‘Andrea and Adam had spent years getting their house exactly how they wanted it, so they didn’t want to move,’ explains designer Siobhan Casey. ‘Instead, they decided the best solution was to dig down to create a basement for a new family kitchen and dining area that would then free up the existing kitchen for Andrea’s bespoke cake business.’ The couple wanted the basement to be the new hub of the home, where the sociable family could entertain and spend time together.
‘Andrea has wonderfully eclectic taste and had a vision of how she wanted the space to look, but once the building work was completed, she needed some help putting her ideas together in a coherent way. That’s where I came in,’ says Siobhan. The basement now houses a generous kitchen, dining area and snug. The space successfully blends traditional and contemporary elements with a hint of midcentury style.
‘Andrea’s not afraid to experiment when it comes to design,’ says Siobhan, ‘and the finished room is such a wonderfully eclectic and welcoming space, perfect for entertaining family and friends as well as kicking back and watching TV.’
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Andrea and Adam Freeman, their three children and a dog
Location Kingston, Surrey
Designer Siobhan Casey at Casey & Fox
Size 65.5 sq m / 700 sq ft
Casey & Fox
A walnut staircase, just peeping out, leads down from the main house into the new family kitchen and dining area. ‘It’s a large space with limited natural light, so we opted for neutral units with accents of walnut in the upper cabinetry and underneath the island to add warmth,’ explains Siobhan. ‘It’s a lovely touch that brings texture to this part of the room and prevents it becoming too cold or clinical.’
A dazzling double-width island, in glacier white quartz, is the main feature of the room, providing ample space for relaxed family breakfasts.
How to work a kitchen island into your scheme
A dazzling double-width island, in glacier white quartz, is the main feature of the room, providing ample space for relaxed family breakfasts.
How to work a kitchen island into your scheme
Casey & Fox
‘The extractor fan is a beast!’ exclaims Siobhan. ‘Andrea really wanted to avoid a curved or hidden fan in favour of something with a bit of weightiness about it.’ The glimmering stainless steel fan she chose is a striking, almost sculptural feature that’s stylish as well as functional. ‘The polished finish bounces more light around this part of the room, as well,’ adds Siobhan.
LED lighting is set into the ceiling and bathes the kitchen in pools of soft light, which was sorely lacking in this part of the basement. It’s Siobhan’s favourite feature in the kitchen. ‘It’s such a wonderful product that’s cost-effective to run, and they’re specially designed to prevent any harsh spots of light, so they gently illuminate the entire space,’ she explains.
Stainless steel extractor fan, Britannia Living. LED lighting, ECOLED.
LED lighting is set into the ceiling and bathes the kitchen in pools of soft light, which was sorely lacking in this part of the basement. It’s Siobhan’s favourite feature in the kitchen. ‘It’s such a wonderful product that’s cost-effective to run, and they’re specially designed to prevent any harsh spots of light, so they gently illuminate the entire space,’ she explains.
Stainless steel extractor fan, Britannia Living. LED lighting, ECOLED.
Casey & Fox
A glass splashback underneath the walnut wall units has been painted in a blue-grey hue for timeless appeal.
The Smeg gas cooker, with a cast iron griddle, references the industrial feel of the concrete floor and has been set into the quartz worktop of the island for a seamless effect. ‘The surface of the hob is silver glass, so although it looks quite sturdy, there’s still an element of glamour, plus it’s very easy to clean,’ says Siobhan.
Gas cooker, Smeg.
The Smeg gas cooker, with a cast iron griddle, references the industrial feel of the concrete floor and has been set into the quartz worktop of the island for a seamless effect. ‘The surface of the hob is silver glass, so although it looks quite sturdy, there’s still an element of glamour, plus it’s very easy to clean,’ says Siobhan.
Gas cooker, Smeg.
Casey & Fox
Given Andrea’s quest for light, the dark wall colour – Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe – seems a surprising choice at first. ‘They were very keen to add an element of drama to the scheme,’ says Siobhan. ‘Andrea wanted it to be a talking point and felt that uniform white walls would look a little dull.’
The polished concrete floor injects an industrial-style vibe into the space. ‘It’s a great look with a seamless finish, but it was a practical choice, too,’ explains Siobhan. ‘With three kids and all their friends coming in and out, as well as a dog, Andrea wanted a surface that was easy to sweep and mop clean. And the underfloor heating means it isn’t cold underfoot.’
Paint in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball.
The polished concrete floor injects an industrial-style vibe into the space. ‘It’s a great look with a seamless finish, but it was a practical choice, too,’ explains Siobhan. ‘With three kids and all their friends coming in and out, as well as a dog, Andrea wanted a surface that was easy to sweep and mop clean. And the underfloor heating means it isn’t cold underfoot.’
Paint in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball.
Casey & Fox
In a space with little natural light, no opportunity was missed to get the lighting right. LED lights set into the underside of the island worktop illuminate the glorious grain in the walnut panels. ‘The lights here also add dramatic effect,’ explains Siobhan.
Vintage bar stools are an elegant, but simple choice. The contemporary elements of the kitchen area blend seamlessly with midcentury styling that continues as the space transitions into the dining area.
Vintage bar stools are an elegant, but simple choice. The contemporary elements of the kitchen area blend seamlessly with midcentury styling that continues as the space transitions into the dining area.
Casey & Fox
The sociable family needed a large table that would comfortably accommodate the children doing their homework, as well as the frequent dinner parties the Freemans enjoy hosting. The Horace table is made from reclaimed wood and can seat up to 12 people if necessary. ‘It’s a marvellous find,’ says Siobhan. ‘It cost less than £500 and is a great example of how you don’t have to spend a fortune for fantastic piece of furniture.’ Arne Jacobsen butterfly chairs in muted grey complete the look.
Tom Dixon pendant lights illuminate the dining table and reflect light from the bifold doors. Each pendant light is in a different finish. ‘Andrea didn’t want a homogenous scheme, so we’ve introduced subtle differences wherever we can,’ explains Siobhan.
Horace table, Metro Retro.
Tom Dixon pendant lights illuminate the dining table and reflect light from the bifold doors. Each pendant light is in a different finish. ‘Andrea didn’t want a homogenous scheme, so we’ve introduced subtle differences wherever we can,’ explains Siobhan.
Horace table, Metro Retro.
Casey & Fox
This copper pendant light glimmers in the natural light. The shine contrasts with the rough brick wall behind.
Copper pendant light, Tom Dixon.
How to choose the perfect pendant light
Copper pendant light, Tom Dixon.
How to choose the perfect pendant light
Casey & Fox
Contemporary artwork is also displayed where it will benefit from the light from the nearby glass doors. The choice of art, including a print of the Empire State Building in New York, breaks up the plain brickwork in the dining area.
Casey & Fox
Warm yellow and brown hues from the exposed brick wall contrast with the muted grey of the concrete floor and dining chairs, adding another layer of texture to the family dining area. ‘The juxtaposition of the raw brick and the clean, contemporary lines of the kitchen is what helps to define the different zones in the basement in a very natural and effortless way,’ says Siobhan.
The drinks cabinet was requisitioned from elsewhere in the family home.
The drinks cabinet was requisitioned from elsewhere in the family home.
Casey & Fox
A ceramic owl – an existing family favourite – sits on top of another bargain find. ‘This cabinet was bought on eBay and fits in perfectly with the blend of styles in the basement,’ says Siobhan. ‘The room is furnished with a mix of expensive pieces and less pricey but high-quality finds. There are some things it’s worth spending a significant part of your budget on, but other areas where you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a fantastic look.’
Casey & Fox
A set of vintage coffee pots adds a hint of retro chic to this corner of the room.
Casey & Fox
Opposite the dining table, there’s a cosy snug where the family kicks back and relaxes in front of the TV. Yellow accents add a playful touch in this pared-back corner, which features a slouchy sofa chosen for comfort. ‘It’s a very welcoming and relaxing space,’ says Siobhan.
Casey & Fox
Original monochrome tiles from the Edwardian part of the house are referenced in the dark grey and white walls that flank the walnut staircase down to the basement.
The brushed stainless steel handrail gives a hint that the basement may be a departure from the traditional scheme elsewhere in the house. ‘Brushed stainless steel gives an even more industrial-style feel than polished steel would, so it clearly marks a departure from the more traditional elements of the house,’ says Siobhan.
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What do you like about this basement kitchen-diner? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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The brushed stainless steel handrail gives a hint that the basement may be a departure from the traditional scheme elsewhere in the house. ‘Brushed stainless steel gives an even more industrial-style feel than polished steel would, so it clearly marks a departure from the more traditional elements of the house,’ says Siobhan.
TELL US…
What do you like about this basement kitchen-diner? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
Enjoy more Houzz Tours
http://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/kitchen
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