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Kitchen Tour: A Modern Extension With a Calm, Connected Layout
A clever layout ensures this kitchen-diner feels like a beautiful part of the original home
When the owners of this east London property bought their new home, they already knew they wanted to demolish the existing extension and replace it with an open-plan kitchen-diner. They’d previously lived in a converted warehouse and were keen to replicate its lofty dimensions and add an element of industrial simplicity.
With his architectural background, designer Teoman Ayas of MIM Studios could see the key was to completely reconfigure the layout.
With his architectural background, designer Teoman Ayas of MIM Studios could see the key was to completely reconfigure the layout.
“The clients were keen to maximise the space and light, so we opted for a pitched roof to really push the height at the centre of it,” Teoman says.
“We also had this idea of a utilitarian corridor – an expressway almost – going from the front door, through the kitchen and out into the garden,” he says. “It was about creating flow and it shaped the space.”
Super matt navy and white cabinetry; white mirror chip laminate worktop, both Howdens.
“We also had this idea of a utilitarian corridor – an expressway almost – going from the front door, through the kitchen and out into the garden,” he says. “It was about creating flow and it shaped the space.”
Super matt navy and white cabinetry; white mirror chip laminate worktop, both Howdens.
To emphasise the ‘corridor’ concept, Teoman suggested zoning the floor. Hexagonal tiles mark out the kitchen area where the ‘expressway’ is located, while resin flooring zones the seating area.
Teoman also positioned the skylights to help delineate the space. “They’re aligned perfectly with the island and dining table below,” he says.
Voronoi white marble-effect hexagon tiles, Walls & Floors. EPI Superbase resin flooring, We Think Resin.
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Teoman also positioned the skylights to help delineate the space. “They’re aligned perfectly with the island and dining table below,” he says.
Voronoi white marble-effect hexagon tiles, Walls & Floors. EPI Superbase resin flooring, We Think Resin.
Looking for an architect in your area? Check out the Houzz Professionals Directory and read reviews from previous clients.
The couple opted for a high-contrast colour palette and teamed dark navy with white cabinetry, walls and worktops. The black sink, tap and appliances heighten the striking effect.
An island unit had been high on their original wishlist, and Teoman incorporated a breakfast bar for quick coffees and casual suppers. As well as a sink, a dishwasher is slotted in neatly at the far end of the island.
Pendant lights are positioned low over the breakfast bar. “We went for lights with enough length to their cords for us to lower them to a meaningful height to illuminate the surface below,” Teoman says.
Phari concrete pendant lights, Urbi et Orbi.
An island unit had been high on their original wishlist, and Teoman incorporated a breakfast bar for quick coffees and casual suppers. As well as a sink, a dishwasher is slotted in neatly at the far end of the island.
Pendant lights are positioned low over the breakfast bar. “We went for lights with enough length to their cords for us to lower them to a meaningful height to illuminate the surface below,” Teoman says.
Phari concrete pendant lights, Urbi et Orbi.
The couple were unsure of how to go about connecting the new kitchen to the living room beyond. Their previous home had incorporated the living area in the kitchen, and they’d loved that set-up, so Teoman came up with a sliding-door solution. This gives them the option to open up the area or separate the rooms entirely as the fancy takes them.
The same clean-lined cupboards fitted in the kitchen were installed in the living area to help blend the spaces and add to the sense of flow.
Teoman also created a little chill-out zone just inside the kitchen where the owners can sit and unwind together after a busy day. “The clients are wine lovers, so we turned this area into a relaxing corner with a wine cooler and hidden bar,” he says.
The same clean-lined cupboards fitted in the kitchen were installed in the living area to help blend the spaces and add to the sense of flow.
Teoman also created a little chill-out zone just inside the kitchen where the owners can sit and unwind together after a busy day. “The clients are wine lovers, so we turned this area into a relaxing corner with a wine cooler and hidden bar,” he says.
To connect the kitchen to the garden, the couple wanted the defined grid look of steel-framed doors. “Their attraction to Crittall style was another element they wanted to carry from their previous home,” Teoman says.
“We researched the options and, to keep within budget, went for doors with a steel frame, but with the divisions stuck on the glass. It’s almost impossible to tell just by looking at them.” The added advantage was that they act like a double-glazed thermally broken system, providing better insulation and energy efficiency.
As work progressed and their new extension came together, the couple were delighted with how their kitchen evolved. “The transformation of the space was really rewarding,” Teoman says.
However, for him personally, the greatest success was the ‘expressway’ idea and the reinvention of the layout. “My favourite part is that the original organisational idea is still in play after various hurdles and compromises,” he says. “Our original concept was valid – and it really works.”
Thermally broken steel external door system, Artsteel.
“We researched the options and, to keep within budget, went for doors with a steel frame, but with the divisions stuck on the glass. It’s almost impossible to tell just by looking at them.” The added advantage was that they act like a double-glazed thermally broken system, providing better insulation and energy efficiency.
As work progressed and their new extension came together, the couple were delighted with how their kitchen evolved. “The transformation of the space was really rewarding,” Teoman says.
However, for him personally, the greatest success was the ‘expressway’ idea and the reinvention of the layout. “My favourite part is that the original organisational idea is still in play after various hurdles and compromises,” he says. “Our original concept was valid – and it really works.”
Thermally broken steel external door system, Artsteel.
The rear of the house before the works.
Tell us…
What do you like about this modern kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Tell us…
What do you like about this modern kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Who lives here? A young couple with a baby
Location Walthamstow, east London
Property A 1930s terraced house with four bedrooms and two bathrooms
Kitchen-diner dimensions 30 sq m
Architect Teoman Ayas of MIM Studios
The owners of this terraced house wanted to make their new kitchen feel brighter, airier and much more modern than the old space, seen here.