Case Studies

Client brief

Our clients came to us wanting to update their kitchen and utility room. They wanted something lighter, brighter and more in keeping with their country home. They mentioned that their daughter had a mantel in her kitchen and they really liked that as a feature. Seating wasn’t required as part of the furniture as they used the adjoining dining/sunroom.

Challenges

The shape of the kitchen was interesting as the dining and kitchen formed an L-shape so the challenge was to make them feel connected and more open. We were going to remove most of the wall units to make the kitchen feel more spacious and light, so we had to maximise the storage elsewhere. The large American fridge/freezer in the utility room was to remain, as was an under-counter fridge.

DESIGN PROCESS

The focal point of the kitchen was the view from the dining area so we wanted this to be stunning. A mantel area over the hob was designed as the main focus in this view. The sink was to remain looking out over the garden and it made sense to tuck the tall cabinetry behind a stud wall that separated the kitchen from the dining area. 

Removing the small peninsula and glass cabinetry that separated the kitchen from the dining area opened up the space but we wanted the cabinetry to connect both areas so a drawer line cabinet was added to the design to connect the spaces and form an invitation into the rest of the kitchen. 

The mantel area was further developed by designing in open, lit shelving nooks either side of the hob and stepping the upper section out with cornice detailing. The subtle veining of the Marbled White quartz worktop was extended to the full height behind the hob to be both practical and beautiful. 

The tall cabinetry was boxed in to reflect the structure of the mantel area and help create a sense of height. The tall cabinetry was stepped in to house reduced-depth tall wall cabinets - to maximise storage but also create more work surface area. 

Storage solutions were carefully considered, as losing a wall cabinet beside where the kettle used to live meant re-thinking how to make hot drinks. It was decided that installing a Quooker tap allowed for a cleaner work top space and adding Pinello internal pull-out storage in a cabinet nearby created a home for mugs and tea bags. 

Cabinetry was designed around the American fridge/freezer and for the rest of the utility.

When choosing the furniture style and colour our clients went for a traditional, beaded, shaker door in Porcelain to allow the kitchen to feel lighter and brighter. We also advised on additional wall lighting and the selection of paint colours to help tie the whole kitchen scheme together.

Final Solution

Even though the layout of the kitchen didn’t change hugely, the difference that the design tweaks and carefully-made furniture, worktop and wall colour choices means that the kitchen is hugely different to where it started. We think that the final result is a beautiful, airy, timeless kitchen that fits perfectly in its rural setting. We’re so glad that our clients agree…

“Absolutely delighted with our EllingtonMennie designed kitchen. They are a very professional team who work extremely well together to achieve the kitchen of your dreams. A first class kitchen design company. “

Morag and Sandy, Drumoak