An airy open-plan kitchen diner

Project 1 - A London Townhouse

An Airy Open-Plan Kitchen Diner

The brief for this space was to create a light, bright and airy room that would work as a place to host and entertain friends and family.

The client wanted it to feel warm and welcoming, as well as elevated and sophisticated. While each zone needed to serve a different purpose, it was important they each spoke the same design language.

• The kitchen has been custom designed and handmade, with a spray-painted finish in 'Mouse's Back' by Farrow & Ball.
• I opted for a porcelain worktop, as it's incredibly hardwearing.
• There are three distinct zones within this open plan space; each individually designed but cohesively joined together through the use of materials and colours.
• We weren't granted the planning permission for the full rear extension, which meant sacrificing the client's desire for a kitchen island. The next best thing was to design a peninsular unit instead, which still allows for maximum functionality without compromising on the flow of the room and feeling of spaciousness.
• A separate pantry took away the need for wall units in the main kitchen, which helps the space to feel more open and calm.
• Statement pendants over the kitchen peninsula offer important task lighting while also being beautiful decorative focal points.
• It was really important to flood this space with natural light, so we added the lantern skylight to deliver 30% more natural light.
• An open fireplace not only provides a brilliant design statement but also marks the divide between the dining space and the living room area.
• The same cabinetry flows through from the main kitchen to the pantry and finally the utility room for a consistent look all the way through.
• Every space needs to be grounded, and we have done this through having a cohesive 'base' or flooring across every room on each level. Downstairs we have the same white oak herringbone floor, and upstairs we have the same carpet throughout the bedrooms. This gives the eye a chance to land, while also paving the way for hero pieces to stand out.

Sourcebook

• 'Mouse's Back' by Farrow & Ball