AN OPEN SECRET

The front of Rob and Paul’s 1930s semi is like any other – but the back of the house hides a beautifully finished open-plan kitchen and garden room

FROMPAUL’S the outside, Rob and

1930s house looks like a typical semi. Step inside, though, and you’re met with a light, bright, plant-filled kitchen-diner that’s full of character. Oak herringbone flooring and a mix of white and oak kitchen units act as a neutral base for pops of colour, from the metro splashback tiles to the bright block of green in the newly-extended garden room. Contemporary aluminium doors open up to the thriving garden the couple inherited from the previous owners – and there’s plenty of room for Rob and Paul, and their cat, Tigger, to while away the summer days.

The kitchen Rob and Paul have created with their architect, Anna Parker, is an example of how an ordinary house is no obstacle to a beautifully designed home – all you need is some imagination and an open mind. Rob talks us through how he and Paul achieved their dream set-up…

The neutral foundations of the kitchen will appeal to future owners, but the couple have injected plenty of personality through finishing touches. ‘The design as a whole was inspired by Japanese simplicity,’ says Rob. ‘It comes out in things like the way we laid the tiles.’

Burbidge & Co Malmo kitchen,

Matthew James Kitchens. Worktop, Da Vinci Designer Concrete. Pendant lights,

Umage. Splashback tiles,

Porcelain Superstore. Bar stools, Cult Furniture. Wall lights, Anglepoise. Tap, Franke

As well as being a great entertaining space, and somewhere Paul can cook without feeling out of the action, the spacious, open-plan layout means the room is perfect for Rob to work from, too.

Tectonic oak herringbone flooring, Chauncey. Alitherm Heritage glazing, Smart Architectural Aluminium. Matthew Hilton table, Case Furniture. Chairs, Swivel UK. Armchair, Ikea. Light, Menu

Right The couple’s architect, Anna, suggested adding an extra room to the open-plan kitchen to better connect the space to the established garden. ‘The band of colour lends interest without feeling overwhelming,’ says Rob

Terracotta floor tiles, Baked Earth. Green walls painted in Poison, Zoffany Paints. Sofa, Habitat. Cushions, Ikea