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Case Study - extending a kitchen
Knocking through to create a kitchen-diner
The kitchen was “small and dated” and the dining room under-used, explains nurse Christine of the 1930s semi in Portsmouth she and her husband Anthony moved into 23 years ago.
The couple knocked through to create a modern kitchen-diner that injects real style and a feeling of space into their home.
Super-sleek cabinets hide most of the working elements of the kitchen, providing a clean, uncluttered backdrop to the dining area. Fewer rooms means fewer doors. The door from the hall to the kitchen was blocked up, providing more worktop space.
Christine, a mum-of-two, said: “Our wish list was for a large family kitchen-diner for cooking, relaxing and entertaining as well as more space for food preparation.”
Planning permission was not required but the project did need Building Regulations consent. The couple employed the services of a structural engineer who advised the wall they wanted to demolish was load-bearing. He specified a suitable steel support beam to keep the house structurally stable.
The next step was to find a builder. After asking local companies to quote, Rowlands Castle Builders was awarded the contract.
Their old kitchen had been fitted by Anthony’s father, a retired carpenter, when they first moved in. It had served the family well but now they went for a completely new kitchen, their builder taking away the old units.
The couple chose high gloss cream cupboards and NEFF appliances, including fridge-freezer and oven. Power points above the black laminate worktop include USB outlets A stainless steel splashback behind the gas hob enhances the look of the kitchen.
The couple also asked the builder to remove a 1950s fireplace in the dining room and re-plaster all the walls and ceiling. The walls are painted on-trend light and dark grey. A large flat-screen TV is mounted on the chimney breast.
New flooring is wood laminate throughout for a seamless look. Pendant lights and a cosy seating corner in the dining area add a homely touch. The total budget was £15,000.
Christine said: “We are really pleased with the finished project. It has really improved the ground floor of our house. We use this room a great deal more as it’s a more sociable space, especially when we have family and friends over.
“The worst part was living with the chaos and dust throughout the house.”
Any tips? “Have a clear vision in mind when you shop around for kitchens and be prepared for mess.”
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