Kitchen-Diner, North Tawton

Storage or Seating? Why not both.

The Brief
This kitchen was outdated and awkward, with thick solid walls that made reconfiguring the layout a real challenge. The couple wanted a space that felt functional and beautiful, but they weren’t sure whether to prioritise a butler’s pantry or extra seating. Storage was essential, but they also loved the idea of a welcoming dining area.

The Design Process
We started by looking at how they actually used their space. The dining nook was rarely used as they had a seperate dining room, but the need for storage was pressing. By carefully reconfiguring the layout, we created a design that offered both,  smart storage and flexible seating for two. Working with those immovable walls meant precision planning was crucial, but it also gave the kitchen its strong, characterful feel.

There were other big questions too: island or peninsula? Yellow or blue? Rather than guessing, I developed a range of design options and visuals so they could clearly see how each choice would look and feel. This made the decision-making process much easier and gave them confidence in their final direction.

The Result
The designed kitchen delivers on all fronts: practical storage, sociable seating, and a timeless design that balances function with style. Whether they had chosen bold yellow or classic blue, an island or a peninsula, they were always going to end up with a space that worked beautifully for them. The real success was in the collaboration, this couple were an absolute joy to work with, open to new ideas and excited to explore possibilities before settling on their perfect fit.