The brief from the client was to create a sociable kitchen, combining the old kitchen with a separate dining room, creating a space for both cooking and entertaining, offering the perfect backdrop for relaxed living, particularly as the client enjoyed cooking and chatting at the same time. Getting the format right, however, was not as simple as just providing a table and chairs. Logistical, this meant removing what is essence was the back wall of the house. The services of a structural engineer were involved as well as a party wall surveyor, as being a terraced house work impacted on the adjoining property. The rooms being relatively long and narrow deemed a galley type kitchen, but an island was created to break up a continuos run of units, and also to provide, both extra work surface but also a space for guests to sit and chat whilst the host was at work, (and out of the way.

As part of the project a new pitched roof was created above the kitchen area which previously was a flat roof, suffering from both leaks and damp in the kitchen space. This allowed a roof window to be added allowing much needed natural light into the kitchen space, but also creating a vaulted ceiling adding visual interest to the space. As part of the project, insulation was upgraded in both walls, floors and ceiling to keep the rooms warm and cosy and requiring minimal heating.

Flooring was co-ordinated throughout, with hardwearing marmoleum, plus under floor heating for a cosy feel. Kitchen cabinets in a luxurious material created a light space, plus glass reflective tiling helped to bounce light around the space. Polished granite work surfaces and practical plus decorative lighting were added. The dining area was softened with the use of wallpaper and mirrors to once again give that visual increase in space.