‘WE WANTED TO CREATE A FAMILY SPACE’ A poky kitchen and dining room made way for an airy, light-filled hub
Knocking two rooms together and extending by four metres has transformed a poky kitchen into the hub of this 1930s home
Why did you decide to install a new kitchen?
The one we had was too small and narrow, very beige and very 1980s. The separate dining room next door was rarely used and
I felt as though I was always running across the hall to check on the boys. We decided to knock the two rooms together and extend out by four metres to create a family-friendly space.
What was on your wishlist?
A big island was really important as a focal point. As well as being practical, it also had to look like a beautiful piece of furniture. As
I have my own pottery business, I was keen to add some personal touches too, such as the handmade ceramic pendant lights.
How did you decide on the layout?
At first we thought about swapping around the kitchen and family room, but it made sense to position a utility and shower room between the kitchen and garage as David cycles and can ‘de-Lycra’ in there. We also considered knocking out the chimney breast but it would have cost £10,000 and given us a big box that would be difficult to furnish. Although we could have had kitchen units on three sides, I wanted an L shape so it felt like part of the room rather than crammed in. It’s nice having our sink under the window and the opposite wall has a chalkboard and shelf to prop pictures and plates. Did you find it easy to choose a kitchen?
Our builder, Jorge Antonio Pires of San Antonio Construction, put us in touch with his cousin in Portugal who makes bespoke kitchens. It was a bit of a gamble as we were relying on samples, but he’s made us an amazing painted kitchen at a great price.
And the worktops?
We chose hardwearing white quartz around the edges, and I’d seen a concrete island worktop on Pinterest I liked. Luckily, David’s very handy and made it himself in the garden. He tested different sands to get the perfect shade of grey, made a mould from melamine for a smooth finish and let it set for six weeks. After we hosed off the slugs and grass, about ten neighbours helped carry it inside where it was polished and sealed. It looks amazing and cost just £120.
Were there any challenges?
Yes, the fact we were living on site with two small children. I was on maternity leave, so at home full time and this was quite challenging at times. We felt as though we were fairly well prepared at the start of the project, but of course there were a hundred and one tiny things that either we hadn’t considered or had to change as the build progressed. How did the budget go?
Inevitably we went slightly over. We were planning to have a team of decorators in to paint, but this seemed the obvious place to save a bit of money so we did the decorating ourselves.
Tell us about the dual-aspect woodburner
We spent a long time researching the woodburner and didn’t find there were many options for dual-aspect stoves, particularly with the clean, modern look we were after. Eventually we decided on a Portway model, which we’re very happy with. It makes a great focal point and is so cosy in the winter.
Would you do anything differently?
I’d move out! The project took about six months and for three months we lived with a temporary kitchen in the hallway made from the old units, cooking on just a microwave and slow cooker. With a three-year-old and an 18-month-old, it was tricky to say the least. See Hilda’s ceramics at hildacarrpottery.com