This family needs inspiration for a spacious kitchen-diner in their new home, a former chapel. So, we’ve asked two designers to brainstorm ideas and come up with drawings for their brief…

Matt Timson, who works in aviation, lives with his wife Vikki Timson, who works in fashion, son Frankie, and daughter Tula. The family are renovating a former Methodist Wesleyan chapel in Nottinghamshire as their new home and would like ideas for a large kitchen-dining space.

So, Matt and Vikki decided to take part in our Drawing Board feature, where interiors experts come up with creative ideas for our readers’ renovations and design dilemmas. This time, KBB journo Rachel Ogden asked designer and project manager at PAD, Jasmine Cunningham, and Darren Johnson, a technical assistant and designer at InHouse Inspired Room Design, to come up with a dramatic, contemporary kitchen scheme.

The space

The chapel includes a 1970s extension to the front for most of the family living space. This allows the space to contain a lounge on the mezzanine, bedroom below, and kitchen-diner opposite.

The whole hall is 10.5 x 8.6m, a third of which will be absorbed by the bedroom. This leaves a generous area for the kitchen-diner. At its highest point, the ceiling is more than 7m.

The brief for the contemporary kitchen-diner

• Matt and Vikki plan to add a mezzanine floor at the back of the chapel, for the main living area, with a kitchen-diner at the entrance to the hall. The chapel has a Gothic feel and will be entered through a steel and glass door. This would contrast well with a black or stainless-steel, ultra-modern German kitchen. The wow factor is key.
• There will be a bedroom underneath the mezzanine floor, which will create an extra wall. The couple would like to have a TV and a fireplace, with sliding door access for the bedroom.
• As the chapel has a high ceiling, they would like statement lighting.
• The kitchen should include a dining area, ideally positioned to make the most of the daylight from the chapel’s large windows.

Designer one

Jasmine Cunningham is a designer and project manager at PAD. She grew up in London, and studied in Nottingham, graduating with a degree in architecture (part 1). She specialises in kitchen and joinery design.

Solution one

“I was excited to bring together a vision for Matt and Vikki’s kitchen in this fantastic space, which includes many of the chapel’s original features. They were looking for a scheme with wow factor. So, I have created a contemporary kitchen design that juxtaposes the period features, Gothic-style windows, and ceiling height of their new home.”

“The couple were drawn to sleek black cabinetry, which helps make a statement and establishes a defined zone in the open space. However, the concept I’ve created, using furniture from PAD’s Belgravia collection, has deliberately broken this up a little by using different textures. For example, the satin matt lacquer doors contrast with black-framed glass doors on the wall cabinets, as well as a textured porcelain worktop. A light-stained oak plank floor adds warmth and texture, and complements the black cabinetry.”

“I have suggested an L-shaped layout with the island located centrally to the ceiling trusses. This lines up with a formal dining table, creating visual continuity. Feature lighting above the table showcases the height of the space. The island includes a vented hob, designed to allow the overhead area to stay clear, keeping its sleek, monolithic design. I have also added drawer storage on the hob side of the island, and space for four or five casual dining stools at the front.”

“On the main wall, I have proposed a double-width pantry cupboard to maximise dry food storage, alongside tall oven housing and a full-height integrated fridge and freezer. Beside the tall section, base drawer storage helps to keep the space uncluttered. The sink is centred below the stunning Gothic-arched window, while the integrated dishwasher and waste bin are within easy distance.”

“I have also made a few suggestions to provide a more contemporary feel to the overall interior. These include proposed larger glazed openings between the structural columns and replacing the existing glazing and doors with slim-profile steel frames. This allows the kitchen to take centre stage, offering the visual impact that the couple desire.”

KBB’s verdict

“This contemporary kitchen design provides oodles of wow factor, while managing to retain and celebrate some of the chapel’s original Gothic features, such as the impressive arched window, which also allows for natural light to pour in.

“The couple’s must-have ‘stainless steel and black’ features are beautifully enriched with different materials. The monolithic island achieves their dream ultra-modern look. Finally, the lighting is ideal for highlighting the chapel’s height.”

Designer two

Darren Johnson is a technical assistant and designer at InHouse Inspired Room Design. Relatively new to the kitchen industry, he has worked for the company for the last four years.

Solution two

“Matt and Vikki’s brief centred around a German-inspired kitchen in black with stainless-steel features. So, I’ve designed this project using the modern innovations of Next125. Inspired by the Bauhaus movement, Schüller’s international premium brand offers exceptionally elegant kitchens. Here, the long run is from its NX950 range, with handleless ceramic, marble-effect Nero doors and a stainless-steel, coloured frame with onyx black grip rails and plinths. All ceramic is Systemo, available from Next125.

“I have made use of the brand’s pocket door system at one end of the run. When the doors are folded back, they reveal a bar area with an integrated wine cooler for entertaining friends and family. The bar features frame shelving, including accessories for wine glass storage, finished with a mirrored splashback, creating an impressive display that can be on show or hidden away when required.

“At the other end of the run, there’s an integrated AEG full-height fridge and freezer, with a pyrolytic oven, combi microwave, and warming drawer next to them. Between these, is the sink area, which incorporates a stainless-steel undermounted sink, and Quooker stainless-steel instant boiling water tap. Above it, I’ve chosen to add a Next125 illuminated frame system shelving – perfect for housing kitchen roll, fresh herbs, or utensils.”

“The large island incorporates onyx black glass drawers and door fronts with onyx black grip rails. These are topped with a ceramic marble-effect Nero work surface with matching end panels that continue to the floor. A Bora recirculating downdraft hob keeps the look minimal and sleek.

“The island also features a trough in Tobacco knotty oak. This prevents the need for worktop joints, subtly dividing the island into preparation and dining space, and creating a feature. It’s ideal for storing condiments and oils for preparing or cooking food, keeping the countertop clear.”

“At the breakfast bar, I’ve added seating for up to four people. This section can be used for light meals, or, as I’ve included swivel pop-up sockets within the worktop, it doubles up as space for charging devices or powering small appliances, such as a blender or a slow cooker keeping dinner hot.”

KBB’s verdict

“This kitchen design achieves Matt and Vikki’s go-to ultra-modern aesthetic, through contemporary, handleless cabinetry, alongside plenty of stainless-steel and black details. The integrated fridge-freezer adds to the sleek design. Plus, there are a number of features that deliver the couple’s desired wow factor – from the secret bar’s mirrored splashback to the illuminated frame system shelving and the trough next to the island. A variety of smart storage solutions make this a highly practical space, too.”

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