Sunny New Kitchen, Dining Area and Garden Room in England
Replacing a leaky conservatory creates a bright and sociable open space for cooking, eating and socializing
Swapping a cold and leaking conservatory for a wraparound addition gave the owners of this house in southeastern England the chance to create a stylish kitchen. But the addition doesn’t only fulfill an avid cook’s dream — it also has light-filled dining and living spaces with fabulous countryside views.
The owners chose timeless Shaker-style cabinetry for the kitchen. “She likes muted tones, so we went for gray,” O’Sullivan says. Two shades add depth to the design, with a darker tone for the island and wall cabinetry and a lighter gray elsewhere. To give the room a more contemporary twist, the owners opted to forgo traditional cornicing on the cabinetry.
The island includes a breakfast bar. “It’s easy for the teenagers,” O’Sullivan says, “and it makes it more of a sociable space.”
Kitchen island and wall cabinets in Truffle and base cabinets in Stone: Hawk Kitchens & Bathrooms
The island includes a breakfast bar. “It’s easy for the teenagers,” O’Sullivan says, “and it makes it more of a sociable space.”
Kitchen island and wall cabinets in Truffle and base cabinets in Stone: Hawk Kitchens & Bathrooms
To accommodate the equipment for an avid cook, the island includes deep drawers for pans, with cutlery storage above, on the side facing the cooktop and sink. Outlets in the island make it convenient to use small appliances there.
The designers recommended a quartz work surface (Silestone in Coral Clay) for its durability, heat- and scratch-resistance. It forms the backsplash as well. “It’s hygienic and seamless, and there are no grout lines,” O’Sullivan says.
The designers recommended a quartz work surface (Silestone in Coral Clay) for its durability, heat- and scratch-resistance. It forms the backsplash as well. “It’s hygienic and seamless, and there are no grout lines,” O’Sullivan says.
Two ovens cater to the homeowner’s passion for cooking. They’re flanked by a pantry on one side and a refrigerator on the other, keeping food storage conveniently in one area.
Three pendant lights and bold orange bar stools draw the eye to the kitchen island, creating a focal point.
Pendant lights: Jim Lawrence
Find orange bar stools in the Houzz Shop
Pendant lights: Jim Lawrence
Find orange bar stools in the Houzz Shop
The designers included a countertop cabinet that conceals a breakfast preparation area. “It makes things a bit tidier,” O’Sullivan says. Alongside is open shelving for the owner’s cookbooks, which brighten the space.
The dining area was created by wrapping the addition around the side of the house. “There are amazing views of the hills,” O’Sullivan says.
The designers chose a farmhouse sink to complement the Shaker-style cabinetry.
Shop for a farmhouse sink
Shop for a farmhouse sink
From the island, you can look down the new garden room. The open layout means that the chef doesn’t miss out on conversation with family and guests.
Bifold doors open up the room to the yard and countryside beyond. The color of the door and window frames echoes the gray of the island and wall cabinets, giving the room a pulled-together look.
Besides being ideal for entertaining, the open-plan addition is shared family space. A stove keeps it cozy in colder months. Exposed brick adds attractive texture to the design, and skylights maximize light.
The dining area with the kitchen beyond is visible through the window next to the new porch.
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Kitchen, Dining Area and Garden Room at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their two teenage sons
Location: Wingrave, England
Size: 474 square feet (44 square meters)
Designers: Grant Hosking and Lauren O’Sullivan of Hawk Kitchens & Bathrooms
The homeowners planned to replace their rigid PVC conservatory with a windowed garden room that would take advantage of the brilliant views over rolling hills. But Grant Hosking and Lauren O’Sullivan of Hawk Kitchens & Bathrooms, who designed and managed the project, suggested increasing the addition’s size and wrapping it around a corner to create a larger kitchen-dining area plus a bigger hallway and porch for the house.
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