Making Spaces https://blog.making-spaces.net/2016/12/05/the-drawing-room-final-reveal/

We were commissioned by our clients to design a light and airy open-plan kitchen and dining space with plenty of natural light whilst also capturing the views of the fields at the rear of their property. We not only achieved that but also took our designs a step further to create a beautiful first-floor ensuite bathroom to the master bedroom which our clients love! Our initial brief was very clear and concise, with our clients having a good understanding of what they wanted to achieve – the removal of the existing conservatory to create an open and light-filled space that then connects on to what was originally a small and dark kitchen. The two-storey and single-storey rear extension with beautiful high ceilings, roof lights, and French doors with side lights on the rear, flood the interior spaces with natural light and allow for a beautiful, expansive feel whilst also affording stunning views over the fields. This new extension allows for an open-plan kitchen/dining space that feels airy and light whilst also maximising the views of the surrounding countryside. The only change during the concept design was the decision to work in collaboration with the client’s adjoining neighbour to design and build their extensions together allowing a new party wall to be created and the removal of wasted space between the two properties. This allowed them both to gain more room inside both properties and was essentially a win-win for both clients, with the original concept design being kept the same but on a larger footprint to include the new party wall. The different floor levels between the two properties with their extensions and building on the party wall line in the new wall was a definite challenge. It allowed us only a very small area to work to achieve both of the extensions and the foundations needed to be very deep due to the ground conditions, as advised by Building Control. We overcame this by working in collaboration with the structural engineer to design the foundations and the work of the project manager in managing the team and site efficiently. We love how large and light-filled the space feels inside, the stunning high ceilings, and the amazing views of the surrounding countryside on the rear of the property. The finishes inside and outside have blended seamlessly with the existing house whilst exposing some original features such as the stone walls, and the connection between the original cottage and the new extension has allowed the property to still retain its character. There are a number of special features to the design – the light airy high ceilings in the extension, the open plan kitchen and dining space, the connection to the original cottage whilst opening up the rear of the property into the extension via an existing doorway, the views of the beautiful countryside, the hidden nature of the extension allowing the cottage to retain its original character and the high-end materials which allows the new additions to blend in seamlessly. The property is situated within the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and our designs were sympathetic to the Cotswold vernacular and character of the existing property, whilst maximising its views of the stunning surrounding countryside. The works have massively improved our client’s lifestyles and the way they use their home. The previous conservatory was originally used as a dining space however the temperatures inside made it unusable during hot and cold periods and also had the effect of making the kitchen very small and dark, with the existing stone walls blocking out natural light and only a small window to allow for light and ventilation. The original kitchen didn’t feel open, warm, or welcoming for our clients. The new extension allowed us to break through the existing external stone wall to create a beautiful open-plan kitchen and dining space which is both warm, cosy, and welcoming, but also filled with natural light and affords stunning views of the gardens and fields beyond the property. The space has had a huge impact on our client’s feelings towards their main living areas and created a real showcase entertainment space.

Big corner kitchen in rustic style joined with the living room, spacious and cozy chill out area with the fire place and green couch. Sink by the window, big dining table with green chairs, roman shades, low window sills and terrace entrance.

This new stone fireplace surround is much more fresh and cozy than the old, green tile that used to be in its place Tabitha Stephens

This custom fireplace, where once there was only a blank wall, is the glue that ties the music area to the living room. A swivel chair that sits in the living room can be part of the fireplace grouping or the sectional sofa suite. Made of composite stone by Boral and a gas insert fire box, this rustic/majestic fire feature balances the sofa and t.v. to perfection.

Beautiful White Carrara marble fireplace surround & hearth! The surround has been fabricated & installed in one piece! Call us to get the quote for your fireplace remodel!

60" Samsung Smart LED TV mounted in family room by iHome Systems

Stone Fireplace with White Mantle and Corbels

Photos by Tina Witherspoon.

Do you have a boring, uninspiring fireplace? Look what we did to Ashley's fireplace surround! A stacked stone facade with custom made mini-barn doors (yes, we do that!) and rustic/hand-cut mantle turned her bland fireplace into a marvelous focal point!

Nathan Schroder Photography BK Design Studio Robert Elliott Custom Homes

Making Spaces https://blog.making-spaces.net/2016/12/05/the-drawing-room-final-reveal/

Rashmi Pappu

Amandine m’a contactée pour l’accompagner dans ses choix sur les revêtements muraux de son salon-cuisine afin de séparer visuellement la partie séjour et lecture de l’espace cuisine et repas. Le défi que l’on retrouve dans les petites pièces est celui de parvenir à distinguer les espaces sans pour autant trop les charger. Ici, nous avons opté pour un bleu profond qui offre des nuances selon la lumière qu’on y projette. Afin d’accentuer cet effet, j’ai recommandé l’installation d’un éclairage indirect pour profiter d’une ambiance feutrée en soirée : Amandine a choisi une ampoule à filament XL suspendue le long de l’étagère. L’habillage du pan de mur au-dessus de la cheminée posait également question et nous avons décidé d’opter pour un papier peint à motifs floraux fins bleus pour créer une liaison entre le mur fraîchement repeint et le mur blanc. Quelques touches de métal cuivré, du bois brut sur les étagères, et des accessoires de décoration minutieusement choisis apportent une touche finale parfaite à cette petite pièce désormais pleine de caractère !

Matt Burdi

Reclaimed barn wood coffee table with metal base.