‘Wren helped us make the most of our kitchen space’
When Lorna and Daniel decided to extend their home, Wren helped them create a stylish design that would maximise the new, larger kitchen
Whether you’re replacing an existing kitchen or adding an extension, finding a layout that ticks the boxes for everyday practicality and visual style can feel daunting. Luckily, Wren’s designers are experts at making the most of the available space, with the optimal configuration of storage, worktops and appliances – in fact, they may even suggest savvy solutions you’ve never thought of before, as Lorna and Daniel discovered when they went to their local Wren showroom in Liverpool.
The couple had lived in their home for two years and loved the local area, but the property was too small for their family of three (soon to be four with a baby on the way), so they decided to extend to create ‘the largest kitchen space possible,’ explains Lorna.
They weren’t sure how to get the best out of their extended room, though, until they sat down with their Wren designer, Michael, who helped them fit in everything that they wanted without compromising on style.
CLEVER ADDITIONS
An island was at the top of Lorna’s list of must-haves, but she couldn’t decide where to place it in the room. ‘Michael was amazing at configuring the space, though, and now I really can’t imagine not having the island in my kitchen,’ she says. Lorna also wanted lots of storage space, as well as two ovens, and a long shelf above the sink instead of cupboards to create a more open feel, all of which Michael incorporated into the design.
The couple were impressed by the wide selection of options that Wren had available, as well as the way Michael took time to understand what they needed from a kitchen. The extra details he suggested have made all the difference. ‘He made recommendations for elements we didn’t even think of to improve the design and functionality,’ Lorna explains, ‘such as a bin drawer with extra space incorporated for bin bags.’ Michael also gave them several different options to pick from, so they knew they were choosing the best design elements for their needs.
Another part of the Wren experience that the couple found helpful was the 3D render, which meant they could easily visualise the finished kitchen during the design process. ‘When we went home, we were able to use the Wren app and the 3D technology to see how the kitchen was actually going to look in the space,’ says Lorna.
COSY COLOUR
When it came to creating an atmosphere, Lorna knew she wanted the scheme to feel like a welcoming family kitchen, ‘but still in keeping with our own interior style,’ she says. After gathering inspiration from various magazines and on social media, she fell in love with the idea of a pink kitchen, so the couple went for the Infinity Plus Shaker kitchen in Ermine Rose Matt.
‘I put a case together to my husband and, although he had some concerns at the beginning, he really liked the soft pink,’ says Lorna. ‘It feels so warm and cosy compared to the rest of the house, which is white – it’s been two years and we still love it!’
Lorna also added gold hardware for a touch of glam, and, once again, their designer, Michael, made a recommendation the couple really liked, adding a plinth on top of the cupboards for a smart finish.
REASON TO CELEBRATE
Wren made Lorna and Daniel’s kitchen renovation journey easy from beginning to end. It even price-matched appliances against major retailers so the couple could order them from Wren for the best price. ‘Delivery was really good, too,’ says Lorna. ‘My husband installed the kitchen as he’s very handy.’
While they’re happy with every inch of their new kitchen, the couple particularly appreciate having a large island with ample space for spending time together. ‘As the hob is on the island, it’s absolutely perfect for socialising and we’ve added stools so that we can all sit around it while cooking or baking,’ says Lorna.
Most of all, though, the couple value how much the kitchen has enhanced family life, enabling them to entertain on special occasions throughout the year, including hosting Christmas for the first time.
Last summer, their extended family and friends came over to celebrate their daughter’s birthday. ‘We turned the island into a buffet area when we were doing the barbecue. The fact that we were able to fit so many people in was amazing,’ smiles Lorna.