DREAM KITCHEN
A zoned space to suite family life and entertaining
DESIGNER Richard Davonport, director, Davonport, 0845 468 0025, davonport.com.
THE PROPERTY A six-bedroom detached Victorian home on the Essex coast.
DESIGN BRIEF Although this kitchen hasn’t been changed structurally, the new owners – a young family – didn’t like the existing layout, which was dominated by a large dining table in the middle of the room. On their list of must-haves for the new kitchen was a couple of comfy armchairs for quieter family time, plus dining space that could sit eight to ten, and a carefully considered cooking area that would make it easy to entertain.
DIMENSIONS 7x6.5m.
LAYOUT
The kitchen is zoned to maximise functionality for the heads of this family, who are both enthusiastic hosts and wine connoisseurs. The Aga and surrounding worktop space form the main prep/cooking area, within easy access of the walk-in pantry.
‘The large Sub-zero wine cooler and bespoke drinks bar are all located out of the way of the cooking area. During a dinner party, food and drinks can be prepared without the couple getting in each other’s way,’ explains designer Richard Davonport. While the previous kitchen also had a table at its heart, it lacked the storage and prep space of an island. Combining the two fulfilled the brief to be able to accommodate 10 guests, and the upholstered banquette seating also adds colour and shape. Above, a drop ceiling mimics the curves, boosting the island’s impact. ‘It also hosts uplighting that creates a dramatic halo effect,’ explains Richard. Also tasked with designing a designated drinks area with wow factor, Richard pulled out all the stops. Although he painted the exterior in the same shade as the kitchen cabinets, so the corner unit looks calm and collected when closed, when the bifold doors are pulled back, an interior of mirrored glass, quartz and sparkling barware is revealed – all lit from within.
CABINETRY
The owners were looking for a light and airy kitchen with coastal charm. They chose cabinetry from the Davonport Tillingham collection, hand-painted in French Grey Pale by Little Greene, with light quartz worktops and porcelain floors. Rich walnut interiors add warmth when doors and drawers are opened.
APPLIANCES
Having fallen for the Aga way of cooking after using the model that came with the house, the owners upgraded to a newer, more efficient dual-control version in white. In contrast to the traditional cast-iron cooker, the cooling appliances are in modern stainless steel. Positioned in the corner of the room, closest to the dining table, the large all-in-one fridge freezer and wine unit makes it easy to access beverages.
STYLING
Incorporating the dining table within the island has optimised the space, leaving enough room near the French doors for the two easy chairs that were at the top of the owners’ wish list. ‘Bench seating will always have the drawback of diners having to ‘file in’ and ‘file out’. A lazy Susan in the centre of the table makes it easier for every diner to reach serving dishes and condiments, but this banquette design is such a flexible, space-saving option that it was definitely the best choice,’ concludes Richard.