Modern Kitchen Ranelagh

Materials: ‘Soft White’ lacquer fronts with White-oiled Oak on high-board and shelves, also Island frame and recess in dining area.

Handles, brass ‘Edge’, worktops and wall cladding in Silestone ‘Coral Clay’, plinths in stainless steel laminate.

This Ranelagh house was formerly the home of screen legend Maureen O Hara. The present owners who originally extended it in the ‘90s, felt it was now dated in style and wasn’t functionally properly.

The kitchen is accessed from the hall and beside this doorway was the full height fridge and oven units with a 50mm base unit for wine storage. Then a run of units along the outside wall ending in a small peninsula. The counter space was cramped and the corner was unusable and dark. Further, the space was delineated by a structural pillar supporting the new roof beams and the floor was divided by tiles in the kitchen ending at the peninsula, then wood in the rest of the living area. This visually divided the room and created an awkward space adjacent to the utility door. This housed a few different pieces of furniture which gave a cluttered look whilst not being very useful.

The clients were happy with the general aspect of the extension with the large roof light over the dining table and the wall of glass facing the garden. Attending an Open Day in the showroom in Churchtown, the clients were impressed with the kitchens on display and the friendly atmosphere. They were encouraged on finding out that Per was experienced in Turnkey projects, arising from his background in engineering. Also that he suggested visiting their house to fully analyse their wish list and see for himself the current set up.

The new design proposed involved a reconfiguration of the entire space. The new Oak floor not only covers the full extension but also runs into the sitting room which has two sets of folding doors which when open create a lovely flow for parties.

Per’s solution reflects his approach to design. Whilst the lady of the house was keen to focus on the limitations of the kitchen area, his focus was on the cluttered area on the opposite side of the peninsula, believing that the spaces needed to be integrated fully for both efficiency and good flow.

The result is both aesthetical and functional. Removing the fridge to the other side of the pillar which is fronted now by a pantry unit and continuing the storage the full length of the wall integrates the room. The use of a highboard for the ovens removes the tunnel feel entering the room and creates useable work space in the previously despised corner. The controlled palette gives a harmonious effect and the wood clad recess in the dining storage highlights the painting which had been lost in the original clutter.

The finest achievement in the owner’s view, is the narrow but long island only 50cm wide, it gives both extra work space and storage and defines the kitchen; guiding both the eye and the guest pass the work area. Thus making the dining table which is positioned under a roof light, the rightful focus of the room. Concealed under the island is a floor socket which increases its versatility as a work station whilst allowing it to be moved.

Stylish new radiators complement the new ambience. Chiming in with the warmth of the brass handles are the slim brass pendants over the island. The result is a complete transformation, the clients are thrilled and very happy that such a change was possible without costly and time consuming structural work. Also with Per’s management of the project.