‘We created an open, flexible kitchen for a sociable feel’
As well as removing an adjoining wall and rethinking the layout, Sarah Brewster added flexible seating and storage to her kitchen to maximise the new open-plan space
When Sarah and Ian viewed their current home, they knew the kitchen would need a complete refurb. ‘The outdated units were falling apart and the layout simply didn’t work,’ explains Sarah. ‘The worktop was divided by a built-in double oven with the hob right next to it,’ she says, ‘leaving little space to prep or put pans, and the only place to eat was a tiny breakfast bar.’
Removing the adjoining wall to create a large kitchen-diner was the obvious solution to Sarah’s kitchen-woes. ‘I wanted a space where the whole family could socialise during mealtimes,’ says Sarah, ‘as I like us to eat and cook together.’
Building problems, however, began fairly quickly. Plumbing in the dishwasher caused a flood, and then work stopped while the flooring was checked for asbestos. ‘Thankfully, the results were clear,’ says
Sarah, so the work was able to resume.
The builders plastered the walls and fitted the kitchen, though Sarah’s kitchen planner said the built-in island on her wish list wouldn’t fit. Instead, Sarah bought a moveable design from IKEA, ‘and it’s a brilliant piece of kit,’ she explains. ‘It has lots of storage underneath for easy-to-find everyday items and it doubles as a breakfast
bar with space for stools, and we can move it around to be more sociable.’
The couple then decided to lay the floor themselves, though they had to live without flooring for about four months while they saved. Ian decorated the dining area with white brick-effect wallpaper and Sarah styled the room. ’I love everything rustic and natural, though I like to balance it with industrial touches,’ she says, ‘so I chose a black and wood scheme.’
Sarah had already bought the dining table and flexible bench seating, which, she explains, works well because it can be moved about, depending on the occasion. And, although at one point, Sarah admits it felt like this reno had led to a catalogue of disasters, now, she says, ‘the finished result is amazing and has created the welcoming family space I was after’.