Kitchen-Diner of dreams in Northamptonshire.
Our clients started this project with a specific vision, but wanted a helping hand to make it exactly what they had hoped for. When the Realm team joined the project, our clients were already underway with the planning phase - with visions of removing the walls that partitioned the dining room from the conservatory and kitchen, to create the ideal open-plan space for entertaining their big family and group of friends, now that their two kids are teenagers.
Adhering to budget and utilising existing elements
With a strict budget to work within, we worked with our clients to incorporate as many functional yet beautiful features and relied on elegant, but affordable decor - largely from retail stores - to ensure their budget and desired timeline was met. We also utilised their existing kitchen layout and carcasses, plus some of the doors, and managed to work with the original kitchen supplier to incorporate new doors that complemented the existing palette but also refreshed the overall look: pairing mint green with a dark rich grey to keep the scheme fresh, while being grounded with the warm, natural tones in the flooring, furniture and panelling.
Anyone for a cocktail?
The clients knew they wanted to incorporate acoustic panelling around the TV to create a media wall and nook underneath for their cocker-spaniels’ beds, but weren’t sure what to do with the alcove to the left. After discussing their ideal plans for using the space, the Realm team quickly realised that a bar would be the ideal addition for these clients - an idea which was met with much excitement! After ensuring we could incorporate the same kitchen units and new worktop for consistency, we set about planning the scheme: incorporating a feature wall in a darker teal colour to full focus, continuing the acoustic panelling, adding the pineapple motif through wall lights and cocktail accessories and a drinks fridge (with a wine rack still set to be built in the remaining recess on the left). What was originally a cumbersome cupboard with temporary shelves above became one of the features of the new room layout and a favourite for entertaining.
Let there be light!
Window fitting is in the family, as one of our clients does this for a living! So, to preserve the natural light previously achieved from the old conservatory, the clients and Realm team planned not only gorgeous agate grey bifold doors, leading out onto their patio garden space, but also a new window near the bar and lantern skylight, to ensure the natural light in the room is maximised. Alongside an array of decorative wall lights and ceiling spotlights, this room is even more bright and airy as it was with the conservatory spanning the back of the property.
Furniture finds
In order to minimise waste and maximise the budget, the decision was taken to retain some existing furniture pieces - some of which fit into the scheme perfectly: like the dresser in the corner. While the armchair and sofa weren’t quite as perfect. Realm prides itself on working within the client’s parameters - whether that’s a budget or time constraint, or the need to keep sentimental or long-standing pieces - so we arranged for temporary throws that fit within the scheme to ensure our clients achieved the overall look they were hoping for, while they wait to reupholster large furniture pieces.
There were also key new pieces to procure: an extendable dining table, 6 dining chairs, 2 occasional chairs that could be utilised in the living space and around the dining table, and additional storage in the form of a dresser of drawers. Along the way, we also found the coffee table, occasional table and bar accessories. Meanwhile our client was instrumental in finding pieces she loved from a local homeware brand we love, Mulberry Luxe, from which we sourced the decorative fruit bowl, and metal leaf wall art, among other pieces.
We had so much fun working on this project and look forward to adding the finishing touches in the form of the wine rack and reupholstery in the future. Check out the full list of Realm’s input below and get in touch to discuss your project.
Paint colours/ decorating
Flooring
Windows and bi-fold doors - including lantern skylight (provided and installed by Shirestone Windows & Doors)
Furniture (some new, plus incorporating existing pieces)
Bar area
Acoustic wall panelling
New radiators
Wall art
Decorative elements
Along the way…
