When a young Edinburgh family decided on their new home in the heart of Colinton they thankfully saw the potential in a dated but stunning traditional stone-built house.
The existing kitchen was tired, with cabinets and appliances which sorely needed replaced, and a layout which didn’t meet with today’s functional living requirements.
With three young boys there was the definite need to create a large family area where they could cook, eat and relax together. Walls were removed, rehoming a small utility elsewhere and extending the dining room to accommodate a large table and a lounge area at one end, created the open plan living they desired. The layout of the kitchen developed naturally with the shape of the space dictating the arrangement.
We developed a contemporary yet classic colour scheme with hand-painted cabinetry and brass accents. The paint finish was chosen due to the flexibility it offers when a few years down the line the family want to change the colour scheme, or touch up any little knocks caused by the kids!
An Egger melamine carcass was the perfect compliment to the colouring of the new Oak parquet flooring. We settled on a textured effect which has more interest than a standard Oak melamine often used. Real Oak veneer was used within glazed wall cabinets and solid oak drawer boxes finished off the cabinetry interiors perfectly.
Work was soon underway and the space began to reveal itself once the walls were removed but there was still a long way to go!
As site progressed our workshop began filling with some very meticulously labelled door sections. MDF was chosen to create this shaker door, mainly due to stability and the solid base it provides for a hand painted finish. Solid wood, although very beautiful has a tendency to move and cause the paint to crack – not a look we are aiming for!
There are a range of different storage methods including this solid Oak rack which provides an extra solution inside the larder cupboard door.
Once the room was ready we quickly made progress.
An American fridge freezer was located with clear access to both the dining table and breakfast bar. Tall housing for the microwave, oven and warming drawer on the adjacent wall balanced out the overall layout.
The false chimney place provides a focal point on the main wall framed with illuminated glazed cabinets. Small details such as recessed storage within the mantel legs and a groove channelled in to the shelf to provide stability for pictures, have all been considered and measured decisions.
A small recess where the old Aga used to be housed was also utilised to become a mid-height cupboard with internal worksurface to house baking appliances and ingredients; hopefully we’ll be invited round soon for some cake!
A large double bowl ceramic sink is carefully positioned centrally on the window with a specialised finish stain brass Perrin and Rowe tap and rinse. The large bowls allow plenty of space for soaking those baking trays!
The island allows for four stools and also provides a practical work space between the sink and cooking appliances. And after all the entertaining and keeping hungry tummies happy, fully integrated recycling bins positioned opposite the sink and dishwasher make for easy cleaning up!
We loved every step of the process on this project. This is what makes our job worthwhile; seeing the transformation and a happy family living and enjoying the space we have created.
Thanks for reading!