Bill Bailey: How I transformed my dated 1960s kitchen into a sleek, sociable space
He and his wife Kristin aimed to transform their kitchen from an outdated area into a warm and inviting room that seamlessly blends outdoor living spaces when they redesigned their home's kitchen.
They reside in a London home and, with their son Dax and Kristin, sometimes take refuge at their house in the Lake District, escaping the hectic London life for tranquility and relaxation.
The couple came into possession of the property which dates back to the Sixties via inheritance from Kristin's parents, and they wished to retain it as a hub for their frequent get-togethers. "It's a substantial family home which has been the setting for many enjoyable holidays, birthdays, Christmas celebrations and New Year's parties," Bill explains. "Three generations have had many wonderful times here, and I hope the next generation will also experience it in exactly the same way. Our responsibility is to carry on this tradition."
As you'd expect from a home built more than 60 years ago, the previous kitchen was not designed with modern entertaining in mind, and had a layout that wasn't very welcoming for guests. It was awkward, to say the least. The old wooden cupboards along the back wall didn't provide nearly enough storage for a family's needs, and most of the room was taken up by a big dining table that didn't make the most of the space available. The colour scheme of brown and cream was rather dated, and the heavy patterned curtains on either side of the windows failed to make the most of the amazing views - something Bailey, who loves birdwatching, really wanted to showcase.
It is valued for its “clean lines and practical elements”.
"The priority was making it as comfortable and easy to use as possible," Bailey notes. "The design and fittings were created with the intention of entertaining friends and family while making the most of the available space." In order to get the most out of the room, a neatly arranged row of cabinets with countertops was installed along the back wall, featuring twin sinks, including the 'tap of dreams' (a Quooker boiling-water tap), in the middle, allowing for picturesque views during washing-up duties. The more cluttered elements, such as the appliances, were grouped together in a nearby recess, cleverly concealing them and streamlining everyday tasks. An island was also added as a focal point in the kitchen, complete with a ceramic hob and ceiling-mounted extractor fan above; a warm and stylish addition.
I think the island's been the biggest game-changer in the kitchen renovation," says Bailey. "The practicality of the cupboards and the extra room we've gained by rearranging the layout make the island a huge asset. Having a spacious and social area where we can all gather together to eat is fantastic, especially with more family members than ever now to feed.
,"The changing scenery to display the rustic themes of autumn shows the transience of the changing seasons."
We've attested to the excellent level of craftsmanship shown in our kitchen, Bailey says. "It's a tidy and uncomplicated design that doesn't obstruct our view of the outdoors in any way.
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