All in good time
See how life improved for the Sellicks after an extension gave them a brand new kitchen, living and dining area.
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For 12 years, Sue Sellick, who is a medical secretary, calmly cooked for a family of six in a dark and narrow, north-facing kitchen. Finally, last year, Sue's patience was rewarded when she and her husband, Barry, a hospital consultant, had a large extension built onto the back of their 1930s Surrey home. Incorporating part of the old cook zone, they created a spacious kitchen-cum-living area, with a formal dining room that's separated by bi-fold oak doors.
Features of the newly formed space include a high ceiling, with a custom-designed lantern to let in the light, and a row of glass doors, leading onto their extensive garden. In fact, it was partly to enjoy the garden that they created this amazing arena. "However, I also wanted a spot where all four of our grown-up children - Peter, David, Christopher and Rebecca - could relax and socialise with us," says Sue. "I hoped for a place where we could all happily eat together, without the formality of the dining room." Most of all though, she and Barry desired a stunning, contemporary kitchen that was easy to clean and hard-wearing, and that ultimately wouldn't date.
They weren't sure what colour palette to opt for, but, upon visiting Violet Designs in West Sussex, Sue saw a beautiful ivory and cappuccino scheme. After the designer and proprietor, Lorraine Head, had finalised the plans for their kitchen, the Sellicks could hardly wait for their new hub to be installed.
"The focus of the room is a huge island, which is curvaceous and distinctive," explains Sue. "One end is almost circular and set with a walnut work surface, resembling a table top. With two barstools, it functions as our breakfast bar." The remaining run of island is topped in creamy CaesarStone®, complementing a cappuccino high gloss base unit containing pan drawers and two recycling bins. Set into the worktop is a four-ring induction hob, with an extractor hood above. At the opposite end is another walnut surface which functions as a table, seating up to eight people, with storage in its base.
For as long as possible, the family were able to use their old kitchen while the structural work got under way. But, when the time came for it to be incorporated into the new build, they had to switch over to the utility room where there was a sink; the builder helpfully provided them with an electric hob. "We also had a microwave and, luckily, as it was summer, we could use the barbecue. In effect, we were without a kitchen for three months," says Sue. "However, it was well worth it, as we spend all our time in here now."
Underfloor heating means that, although they still use radiators, they have a warm floor throughout the day, thus dispensing with full central heating. "It's especially pleasant first thing on a winter's day," shares Sue. "It's in three sections, so we can decide which zone we want to switch on."
As the kitchen-cum-living area is so large, Lorraine thought it best to avoid a uniform look. All the units along one wall are in Ivory high gloss lacquer, with worktops and upstands in Chocolate tones. "We wanted granite surfaces, but eventually opted for CaesarStone® as it comes in a range of hues, plus it's durable and easy to maintain," explains Sue.
When it came to appliances, the wish list was certainly diverse. Barry wanted a dual wine fridge, the children requested an indulgent induction wok for their stir-fries and Sue asked for a double oven. "Despite my initial scepticism, I actually love the induction wok!" laughs Sue. "We really have used it a great deal, and I'm so delighted we bought it - not that I'd tell the kids that! However, my favourite part of the kitchen is the walk-in larder, as everything is so accessible, plus it is cool and dark - ideal for food storage," she continues.
Sue and Barry also opted for lighting that can easily be subdued after the meal has been served, creating a more relaxed, romantic ambience.
"I just can't imagine living the way we used to - I love our new space," Sue enthuses. "When the bi-fold doors are folded back, the whole of the ground floor becomes open-plan, which is perfect for entertaining. The bright, airy feel of the room gives me such a lift each morning, that I almost can't wait to get out of bed!"
