Aaron Farris from Orwells Furniture shares the details of a kitchen transformation which created a new style of living for a growing family

Great British Life: Original BTC Stanley Pendant - Lighting is much more than a function: it can set a mood to a room. Original BTC has a great range of lights for any roomOriginal BTC Stanley Pendant - Lighting is much more than a function: it can set a mood to a room. Original BTC has a great range of lights for any room (Image: Archant)

Where did the inspiration for the project begin?

Having worked previously for this family, I was delighted to hear that they had at last found their dream home. The family were so confident Orwells could provide them with ‘beautiful, practical and affordable bespoke furniture’ that they made the request to see if we could offer more than this and asked us to assist them with some interior design advice.

Great British Life: Vincent Sheppard Joe Counter Stool - These beautifully designed Lloyd Loom chairs from Vincent Sheppard are ideal for bringing colour and comfort to a roomVincent Sheppard Joe Counter Stool - These beautifully designed Lloyd Loom chairs from Vincent Sheppard are ideal for bringing colour and comfort to a room (Image: Archant)

It soon became clear during our first meeting at the family’s newly-acquired townhouse that there was a considerable challenge. Although the overall accommodation was more than generous for the family, including two teenagers and a much-loved pet dog, the kitchen wasn’t suitable and was positioned by the previous owner’s in a gloomy part of the house among a warren of small rooms.

Discussing the new owner’s vision for the ground floor, it became apparent that two reception rooms would need to be knocked through to create a large, sociable kitchen and dining space. The existing kitchen was to be converted into a much-needed boot room and the remaining space would be transformed into a separate laundry room.

Great British Life: Aaron Farris - Aaron's 15 years of bespoke designing has seen his work given justice at the hands of the experienced team at Orwells Furniture. His past commissions allow him to draw on previous experience to undertake complete private house schemes as well as commerical ventures like the Aurora restaurant in IpswichAaron Farris - Aaron's 15 years of bespoke designing has seen his work given justice at the hands of the experienced team at Orwells Furniture. His past commissions allow him to draw on previous experience to undertake complete private house schemes as well as commerical ventures like the Aurora restaurant in Ipswich (Image: Archant)

Talk us through the design

Great British Life: Wolf Sealed Burner Rangetop - For keen cooks, Wolf appliances are some of the best around and are used by many professional chefsWolf Sealed Burner Rangetop - For keen cooks, Wolf appliances are some of the best around and are used by many professional chefs (Image: Archant)

The brief for the kitchen was to include, in addition to the fitted kitchen joinery and work tops, a desk/study area with computer that could be hidden away, a casual seating area at the window to take advantage of the morning sun and further seating at the island. It was decided that the gorgeous, existing marble-topped dining table would be retained and a space was to be found to hang a much-loved painting the couple had never quite found the space for. Being keen cooks the clients also insisted on ovens and a hob by Wolf.

Matt Weiner, who runs the building division at Orwells Furniture, assembled a team of trades and organised several site meetings with a structural engineer, builders, plumbers, flooring experts and electricians to work on the project. Costs were issued and once the scope of the works was agreed, a schedule was put together and Orwells project managed the entire works.

Great British Life: Vincent Sheppard Lily Chair - This style creates an elegant desk and study areaVincent Sheppard Lily Chair - This style creates an elegant desk and study area (Image: Archant)

Bespoke cabinetry made at Orwells manufacturing department was also installed into the laundry and boot room to complement the kitchen design. All the cabinets were painted in soft, coordinating paints from the Paint & Paper Library, complementing the patterned granite work tops and creating a light and spacious environment.

Included in our lighting plan, we specified feature pendant lights from BTC and for the table and seating areas, we selected stools and chairs from Vincent Shepherd.

Get the look

Orwells Furniture, Wherstead Road, Ipswich, IP2 8LL

01473 680091. www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk