DREAM KITCHEN Bespoke glamour in the heart of the home by Caz Myers Design

A SMART APPROACH TO USE OF COLOUR AND SPACE ENSURES THIS KITCHEN-DINER WORKS FOR MODERN OPEN-PLAN LIVING

DESIGNER caz myers, caz myers design, 07970 723883, cazmyers.com.

THE PROPERTY A six-bedroom detached georgian family home on the outskirts of Barnet in hertfordshire.

DESIGN BRIEF A new extension was built to house a large kitchen-diner/family room (plus boot room and utility room), with windows all round to maximise the views across the fields and plenty of space for informal entertaining. A sociable island unit was essential, and the overall style needed to reference the family home’s georgian roots.

THE BUDGET Around £95,000

(excluding extension cost).

LAYOUT

A structural pillar in the centre of the space was necessary to support the 10.3x6.6m structure. ‘We decided to make it a feature by creating a two-way fireplace within it, which segregates the living area from the kitchen without losing the overall open-plan feel,’ explains designer

Caz Myers. The layout of the kitchendiner was focused on enjoying the views from as many angles as possible and tucked behind the two-way fireplace is a spacious relaxation zone, complete with bespoke modular sofa and sumptuous rug. ‘The fireplace provides a degree of separation without shutting this area off completely,’ says Caz.

CABINETRY

With so much natural light and space in the room, the bespoke Shaker-style cabinetry could take a really dark colour with ease. Farrow & Ball’s Black Blue was chosen for the main run of units for its slightly industrial feel, which was enhanced by antiqued brass hardware from Grace & Glory. The owners, who have twin sons, casually entertain on a regular basis, so the island had to be as large as possible and include bar seating so that friends and family can congregate. Switching to a deep olive green – Invisible Green by Little Greene – for the glazed dresser helps it stand out as a freestanding piece, rather than another kitchen unit. ‘We put lighting inside, antiqued mirrored glass at the back to reflect the lovely glassware on display, and also provide softly shimmering mood lighting in the evenings,’ says Caz.

SURFACES

A clever compromise between pretty and practical, the island unit has statement marble end panels with more durable composite quartz on top. ‘It’s a Turkish marble with deep blue and purple tones that pick up on the blue tints in the cabinetry paint finish,’ explains Caz. Underfoot, the large flagstone-style tiles are actually porcelain but bring an antique time-worn element that stops the space from feeling too contemporary.

STYLING

Dark-painted kitchens can feel a little gloomy, but in a south-facing room of this scale, with so many windows (there is a roof lantern in the dining area, too), it helps the cabinets stand their ground. Subtle use of antiqued finishes – on the cabinet hardware and flooring – help achieve the owners’ desire to balance contemporary and traditional styles.