Bold Colours and Creative Solutions: A 1969 Kitchen Extension

When my clients first contacted me about their kitchen project, I knew we were in for an exciting challenge. Having spent the previous decade in Canada, they’d recently settled into their 1969 end-of-terrace home and were ready to make it truly theirs. With builders already breaking ground on a rear extension and countryside views begging to be showcased, we had limited time to create something spectacular and their love of vibrant colour meant conventional design approaches simply wouldn’t do.

The couple’s vision was to transform their small existing kitchen into a spacious, open-plan heart of the home. The extension would create an L-shaped space connecting kitchen, dining and sitting areas, with wide bi-fold doors opening onto a newly created terrace. With fabulous countryside views both front and back, maximising natural light and sight lines became a key priority in our design strategy.

Working within real-world constraints

Every project comes with its own challenges, and this one certainly kept me on my toes. The structural requirements for the extension meant incorporating a chimney breast and substantial supporting columns into our design – elements that could easily dominate the space if not handled thoughtfully. With builders already committed to the exterior foundation work and busy cutting back the existing bank for the new terrace, our timeline was particularly tight.

The space planning had to be absolutely right from the start. We couldn’t afford multiple revisions when trades were already scheduled and structural elements were being put in place. This meant getting the kitchen layout perfect on paper before any interior work could begin, ensuring every cabinet, appliance and electrical point would work harmoniously within the new extension.

Rethinking initial mood boards

My initial mood boards for this project leaned towards what I considered sophisticated restraint, but the palettes I’d suggested were nowhere near vibrant enough for my client’s vision. They wanted colour, texture and pattern – lots of it.

Rather than fighting this brief, I embraced it wholeheartedly. This led us towards the bold ply and formica aesthetic that would ultimately define their kitchen. It’s a look that celebrates colour and texture while maintaining the clean lines necessary for a functional space. Not having the budget for the kitchen to be made bespoke, we initially planned to take the Plykea route, using IKEA’s modular system as a base. However, as often happens in real-world projects, the specific dimensions of my clients’ extended space simply didn’t align with IKEA’s standard sizing options.

Image taken from Plykea

Rather than compromise the design, we pivoted to Howdens, who proved incredibly accommodating in adapting my layout to work within their space and meeting my clients’ requirements. The solution we’ve developed maintains all the visual impact they wanted while working within practical constraints. We plan to spray-paint Howdens’ handleless doors in the brilliant colours our mood boards demanded, creating that vibrant ply and formica aesthetic that initially drew my clients to the concept.

Creating cohesion through bold choices

One of the most satisfying elements of this project has been using colour strategically to unify the open-plan space. A wall of petrol blue along the connection between sitting and dining areas doesn’t just add the additional colour needed to balance the bright kitchen palette; it actively helps define different zones within the larger space.

For the windows, we’ve chosen Clarissa Hulse fabric for both the large front and rear windows. This creates a wonderful sense of homogeneity throughout the ground floor while celebrating those stunning countryside views we’re so keen to showcase. The zoned lighting scheme, which is being carefully planned around the kitchen island and dining table, further emphasises the different functions within this beautifully connected space.

As I write this, we’re in the final stages of bringing the vision for this kitchen extension to life. While the rest of the house is still in concept stage, the aesthetic has been set by the ground floor, allowing the other spaces to follow accordingly.

Looking forwards

What excites me most is how this project shows that bold design choices and practical living requirements don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s also a good example of how understanding your clients’ true preferences (even when they push you outside your comfort zone!) can lead to solutions that are both beautiful and deeply personal. Sometimes the best design happens when you embrace the unexpected.

If you’re considering an extension or renovation project for your Kent or Sussex home, why not get in touch? I’d love to discuss how we can create something uniquely yours.