“So what did your home look like before you tore it down and started a fresh?”… I hear you ask! Well, to answer this, I’ve pulled together a selection of before and after shots starting with the kitchen and living/dining area. I’ve also thrown in some during shots for good measure.
Before, our kitchen was rather small with very limited worktop space. It had an old coal fired Rayburn with accompanying chimney stack which separated the kitchen and dining area, and an adjoining mint green conservatory which was both cold in the winter and sweltering hot in the summer. The dining space was narrow and long and had two sets of bulky PVC patio doors facing out towards the garden. The space didn’t work and was in need of modification.
Our vision was to have one large open plan space that was modern, light and a great room for family time and entertaining.
In order to have all of this, a LOT of work was required. First off, we had to go through countless architectural meetings with our structural engineer to ensure our drawings were not only structurally sound, but what we wanted. Our biggest challenge was to incorporate an 8 metre wide glass opening whilst also supporting the bedroom directly above.
After a year and a half of procrastinating and much to-ing and fro-ing with the planning office, we finally made a start on our renovation project. This could have not come sooner for us and we were ‘chomping at the bit’ to get going. Even the thought of living in a static caravan for 7 months didn’t put us off! So, in early June we moved out of the house and into our caravan.
On the 22nd June 2016 works started (yeay!), and man, didn’t they start with a bang (or should I say crash!).
Seeing all of this activity take place at the house was so exciting and exhilarating. We literally could not wait to get home from work each day to see what had been done! The level of progress in these early stages (i.e the demolition stages) was immense.
(I’ve got to say, looking back at the pictures now doesn’t make me feel excited, more just fearful and full of anxiety!)
The build took roughly 8 months to complete (our target was 7). And generally, things went pretty much to plan. Here are the final results of our kitchen/sitting/dining area;
I hope you enjoyed the read (and all the pictures!). x
Thank you for sharing your dream project. Don’t think I will ever get to do such a big change so it was interesting to hear your up (and low) points. Your house now looks fab and I am guessing work’s much better for your family needs.
Unless you are starting another great project with your garden, I will shortly unsubscribe and let you get back to peace. Lol. All the best for the future.
Val (from Isle of Wight).
Author
Hi Val, There is never a dull moment in our house, of course there are more projects to come 😉 Home office, garden patio area and a new holiday home project in Cornwall… stay tuned!
Love this!
Hi there.
Your house looks fabulous. What a transformation!
I love kitchens, and plan to have one similar to yours. Which company did you use and would you recommend then?
The oak floor is fab too. Please let me know which suppliers you think are worth contacting.
Kind regards
Andre
Author
Hi Andre,
We used Tom Howley for our kitchen and yes would recommend them and our wood flooring came from Havwoods.
Absolutely lovely! What colour did you use in your lighter kitchen cabinets? I love the colours you’ve used. x
Author
Hi Anna, the colour is Cornforth White x
Hi S-J, We’re due to meet our architect next week to discuss our plans. Any tips or advice? Anything you did in your project that you are really glad you did? We’re aiming to achieve a smilar look to your own home so hope you don’t mind me picking your brains. Thanks
Author
Hi, So sorry for my delayed reply! The bits I am so glad we did were… 1) the sliding glass doors, they let in so much light and really do give that ‘wow’ factor. 2) Exposed brick wall adds a real feature to the room. 3) Silestone worktops in the kitchen (we went with Yukon). 4) 5 ring hob – we do a lot of cooking on the island! 5) engineered wood flooring throughout. and lastly 6) bespoke carpentry in the lounge. I hope your meeting went well? Anything else, just get int touch!
Author
Hi, So sorry for my delayed reply! The bits I am so glad we did were… 1) the sliding glass doors, they let in so much light and really do give that ‘wow’ factor. 2) Exposed brick wall adds a real feature to the room. 3) Silestone worktops in the kitchen (we went with Yukon). 4) 5 ring hob – we do a lot of cooking on the island! 5) engineered wood flooring throughout. and lastly 6) bespoke carpentry in the lounge. I hope your meeting went well? Anything else, just get in touch!
Hi? Did you have underfloor heating with your engineered wood flooring? And has it worn well with children etc?
Author
Yes, we have underfloor heating throughout. The wood floor has been brilliant, no issues with it at all!
Love love LOVE your home! Would you mind sharing where you got your pendant lighting from? I’ve been trawling the internet looking for a beautiful glass bauble just like yours <3!
Abi x
Hi there. Love your kitchen and you’re style in general. Just wondering where u purchased your dining table? I love the wood and the glass top. Stunning and practical for cleaning with small hands. Thanks, Michelle
Author
Hi, it’s from Modish Living. I think (from memory) it’s the Kensington table.
Hi, thanks for sharing your beautiful renovations. We’re just about to embark on our own project (although it’s all structurally in place, we’re just decorating internally!). Can I ask what size your dining table is?
Hi. Where are your tiles in the kitchen from?
Author
http://www.pure-stone.co.uk
What colour are the kitchen /dining room floor tiles please ? beigey or oystery ? thank you
Author
This is the tiles we have – https://www.pure-stone.co.uk/mazzano-honed/ the company can send you a sample!
Hi! Can I ask what size your kitchen table is? Thanks.
Author
Hi, It’s 240cm in length.
Hi, Your house is stunning. I have recently done something similar in my house, and I was wondering where you bought your dining chairs from ? They are absolutely STUNNING 🙂
Author
Ebay, I’ve linked them in ‘MY Home Style’ Section!
Your home is very inspiring. We are in doing a similar project and just wondering what colour you chose for your hall, staircase and landing?
Author
It’s shaded white by f&b x
Hi, your home fantastic you should be very proud. I had a question on the exposed brick, can you advise on the range you went for? I assume they are Brick Slips and looks like the Olde Watermill Range.
Author
Hi, these are real bricks as we had the depth to close up from a section of wall that was slightly further back. They are reclaimed bricks from https://www.lrbm.com/locations/buckinghamshire/
Hi, you have such a beautiful home and I am completely in love with your kitchen especially!!! We are now in the process of what we hope will be our forever home and the next decision is ceiling height in the kitchen….could you please tell me what height your ceiling is in the kitchen as it looks perfect!!!
Thank you so much.
xxx
Author
Gosh, I’m not sure of the exact height! Must be approx 8ft in height (going by the size of our Christmas tree!)
Thanks so much. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Xx
Hi, think this room is gorgeous. We are currently building an extension and have opted for large sliding doors too, do you know the width and height of yours? Also trying to decide on a dark or light colour on the inside of the doors (anthracite on the outside)…what made you choose a dark colour?
Thanks x
So cheeky, but how much did your kitchen cost?
Can you please tell me the size of your sliding patio doors. Thanks
Author
Approx 8m wide