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Kitchen project by Now Kitchens
This once-cramped kitchen has been cleverly reconfigured into a light-filled open-plan space that maximises storage and allows for entertaining family and friends. Dated cabinetry has been traded in for a timeless Shaker design and punctuated by nautical references – a nod to the kitchen’s seaside location. Jono Peck of Now Kitchens in Helston, Cornwall created the kitchen, and here he tells us how.
THE DESIGN BRIEF
What was the space like before?
This cramped kitchen with its dated appliances and limited storage didn’t have much going for it. Craving clutter-free work surfaces as well as more open space for their two young children, the couple wanted to knock through to the adjacent dining room. This would expand the kitchen, creating a sociable setting for entertaining friends and family.
What was the vision for the new kitchen?
Visualising the new layout was very difficult for the family, until CAD software brought the ideas to life, showing exactly how the space would look with the walls removed. They instantly fell in love with the idea of a large peninsular unit to divide the kitchen from the sitting area. We kept this free of appliances to allow for hidden bins and deep, extra-wide drawers that provided ample storage for food and kitchen equipment.
Our brief was to make the kitchen as multi-functional as possible. To achieve this, the peninsular worktop provides a generous food preparation area and doubles as a breakfast bar for four thanks to a simple overhanging work surface. We also hid USB charger points under the worktop, so they’re right where they’re needed.
THE FINISHED KITCHEN
How did you choose the appliances?
The family asked for specific functionality, such as the NEFF Slide&Hide oven with the self-cleaning pyrolytic function for ease of access and use. We paired this with a NEFF combination microwave oven and warming drawer to support their busy family life.
To fuel the couple’s love of cooking, we chose a NEFF induction hob, which is a family-safe cooking solution. This was teamed with a NEFF wall-mounted extractor, the bold design of which makes for a fantastic statement piece. And the finishing touch was a tall NEFF fridge-freezer with 319 litres of storage – ample space for a family of four.
Following the installation of their kitchen, we invited the family back to the Now Kitchens showroom for a NEFF cookery demonstration. This ensured they knew exactly how to get the best out of their new appliances.
What makes this kitchen such a success?
The family specified a neutral colour palette, resulting in soothing shades of grey for the kitchen furniture and worktops. A bold hit of colour comes courtesy of the stunning DecoGlaze splashback, which takes its cue from the family’s love of the seaside.
Lighting can make or break a space, so we worked closely with an electrician to design a scheme that not only perfectly complements the aesthetic but also how the kitchen will be used. In addition to the decorative pendants over the peninsular unit, we installed a series of recessed spots to wash the kitchen in light. Meanwhile, LED strips positioned underneath the breakfast bar overhang add ambient light, perfect for the evenings. We’re delighted with how the whole scheme came together.
RECREATE THIS KITCHEN
