Victorian Home Kitchen Extension
Henleaze
A stylish & practical family hub
"We often get asked to add a contemporary extension to period properties, the key is to balance both influences and integrate the extension to its period context. When it comes to creating personalised homes, two styles can absolutely mix—this project is proof of that!"
When a family of four found their dream home in Bristol’s Down Conservation Area—a run-down Victorian semi with high ceilings and a south-facing garden—they saw the potential for something extraordinary. Though in need of a little more than TLC, they could see the potential. They appointed DHV Architects and us to help them create their dream space.
Creating a family-friendly kitchen
Although of a decent volume, the overall space was divided in multiple small-ish rooms breaking the flow. DHV Architects reimagined the space to create a large open-plan kitchen diner and snug with the addition of a small utility room.
A mix of styles
With the extension designed and the layout agreed, we could focus on bringing the personal touches that would make the space feel like a home. We often find that our design briefs require us to blend two or more styles, sometimes seemingly opposite to each other. This home was no exception – the clients wanted to combine their roots to the Cornish coastal scenery and their background in engineering.
Inspired by the Cornish coastal scenery
We crafted a natural colour palette with thoughtful details such as the Hoxton Ocean Blue kitchen tile splashback and natural wood panelling in the snug and on the island. The paint colour, Oval Room Blue from Farrow & Ball, was a clear choice to tie in the scheme and link the home’s Victorian character to its contemporary extension. Clean, honest lines and – the feature of the room – the exposed steel beam completed the brief.
Not forgetting the sunny exposition of the garden, we incorporated ceiling-mounted wave curtains from Camengo. We opted for a voile fabric that looked like natural raw linen but wouldn’t fade with the sun. The lightweight fabric delicately filters the sun without blocking the light so the space can be enjoyed any time of the day.
