This couple needs help creating a new kitchen design in what’s going to be their forever home. So, we’ve asked two designers to help give life to their vision…
Dulcie Swanston, an executive coach and science writer, lives with her husband Jamie Swanston, a procurement director, both in their fifies. Three years ago, they bought an apartment in a Victorian property in a coastal village in Tyne and Wear, with a plan to create a larger kitchen with a hidden pantry/utility/cloakroom before they relocate.
So, they 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 Lily Lucas, owner of L Rose Interiors, and Felix Milns, founder of HUX London, to help this couple create their dream kitchen.
The space
One of the reasons the couple bought their home was the wall-to-wall sea views, but they are hard to see from the kitchen. To remedy this, they plan to add a balcony and sliding or bi-fold doors.
Three separate dormers will be integrated into one, while space for the hidden utility/ cloakroom will be provided by an adjacent bathroom, creating a kitchen that’s around 3.6 x 3.8m with a ceiling height between 2.8m and 2.5m.
The brief for the blue kitchen
- This will be the couple’s forever home for their retirement. It has planning permission for a dormer and balcony to make the most of the sea views, and they plan to knock through a wall in the kitchen.
- They’d like Shaker-style kitchen furniture with a slim profile, blues and white, and high-level cupboards with a ladder to reach them. Dulcie often sees clients at home, and expects her and Jamie’s five children and subsequent grandchildren to visit, so the space should be flexible.
- She likes to bake but the apartment sits on the top floor, which may prevent their Everhot range cooker from being brought up the stairs, so would like something similar. Adequate preparation space, a boiling water tap , and ‘surprises’ like a breakfast larder are also musts.
- She’d like floor-to-ceiling units that hide a utility space in the kitchen.
Designer one
Lily Lucas is the founder of L Rose Interiors. She has a BA Hons in interior architecture and design, and specialises in kitchen and residential design, having previously worked for multiple interior design companies.
Solution one
“My main focus was to create a stunning, flexible kitchen made for baking, relaxing, and socialising; and in keeping with the colours Dulcie likes, I’ve chosen a mixture of rich blue tones with pure whites. The furniture I’ve selected is Hampton Kitchens’ painted Shaker-style Cheswick, which has a slim, modern frame, in Parisian Blue and Brilliant White. Adding a hint of warmth with the veins of the Dekton Rem worktop and a walnut tone for the open cabinets helps make the space feel welcoming.
“The layout centres around a multifunctional island. It’s home to a double Belfast-style Caple sink with a pull-out hose Quooker Flex tap, along with integrated bin units, a dishwasher, double-doored storage, and some decorative open units. These are perfect for housing Dulcie’s food mixer and other items she may want on display but not necessarily on her counters all the time.
“Opposite, the cooking run has a large Rangemaster cooker, which, when combined with the sink, gives a classic feel. To the right, I’ve added a double breakfast cupboard. Inside will be everything needed for breakfast and snacks, plus a built-in bean-to-cup coffee machine. Just steps away from the breakfast and coffee unit, I’ve created a breakfast bar – perfect for socialising with a sea view.
“Beyond this are the tall units, which include an integrated fridge and freezer and what looks like another tall double cupboard, but is, in fact, a walk-through to the hidden utility space. Within this is a tall, pull-out ironing board unit with broom storage. Open units are built into the ceiling angles, allowing for books and ornaments to be displayed, accessed by an old-school library ladder. Finally, to the right by the new doors, there is Dulcie’s longed-for cosy seating area.”
Dulcie’s verdict
“I love the ‘no space left unusable’ approach! I have thousands of books, so having some accessed by a library ladder is inspired. It is hard to explain how beautiful the view of the sea is from the breakfast bench, so having the deep countertop with storage underneath is a brilliant idea, although maybe I’ll have two stools, not four, so it doesn’t feel cluttered. My brief to include a range cooker will need to change.
“The design looks great but made me realise I would be cooking facing a wall – not my guests or the view. In addition, the best view would be from the end of the island where the space is currently least usable, so this needs a rethink as well. Reviewing this plan has given me lots of ideas; in particular, that I need to reexamine cooking and island orientation to ensure I spend time looking at the sea as I work and potter in the kitchen.”
Designer two
Felix Milns is the founder of HUX London, a luxury kitchen and joinery brand specialising in bespoke design. He began his career as a journalist reviewing hotels before founding his own architectural, design and build company in 2005, which transitioned into creating HUX London as a standalone brand in 2017.
Solution two
“The highlight of this kitchen is the sea views, which played a central role in shaping the design. It was essential that Dulcie and her family could embrace the panoramic vistas, ensuring the natural beauty outside became an integral part of life inside. The result is a space that feels open and deeply personal.
“The centrally positioned island is at the heart of the design. It offers uninterrupted views to the sea when preparing meals, washing up, or pausing to enjoy the moment. But it is more than a viewing platform. It provides generous built-in storage, while also serving as a welcoming hub. The island is the perfect stage for shared activities, from informal conversations to baking sessions.
“Along one side of the kitchen, a bank of floor-to-ceiling cabinetry brings balance and sophistication. These units provide essential storage in a sleek, cohesive form, accentuated by refined brass detailing that adds a touch of understated luxury. Within this cabinetry, a seating nook is made for quiet reflection.
“The palette reinforces the connection to the coastal setting, with soft greys, teal blues, and fresh whites reflecting the sea and sky beyond the windows. These tones imbue the room with a sense of calm, while introducing timber finishes that lend an organic, tactile quality.
“On the opposite wall, the cooking area features an integrated extractor fan by Westin concealed within the same micro Shaker-style detailing that spans the two doors. Flanking the Smeg range cooker, open shelving adds visual lightness, with chevron grooved backs that mirror the texture of the seating nook.
“Dulcie has some budget flexibility, which opens the door to a number of enhancements. She could consider adding an inset deco detail inside the Shaker door frame, or, to keep the space tidy, internal accessories, such as cutlery organisers and pull-out storage. Additionally, refining the island with a curved edge would soften its silhouette, adding a bespoke finish.”
Dulcie’s verdict
“I love the clean lines of this design, and the calm colours. Thoughtful touches, such as the subtle brass handles, dark wood stools, and integrated lighting all help to create a gorgeous look. I often invite individual clients or small teams to work with me to draw inspiration from the view, so tea on tap via the Quooker is a great idea.
“This kitchen suits my need for fun with the family, while being a sophisticated space for clients. The floor-to-ceiling units hiding the utility look smart, but I wasn’t sure if the cupboards at the top are usable. The nook is beautiful, though; you can see the sea and a sliver of beach from that tiny spot in the kitchen.”
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