This couple needs help maximising the space in their new rear kitchen extension, so we’ve asked two designers to come up with drawings and ideas suited to their brief…

Maika Gaydon, who works in the aerospace industry, lives with her husband, Chris Gaydon, an investment director, both 47, and three children, Sammy, 12, Ariana, nine, and Sofia, seven. The couple has recently bought a detached house in Oxfordshire that’s in need of renovation. They plan to extend to the rear to create an open-plan kitchen and family room, but are not sure how to make best use of the space.

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 Julie Fleming, kitchen design manager at Palazzo Kitchens, and Chelsea Tallentire, a designer at Makers, to help them create a family-oriented, open-plan kitchen space for a new extension.

The space

The new extension will be the full width of the property, 10.1m, and project to the rear by 7m, providing space for a kitchen area that’s approximately 4.1 x 4.9m excluding the chef’s kitchen. Ceiling height will be around 2.8m.

The brief for the new kitchen

• Maika and Chris spent 10 years living in a narrow property so are keen to enjoy their home’s width and potential. They plan to extend the existing kitchen and create an adjacent family room, while incorporating a dining area and breakfast room into the new space.
• They’d like a chef’s kitchen area beyond the main kitchen for food preparation, as well as an island in the extension. Storage is a priority, as is a coffee spot. The former breakfast area will house a wine store.
• They prefer modern kitchen furniture in white, but like muted colours and sleek hardware, too. Ideally, the island will have seats for six people.
• An existing sideboard, piano, and Scandi-style, self-standing shelves will be reused in the family room.

Designer one

Julie Fleming is the kitchen design manager at Palazzo Kitchens & Bathrooms. She has worked in the industry for around 22 years, after graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.

Solution one

“I felt a modern, handmade kitchen would work well for Maika and Chris, while allowing for a bright, airy design. I was also keen to create a sociable room, for multiple people to cook in the kitchen at the same time, with plenty of working areas for different tasks. To achieve this, I have forgone the chef’s kitchen to gain space and flow around the island, but have allowed for plenty of storage for food and small appliances, and usable worktop.”

“Storage above the tall units utilises the full height of the room, while there’s ‘secret door’ access to a utility room. At the heart of the kitchen is the island – it’s a large, dual-aspect design that allows views of the lounge and gardens when working. It includes a small preparation sink and boiling-water tap, while the main sink is set against the back wall. On the opposite side is a breakfasting table, with banquette-style seating and chairs that seat at least six people.”

“Appliances are functional and attractive. A Bora venting hob removes the need for bulky overhead ventilation, while flexible cooking zones enable teppan-style cooking as well as large pots. The built-in Siemens Studioline ovens offer an air frying capability, allowing for another appliance off the worktop, on top of a range of cooking features.

“For the furniture, I’ve chosen a handmade, flat, in-frame painted door in off-white, complemented in an oak finish for the island. Square pilasters and detailing modernise the look without being overly fussy, while dark wooden handles nod towards a Scandi feel but can be changed to a more industrial look if desired. The beauty of the furniture is that the detailing can be adjusted to suit individual choice.”

Maika’s verdict

“This design offers a beautifully modern yet warm kitchen. We loved the flat, in-frame cabinetry, as we felt that it created a sophisticated balance between Scandi minimalism and a traditional look. I particularly love the hidden wall, coffee corner and the window placement, which maximises light. We were surprised by the design of the island, with its dual aspect and integrated table, and thought it was a real centrepiece.

“However, I have some reservations about the day-to-day functionality of the layout; incorporating both the hob and sink into the island may create clutter and disrupt its clean aesthetic. I would also question how comfortable the breakfast table element would be in regular use, as we always socialise around our island while preparing food. Overall, the space is well thought-out, and with slight tweaks to the island or the brick wall, it could be a near-perfect family kitchen.”

Designer two

Chelsea Tallentire is a designer at Makers. She has more than 16 years’ experience in designing custom joinery for homes.

Solution two

“Drawing from Maika’s brief, I aimed to create a sophisticated space that maintained the warm, inviting atmosphere you would expect in a family home. This design balances clean lines with rich textures, ensuring it feels both contemporary and comfortable. For a streamlined look with clean lines, I chose handleless furniture, while a mix of finishes and textures adds depth and interest. The perimeter cabinetry is a combination of solid European oak and a painted finish in Farrow & Ball’s School House White, creating a calm, timeless backdrop.”

“The island, in Farrow & Ball’s Blue Gray, acts as a focal point. It features fluted details on the back and side, adding subtle texture and a sense of luxury. The refrigeration and pantry larder behind incorporate a recessed door handle in dark brushed brass, to match the detailing throughout the kitchen.”

“Rather than a separate back or chef’s kitchen, I chose to reduce this area in favour of a walk-in pantry. This dedicated space features a drinks station and worktop area for small appliances, such as the coffee machine and toaster, along with a secondary sink. The idea was to centralise all dry food storage and countertop appliances in one place, helping to keep the main kitchen clutter-free.”

“The primary sink sits beneath the window to take advantage of the views, while the downdraft hob is located on the back wall. This allows the island to remain free for food preparation and informal seating, promoting a functional flow and strong visual relationship between the key working areas: the hob, sink, and preparation zone.

“Further along from the sink, I’ve designed a section with a solid oak top that wraps around an open cabinet. Not only does this avoid a joint in the Arabescato Gold polished quartz worktop, it also adds warmth and texture, while introducing a visual break in the joinery for a practical and aesthetic pause.”

Maika’s verdict

“This design delivers a refined, contemporary space that prioritises both elegance and practicality. I’m particularly drawn to the calm, layered colour palette, which feels timeless and fresh. The clean lines of the handleless cabinets and fluted island detailing are understated. However, I would like to add ironmongery for more interest. I love the decision to keep the island clear, allowing it to function as a generous preparation space and social hub, especially with the corner seating, which is great for a family of five.

“I also like the inclusion of the walk-in pantry as it feels like a smart, futureproof solution, keeping the main kitchen uncluttered. However, I would still prefer to have the coffee section in the main kitchen as it is key to our morning routine. Overall, the layout flows easily between cooking, preparing, and entertaining. It’s a more understated option, but one that feels beautifully tailored to family life.”

Got a design dilemma? For a chance to feature in Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine, submit your plans here

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