Classic Kitchen Norwich

The Brief

This project was to build a rear single storey extension and removal of a structural wall to create a large open plan kitchen diner, with a contemporary, light kitchen with a classic feel that wouldn’t date and would be in keeping with this 19th century farmhouse property.

About The Project

'The existing property had a smaller kitchen that had been extended badly with a step in the middle of the room, most of the original exterior wall left as existing – including a window recess, and the brick extension only had a corrugated plastic roof.

It therefore involved removing this extension entirely and re-building with the correct foundations and structural supports to allow a solid roof. I added more windows and large French doors to add more natural light.

One issue was that by removing all of the exterior wall, we had to install a huge steel lintel to support the back end of the house. This required supporting steel columns. I designed the kitchen to conceal all these structural supports entirely.

'On the right hand side of the room, I relocated the entrance to the utility and downstairs toilet, and then designed a stud wall to run the entire length to incorporate full height, build-in and flush to the wall larder cabinets and integrated fridge and freezer, leaving the section in the middle for open shelf storage and worktop for a tea and coffee station.

On the left hand side, I designed a bespoke mantel surrounding the range cooker, which also conceals a steel post. The central island has the largest quartz slab possible with integrated sinks and a Quooker boiling water tap. The kitchen end of the island houses units and provides a large work surface for food preparation and serving and the other end nearest the natural light and views out to the courtyard has both hidden storage, and also comfortable dining for six people.

This island area with the new vaulted ceiling above allowed the perfect opportunity for a statement light. I chose the large Luceplan Hope Suspension light. This, together with the hidden mood lighting in the recessed open shelf areas creates a more gentle and softer light for dining in the evenings.

Keeping the overall colour palette light, I opted for darker grey kitchen cabinet doors and full stave solid walnut worktops around the circumference of the room, with a white quartz island worktop.

I was very pleased that all the careful design work to create clean and even lines paid off with the end result being a sophisticated, entirely bespoke kitchen that looks great and effectively conceals all the structural elements required to create this one large, open plan space.'

Rebecca Coulby

What Our Client Says

'We can not recommend Rebecca and her team highly enough.'

'From the initial consultation to design to construction the service was exemplary and the quality excellent. We felt engaged throughout the whole process.'

'Rebecca and her team were extremely accommodating on any change and small detail , our thoughts were always listened to.'

'We are so pleased with the end result.. it was just as the design portrayed! We will certainly be using Coulby Interiors again.'

Classic Kitchen Norwich

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