered these beauties by Timothy Oulton. ‘The key with statement lighting is to find something that stands out, while also tying in with the rest of the room’s decor and colour palette so they feel like a natural fit, and you’re unlikely to tire of them quickly,’ advises Sharon. In the case of these Odeon chandeliers, the marble echoes the veining in the island worktop below, while the metallic frame matches the bronze casement windows in the exterior, as well as the socket plates in the kitchen.

3 SPICE DRAWERS

Sick of buying spices, only to find she already had them in the back of her cupboards, Sharon asked designer David Sant to include spice storage in the kitchen plans. After writing off vertical spice racks – the type fitted to the back of a larder door – due to the inevitable rattle when opening and shutting, David suggested a drawer. Sharon negotiated two drawers and the deal was sealed. ‘I love how I can see everything in one place, and have already made savings by not buying extras. One drawer has all the pretty matching ones by Bart, and the other is a more unruly selection of everything else,’ says Sharon.

By incorporating a prep sink, boiling water tap and coffee machine into this unit, the couple have created a hot drinks bar.

Statement lights put the focus on the island while drawing the eye up to the beams above.

All the drawers are made from solid oak with traditional finger joints for longevity.