HOUSE BEAUTIFUL SAYS...
‘Crisp, white unit doors and walls set off the rustic, wood-faced drawers and the dramatic granite splashback for an impactful scheme’
What was your old kitchen like, and why did you change it?
We’d fitted a wooden Shaker-style kitchen when we moved here about 15 years ago. There were lots of wall cabinets and it felt cluttered and dark, with nowhere to sit and eat as a family. We were thinking about changing it when I was offered a job in Australia. Open-plan living is the norm there and we loved the inside-outside lifestyle. When we came home, we wanted to bring it back with us.
How did you plan the new space?
Our architect suggested three different-sized extension options. We chose the medium one, which gave us plenty of space for a contemporary kitchen. There was room for the island and the bank of units with appliances along one wall that I wanted. We also went for a proper dining area and bifold glass doors to let in lots of light.
Did you have a particular look in mind for the units?
We investigated lots of suppliers. Many offered high-gloss finishes and curved cabinets that weren’t really to our taste. I wanted something modern, clean and simple, and I prefer neutrals to strong colour. I found Aristocraft Kitchens & Bedrooms online, and was really taken with the choice of high-quality cabinets and mix of matt white and wood-effect finishes that they suggested.
Were there any issues with the layout?
The kitchen company offered advice on positioning the appliances. One debate was whether to put the hob on the island or on the side, but a steel ceiling beam made fitting an extractor above the island impossible, so the hob went on the side, and we found an inexpensive extractor that fits almost invisibly into the wall cabinet above. That made room for the statement black pendant lighting over the island, which I’m really happy with.
Did you keep within your budget?
Toby helped out labouring for the builder and he installed the kitchen himself. That saved us money and meant we could afford some high-spec appliances. We sourced those ourselves, and shopped around to get the keenest prices. The downside was that the whole project took longer, as Toby could only work on it in his spare time. The upheaval lasted several months, but in the end, we achieved a fabulous kitchen at a very reasonable price.
How did you manage without a functioning kitchen?
We made do with the utility room sink and a plug-in, two-ring hob. Friends and family helped out, and we had quite a few takeaways!
Which appliances did you pick?
I wanted a symmetrical group of ovens in the bank of units. After reading reviews, we chose Neff for reliability – we have two conventional ovens, a steam oven and a microwave combi. The integrated fridge and freezer are hidden in the same run, so it looks neat and balanced. I’m used to gas, so I was unsure about an induction hob, but it’s fantastic – so controllable and easy to clean. The wine cooler on the island is an extra luxury!
Is there anything you’d change?
At the time, I was adamant that I didn’t want a breakfast bar, but now I’m wondering if we should have had one. It would be handy, as everyone tends to naturally gather around the island, but I’d lose the lovely deep drawers in the unit, which I really like.