LLI Design have recently completed a total redesign of the ground floor of a newly built detached house in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom. The clients, a young professional couple with 2 children, wanted a modern look that wasn't cold and clinical, they wanted their home to be somewhere they could relax and entertain, but at the same time would function as a practical family home.
The original layout was fairly traditional, with a family / kitchen room at the back of the house looking onto the garden, a separate dining room at the front was seldom used - mainly because it was difficult to access from the kitchen. There were two further reception rooms, one of which, whilst large, was also under used as the layout, lighting and decor combined to make it an uncomfortable space.
It was calculated that up to 40% of the space was very seldom used, which was an important factor in the redesign. The house in general, needed to be taken to a new level of design and quality, LLI Design proposed that more open plan living would suit the family's lifestyle.
The wall between the kitchen and dining room was removed in order to create one large area divided into a family living space, new kitchen and dining area. This approach changed the whole dynamic and truly placed the kitchen at the heart of the home whilst at the same time having the added benefit of flooding the space with natural light from front and rear aspects. One of the reception rooms was redefined as a TV / lounge and the other as a study.
The kitchen was designed to give a real wow factor. A dramatic 3.7m long central island wrapped in statement dove grey frosted glass was installed and under lit with LED strips. The island houses the double sink, with waste disposer, water softener, pop up sockets, induction hob with downdraft extractor and a breakfast bar at one end. An impressive bank of tall units sits against the back wall with 2 ovens, microwave, steam oven and a large wine fridge. At one end there are pocket doors that fold back to reveal, toaster, mixer and all paraphernalia that usually clutter the worktop. This can be closed when not required, keeping the look sleek and visually pure.
The existing utility room was stripped out and the space was re-designed. New units were specified including a full height pull out pantry. Overall providing increased storage and also making it a practical room for laundry.
In the family area, furnishings were kept simple but with strong styling lines, a bright red retro styled sofa with chaise end and a rug together with a statement Flos spun floor lamp and bright artworks, warm up the area. A limited palette of greys, creams, blacks and reds added drama to the space.
In the dining area the Flos spun floor lamp was repeated and a honed granite table with upholstered slimline dining chairs were specified to inject texture and as a contrast to the block of Flos Fuschia glass hanging ceiling lights above.
The larger reception room was repurposed as a TV / lounge due to it's lack of natural light. It was important to make this room warm, welcoming and cosy especially as it had been so under used in the past. The palette was kept to oranges, taupes and greys, together with a walnut floor. This progresses harmoniously from the open plan area adjacent to it.
A sizeable and comfy L shaped sofa along with an orange accent Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair and a large textured rug were specified. An oversized classic arc lamp finishes the space, along with dramatic artworks that complete the room.
A full width, bespoke lacquer wall hung unit was specified, under lit with a warm hum of LED. The 65" TV was set flush into a bespoke stud partition, so, although large it didn't dominate the room.
Photos: Alex Maguire