Laura Fox’s contemporary family-friendly kitchen is the perfect blend of style and substance.

Most people aren’t lucky enough to find the right home as soon as they start looking, but this was just what happened to Laura and Guy Fox. ‘The decor was a bit tired, but that gave us the chance to put our stamp on it,’ says Laura.

The couple enjoyed sprucing up the bedrooms and living areas, and then turned their attention to the kitchen. ‘There was no structural work needed and the project ran smoothly, although I’d underestimated the amount of dirt and dust involved,’ says Laura. ‘But as we saw the room take shape, it was worth all the mess.’

The original kitchen-diner had generous proportions – it was spacious and bright with plenty of windows. However, the Nineties units and layout didn’t make the most of the room. The Foxes wanted a zone that would be the hub of their family home. ‘We didn’t want anything too urban or contemporary in style,’ says Laura. ‘It had to be practical for children, and we needed plenty of storage, too, as well as surfaces for food preparation and a space for family dining.’

The couple found their ideal kitchen – a U-shaped design with a peninsula unit to separate the dining area from the working end of the room – at Ashford Kitchens & Interiors. ‘I wasn’t sure whether to have anything to divide the zones, but fell in love with this style – it’s practical and so attractive,’ says Laura, who adores the mix of classic and modern styles. ‘My favourite elements are the curved corner cupboards.’

 

Before Image

 

The units are finished in a traditional sage-grey hue, but the sleek handleless door and drawer fronts have a really modern look. ‘Initially, we liked the idea of an all-white kitchen, but with our little boy Jack in the house that wouldn’t be very practical,’ adds Laura. ‘We compromised and painted the lower units and fitted white cabinets on the wall out of his reach.’

A rustic farmhouse dining table and chairs add extra character to the room, and sit directly in front of the peninsula – ideal for the family to congregate around. To keep the space clutter-free, a small utility area is tucked away to the far right of the room. ‘Day to day, the kitchen makeover has really improved our quality of life, as we now have a beautiful space to enjoy precious family time together,’ says Laura.

 

Photography: James French