Kitchen Design
A Busy London Kitchen Gets a New England–Style Makeover
Moving an overflowing book collection into a cozy new family room clears the way for a kitchen focused on socializing
A passion for theater and books had left Fiona Gunn’s kitchen drowning in clutter and in need of a thoughtful renovation.
Gunn and her three kids love theater and books, and “everything they’d accumulated over the years had ended up in the kitchen,” says designer Andy Stone, who was commissioned to breathe new life into the overflowing space. “The kitchen itself hadn’t been updated in years and was very run-down,” he says. “We decided to add a small extension within the permitted boundaries and reconfigure the space to make it work for them in a much more coherent way.”
The finished extension now incorporates a utility room and a generously sized kitchen-diner, and is a sociable space where the family can gather and entertain. “It’s a very warm room that incorporates Gunn’s love of New England style,” Stone says, “and, of course, the family’s enormous book collection!”
Gunn and her three kids love theater and books, and “everything they’d accumulated over the years had ended up in the kitchen,” says designer Andy Stone, who was commissioned to breathe new life into the overflowing space. “The kitchen itself hadn’t been updated in years and was very run-down,” he says. “We decided to add a small extension within the permitted boundaries and reconfigure the space to make it work for them in a much more coherent way.”
The finished extension now incorporates a utility room and a generously sized kitchen-diner, and is a sociable space where the family can gather and entertain. “It’s a very warm room that incorporates Gunn’s love of New England style,” Stone says, “and, of course, the family’s enormous book collection!”
The designer added arched windows that frame the island and wall cupboards to enhance the room’s sense of symmetry. “Light does filter in from these windows, but essentially they’re an aesthetic feature,” he says. The ceiling was kept relatively high — in keeping with the rest of the house — and the panels on the ceiling are actually plastered strips that have been carefully positioned with the spotlights to achieve a cozy effect. “I specialize in lighting, so getting the positioning just right was a meticulous job,” he recalls.
Stone resisted the urge to introduce bifold doors at the back of the house. “Fiona wanted a country-style feel, so we had these hardwood doors made by a joiner instead,” he says. “We also needed some extra space for book storage, so we introduced some shelving underneath the windows here. It’s all about the books!”
The double-width island features a prep sink facing into the room for a more sociable cooking experience, and also houses other practical elements, such as a vegetable drawer and bin. “It’s very user friendly, and I’ve tried to create a sense of harmony in the space,” Stone says. “Wood panels at each end of the island means it looks more like a piece of furniture than a kitchen cabinet. The island is the central hub for socializing and is the perfect spot for informal suppers.”
Parma Gray paint by Farrow & Ball enhances the soothing nature of the kitchen, while the creamy hues of the marble countertops and the natural wood of the internal cabinetry add warmth and depth. “Even though the design is rooted in traditional New England style, there’s still a hint of contemporary about it that stops it [from] looking twee,” says Stone.
The solid-oak parquet references flooring elsewhere in the house, so there’s a natural flow between rooms. Stone was also mindful to maximize every scrap of space, so he kept the units as low to the ground as possible to allow for the most possible storage. Meanwhile, inside the drawers, the European oak cabinetry is dovetailed for a high-spec finish that will stand the test of time.
Although the family members regularly entertain friends, they’re not ardent chefs. Their range fits in perfectly with the design but is also easy to use for quick suppers and low-key entertaining.
“Lighting is key to the mood of the kitchen,” says Stone. “I added lights on top of the overhead cupboards for a lovely warming effect, and everything is controlled at the touch of a button.” For easy use Stone installed a number of settings, including winter evening, daytime and entertaining, so the family can choose the perfect ambience for the occasion.
A tiny home office was incorporated into the design at the end of the cupboards. “It’s a small space, but we wanted somewhere in the kitchen for Fiona to open the post or check her laptop,” he says. “It’s also next to the small bookcase, so she can have a browse whenever she feels like it.”
Opposite the kitchen, the family’s new hangout is home to their precious book collection. “The fire is always on in this part of the house,” says Stone. “It’s a wonderful little spot in which to curl up with a book or watch TV.”
For Stone the greatest pleasure of his work lies in the details. “This beautiful little cupboard is wonderful to look at,” he says. “It’s been quarter veneered, so it appears to be in a diamond shape. It’s very special.”
Who lives here: Fiona Gunn and her 3 children
Location: Wimbledon, London
Designer: Andy Stone Bespoke Interiors
Gunn’s penchant for New England style led Stone down a traditional route when it came to designing the new extension. “I was also careful to position the skylight between seating areas to avoid casting harsh light in spots where the family will congregate,” he says.
How to Add a Skylight or Light Tube