Frauke Mcnamara opened up a warren of boxy rooms to create a light-filled open-plan kitchen-diner that showcases a dramatic black colour scheme
-
Open-plan living with a dramatic colour scheme
HOW FRAUKE DID IT
‘The ground floor was made up of tiny rooms and the old kitchen was very cramped and gloomy with no useful food prep area. We lived with it for 18 months before removing walls and adding a side extension, to form one large open space. We laid an oak herringbone floor, and chose a modern kitchen style in a black tone for visual impact. The island was a must-have, with a breakfast bar where the children could perch and have informal meals. The entire refurbishment took around five months and the building work cost about £115,000. The kitchen often features on my Instagram @brush_up_dress_down and it’s where we most often gather as a family.’
WHAT I’VE LEARNED “For a more freeflowing look, keep walls free of units – it will save money and create a more cohesive open-plan space”
SLIMLINE SHELVES
A VERTICAL STORAGE UNIT PROVIDES A PLACE FOR FRAUKE’S BOOKS, OR PLANTS
‘THE OAK FLOOR THROWS THE PAINTED CABINETRY INTO SHARP RELIEF – WE PAINTED A STRUCTURAL BEAM BLACK TO BLEND IN.’
Metod Kungsbacka cabinetry, £87 for a base unit; Ekbacken matt worktop, £400; Norrsjon sink, £330, all Ikea. Gant concrete pendant light, from £791, Beut. Oak parquet flooring, £45sq m, Haywood
CUPBOARDS AND DRAWERS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ISLAND MAXIMISE STORAGE SPACE.
THE DEEPLY VEINED QUARTZ WORKTOP WAS A MAJOR INVESTMENT AND IS A STATEMENT PIECE. ‘WE CHOSE A BORA PURE HOB WITH ITS HIDDEN EXTRACTOR AS IT BLENDS PERFECTLY WITH THE WORKTOP.’ Veined quartz island worktop, £600sq m, JR Stone
WALL PAINT
A PINK TONE SOFTENS THE SCHEME AND ADDS A CONTRASTING WARM ELEMENT TO THE BLACK TONES OF THE CABINETRY
ABOVE PAINTING THE PINE FIRE SURROUND WHITE AND INSTALLING A FLUSH FITTING MARBLE HEARTHSTONE GIVES AN EXISTING FIREPLACE A MORE MODERN LOOK.
Walls in Slaked Lime Mid absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr; table legs in Canton intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, both Little Greene. Try the Gubi Beetle dining chairs, £311 each, Made In Design
RIGHT A CORNER WITHIN THE DINING AREA HAS BEEN ZONED INTO A READING NOOK. ‘IT’S THE PERFECT SPACE FOR AN EXISTING SIDEBOARD WE HAD IN OUR PREVIOUS HOME AND TO DISPLAY MY COLLECTION OF LINO PRINTS.’ Trimless adjustable downlighters in Black, £14.40 each, Mr Resistor. Amsterdam dresser, £564, Made In Design
ABOVE ‘I DIDN’T WANT AN OVERHEAD APPLIANCE TO SPOIL THE CLEAN LINES – A HOB WITH A BUILT-IN EXTRACTOR SOLVES THAT ISSUE.’
Pure induction cooktop with integrated extractor, £1,900, Bora