SUBTLE DISTINCTION

A restrained colour palette means imelda leonard’s kitchen remains sleek while revelling in romantic detail

Having four grown-up children, as well as seven grandchildren, all living close by in and around the Dales of West Yorkshire, means that Imelda Leonard and Neil Stringwell are never short of a dinner guest – or several. ‘We get together regularly,’ says Imelda. ‘And there’s no trouble fitting folk round the table and island now – it doesn’t feel overcrowded.’ The couple’s home of more than a decade, made from two cottages knocked into one and extended over the years, wasn’t always so accommodating. Until last year, the kitchen and dining areas were separate. ‘You were cut off from everyone when preparing and cooking food,’ recalls Imelda. ‘We wanted a room where we could all be together.’ So a plan was devised to remove the dividing wall and create an airy new room, complete with a cosy snug at one end, which opens onto the patio.

The couple were both set on a look that was modern at heart, but with subtle country touches. ‘We knew we wanted whites and greys from the outset. But we didn’t want anything clinical-looking,’ says Imelda. In the nearby showroom of AKA Interiors, a designer and fitter that supplies units made by Masterclass Kitchens, they discovered colours and cupboards that hit the mark. Owner Craig Atkinson was another excellent find. ‘He grasped what we wanted straight away,’ says Imelda, ‘as well as coming up with lots of great ideas.’ Together they devised an elegant, understated kitchen. ‘Overall, it’s still a contemporary feel,’ Craig explains. ‘But the lavish island worktop, the glass-fronted display cupboards, and the lack of right angles – all the end panels on cabinets and the worktops are curved – softens the effect. It’s like we’ve sneaked a few carefully considered Victorian flourishes into an otherwise modern design.’

Even though Neil, whose business supplies driveways, and Imelda, who takes care of their company’s admin, are used to dealing with building works, the renovation still felt like a slog in the initial phases. ‘There was just so much dust, and for a while we had only a kettle and a microwave to get by with,’ says Imelda. ‘But now, I love the sense of space, the openness and light. It was more than worth it.’

‘Our designer put us in touch with a previous client. Seeing their new kitchen was so helpful’

Taking down a wall made a huge difference – the room is so airy now, with plenty of light from the large bay window, and the view to enjoy.

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Glass-fronted open-display dresser doors help break up the lengthy run of cabinetry along this wall, and add depth.

With bench seats and bar stools for guests, cooking is a sociable experience.

The breakfast bar stools add a decidedly sleek note.