This original 70s kitchen, that had not been updated except for replacing white goods, consisted of very dark hardwood cabinets and cupboards. The remit from the client was to totally refurbish the kitchen. Attached to the kitchen at one end is a large utility room containing a very old boiler and open cupboards. The client’s request was to retain the layout and positioning of the white goods but to totally the update the kitchen in a modern design.

The ceiling lighting needed to be changed to accommodate recessed halogen lighting as well as 2 speakers for the house’s integrated music system. We also removed the dated picture lights on the end wall. The client still required a central peninsular unit and whilst retaining the size the layout was more in fitting with the new kitchen design. A new compact flat screen TV was added also.

The ceiling was re-boarded, plaster skimmed and newly coved to provide a fresh surface for the new lighting to be installed. The old units were removed and old wall tiling too and the walls re-skimmed to provide a smooth surface for the new paintwork. To meet new electricity requirements the kitchen and utility room were re-wired into a completely separate RCD unit. The large floor standing boiler was replaced and a new wall mounted one installed in a new location in the utility room. The ceramic tile flooring throughout was replaced but not taken up. We set new Amtico flooring directly onto the old flooring as the surface quality accommodated the new screening process sufficiently.

Our designers worked with the client to his specification of very clean lines throughout the kitchen. To complement the high gloss finish we chose a granite work surface in a traditional black colour with splashbacks and upstands. The new units and counter tops continued into the utility room. The door to the utility room was painted high gloss white to continue the uniform effect. However the door from the kitchen to the main house was left in the original dark wood.

The original dated drape curtains were replaced with modern roller blinds in both rooms. For the main feature wall of the kitchen it was decided to go with an oxblood red colour to provide a contrast to the monochromic style. This red has also been picked out in the roller blinds and the kitchen stools. Having all the appliances in brushed chrome as well as all the door handles completes the effect.