For a family in Reading, Berkshire, the KCA team reimagined their home with a spacious, open-plan kitchen and living area that caters to the needs of both the couple and the husband’s parents, who share the household. The project aimed to create a stylish yet functional space that brings the family together and enhances everyday living.
Having lived in the home for many years, the family recognised that the kitchen was at the heart of their daily life, while the formal living and dining rooms often went unused. They envisioned a new welcoming kitchen space that could accommodate larger family gatherings and make daily routines more enjoyable. The new design achieves this by seamlessly integrating the cooking, dining, and living areas, making the kitchen the social centrepiece of the home.
The kitchen’s standout feature is the L-shaped island, complete with built-in banquette seating and a bespoke dining table. This thoughtful layout invites family and guests to relax and socialise near the action without intruding on the cooking space. The bespoke banquette seating and dining table were designed with a durable silk-grey oak-effect laminate, creating a cohesive look that’s both practical and stylish.
Designed for functionality and to keep the space organised, smart storage solutions were incorporated throughout, including a sleek graphite roller shutter pantry, open shelving, and well-positioned cabinetry to ensure everything has its place. The kitchen’s modern design combines German-engineered elements with elegant finishes, featuring a blend of dark marble satin and crystal white lacquer cabinetry. A continuous handleless rail around the island adds a clean, streamlined look, complemented by stainless steel and graphite bar handles.
To create a unified look between the open-plan zones, the media area was designed with matching materials and colours, extending the kitchen’s style into the living space. This cohesive approach ties the open-plan layout together, allowing for a seamless flow from one area to the next.
Utility Room
We designed the new utility room to serve as a secondary kitchen, perfect for hosting larger gatherings. It includes extra storage, a second sink, a hob and extractor, and space for a washer and dryer. This setup ensures the central kitchen remains clutter-free and fully functional even during busy family events.
This renovation goes far beyond a simple update; it reinvents the entire atmosphere of the home. The modern, open-plan design strikes the perfect balance between style, comfort, and functionality, making it easier for the family to cook, entertain, and enjoy time together. The result is a space that feels connected and alive, enhancing everyday life and creating a social hub for all to enjoy.
