A clear winner
Transforming a cluttered kitchen and narrow living room into an open-plan family space was a labour of love for the winners of the Single Room category
Kitchen/ diner that took first place in Renovation of the Year
Sarah Williams, 44, lives with her architect husband Dan, also 44, and their sons Ben, 14, and Sam, 11, in a four-bedroom, detached family house in Toton, Nottingham. Dan takes up the story…
What was the space like before the renovation?
Stretching the entire way down one side of the house, the living room was too long and corridor-like to function as a useful space. It led into a north-facing conservatory, so there were only a couple of days a year when it wasn’t too hot or too cold for use. The kitchen was dark and badly designed for a family of four, and we were using a small lean-to adjacent to the conservatory as a breakfast room.
What did you want to achieve?
The idea was to create a space that worked for the whole family, with a kitchen that was bigger, brighter and more organised. The house was built in the 1990s, so we were looking to bring it up-to-date and really increase the amount of natural light.
Was there a starting point for the layout?
We didn’t want to sacrifice any of the garden by extending further back and we knew the kitchen needed to stay roughly where it was because so much pipework was already in place. In the end, we chose to demolish the conservatory and breakfast room and build a single-storey extension in the same footprint. The lounge was halved widthways to complete the large open-plan space at the back of the house.
Did you have a budget in mind?
There was about £50,000 left over after buying the house, so the renovation needed to stay within that figure. The first quote we had was almost three times over budget, so we had to look around a bit to find the right builders for the right price.
You’re an architect by trade – how much input did you have?
I specialise in industrial spaces rather than domestic builds, but I took on all the planning for our own renovation. I had to remind myself at times that, although everything was clear in my mind, it wasn’t always that obvious to Sarah. Communicating was so important to ensure it remained a team effort. Sarah works part-time, so every afternoon she’d be overseeing the renovation. In the evening, we’d sit down together to discuss any problems or make decisions.
Tell us about the kitchen you chose
It’s a bespoke design made in Germany by Kuhlmann Kitchens. The fridge and freezer are concealed behind frosted doors on either side of a fantastic custom-built larder, which houses the coffee machine and toaster, and has plenty of shelving and storage. It wasn’t a conscious decision to tuck away our appliances at first; we opted for a boiling water tap from Quooker so we wouldn’t need a kettle, and the streamlining carried on from there! On the island, there’s a Neff induction hob, with a matching downdraft extractor, chosen because the hob sits directly underneath a large skylight.
And the decor?
A muted colour scheme seemed the best solution to help make the room feel fresh and clean. We’ve contrasted mostly light grey walls with a darker shade designed to give the dining space a separate feel. Our aim was to create a simple design that would harmonise with the modern kitchen. The doors fronting some of the cabinets produce a blue hue, which adds a touch of colour to the space.
What about the furniture?
Our metal-topped dining table was a wedding gift that had been in storage while we rented. The pew was something we bought at a blind auction for almost nothing a couple of years ago. Everything else was new. The sofa is a real focal point for us – we could have gone for something more contemporary, but it’s a family space so it had to be as comfortable and inviting as possible.
How do you feel about the finished result?
Very happy! It’s fantastic – there are moments when we look around and suddenly realise how well the space works for us. We’re all there together, doing different things but still interacting as a family.
Dan and Sarah’s attention to detail and subtle use of colour impressed the judges and led to their winning £3,000 worth of vouchers to spend on DFS furniture. Runner-up in this category, winning £500 worth of vouchers, was Jenna Dand from Burnley.