Glenn & Hilary Ford wanted Paul O’Brien, Co-Founder & Design Director of Kitchens International to create a bright, airy space for living, cooking and entertaining. He achieved this by suggesting reflective furniture in a metallic Cubanit finish, teamed with simple clean white Silestone tops.

What were the stand-out priorities in your brief from the client?

The couple bought the property in 2013 and wanted a large sun-filled extension for their kitchen/dining/living area. The aim was to achieve a light, airy room with minimalist styling. The kitchen was originally at the front of the house; it was moved to the back. They brought in an architect to design an extension where the roof pitches upwards – away from the building – enabling large glass walls and doors to be used.

How did you set about answering that brief, what were your first thoughts?

Our initial instore brief was followed up with a visit to site. This was a hugely beneficial meeting and provided me with further information (including details such as the orientation of kitchen, the amount of light that would be available and an overall idea of their interior design taste), allowing me to tailor my design accordingly.

Explain the reasons behind the choices of cabinetry and work surfaces …

The main concept regarding finishes was that there had to be a balance between the practical and the beautiful. The materials needed to be robust enough to provide the clients with a kitchen that was functional and practical. But they also had to be materials that would complement not only the other social areas of the room but the extended outlook to the garden.

Was there any building/renovation work involved?

Yes … the whole kitchen was in a new build extension. Much of the ground floor was renovated as the living room was moved from the back of the house to the original kitchen at the front. This doubled the size of the old living room. As part of KI’s service we provided the builder with service drawings, ensuring a smooth handover between trades.

What design element do you think make the scheme so successful?

The bespoke double pantry unit we created with sliding pocket doors. It allows the day to day kitchen bits and pieces that typically clutter up worktops to get tucked away in to an accessible and stylish pantry cupboard. I think that the overall simplicity of colour and symmetry also makes the scheme stylish and successful, it’s all about creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere for the family to relax, cook and communicate.

What is your best advice for someone who may be planning a new kitchen?

• Create a list of what is most important to you and your lifestyle
• Find a designer that you can trust, and who will also push the boundaries of your concept.
• Make sure you appoint a team who can deliver the project from concept through to completion.

We love: The fresh, clean look of the colour scheme, the perfect choice of work surfaces and cabinetry and the stunning exterior design of the extension.

Kitchen by Kitchens International. Cabinetry is Cubanit Gloss Furniture from the KI Collection; Work surface, Silestone in Blanco Zeus in Leather finish. From about £10,000 for a kitchen.

Sinks: Blanco
Taps: Hansgrohe
Hot water tap: Zip Hydro Tap
Refrigerator, ovens and hob, Siemens
Flooring and lighting, also from Kitchens International.