A spacious kitchen

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With a clear vision in mind, Natalie and David Riley have created a light, spacious kitchen with a relaxation area that brings their family together.

When the Rileys decided the time was right for a new kitchen, Natalie approached the project like a military campaign, researching many different styles and ideas. Their existing kitchen was heavy oak with cathedral-arch doors, creating a gloomy feel in a north-facing room, and the space also lacked a focal point. What Natalie wanted was a light, spacious kitchen, with a central island where she could prepare food and a new relaxation area in the dining room where she, husband David and daughters Amy and Rebecca could enjoy family time together. She came across Davonport kitchens (01206 760800; davonport.com) while reading a magazine and went to visit a supplier, Moneyhill Interiors (01923 773906; moneyhillinteriors.com), located close to their Hertfordshire home.

Natalie’s studious research had paid off and she was able to present designer Richard Stillman and his team with a clear vision of what the new kitchen would need to provide. Richard remembers their conversation: ‘The priority was that the whole family would be able to spend more time together in this space; Natalie really wanted the kitchen to become the hub of the home.’

While drawing up the designs, he says they were mindful that whoever was cooking didn’t feel isolated from the rest of the family while preparing meals, so it was essential for the space to feel as open and sociable as possible. When it came to the specific details, Natalie and David said they wanted a hand-painted timber finish, a feature island, traditional mantel, range cooker and an American-style fridge-freezer.

The design evolved as discussions progressed and it became clear that, despite the considerable number of elements that were to be included, once the poorly designed existing kitchen was removed there was much that could be done to maximise the available space and create a bright, airy feeling, as well as accommodating new appliances.

The central island has seating so the family can enjoy meals here, then retire to the relaxation area of the same room. The hand-painted cabinets from Davonport’s Audley collection (with Caesarstone quartz worktops) and the pale stone flooring are key to brightening up the room. But to prevent the neutral scheme and stainless-steel range cooker and fridge from feeling too stark, both the rich red of the splashback – a late addition as Natalie grew bolder – and the solid American black-walnut top of the island add warmth and elegance.

From the outset, Richard knew what this kitchen project meant to his clients. ‘They had been dreaming about their new kitchen for six years,’ he says, ‘and it was our responsibility to ensure that what they had in their mind’s eye was realised – and then some.’ The result is a kitchen that David, Natalie and their daughters are very happy with, and will continue to appreciate for many years to come.

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FEATURE KATHARINE COX PHOTOGRAPHS DARREN CHUNG
Featured in the March 2012 issue of Period Living