Feature by Christine Black

Photography by Martin Black

W M"-

ffi:dw ffiffiWffi ffiW ffi ffiffiTffi-

the stormWith a nastyflood being a blessing in disguise, thisten bedroom househas been given a revamp to offerthe Abletts a beautiful, relaxed home.

.. .:. ':lr'. r.

above Eva, the adored family Doberman, is a fan

of the travertine tiles that give her a smooth spot

to sleep on after a day exploring her big garden.

leftA love of horses is evident throughout the

house and is reflected by numerous photos

of lmogen who competes most weekends.

IrI$

cffiffin#

ffihsru r.:'

;..1

20 www.ekbb.co.uk

hen a flood caused major damage

to their ten bedroom house seven

years ago, Rachel and Malcolm Ablett

were forced to rebuild large sections of it. Though

the kitchen escaped without much harm, it was

a mixed blessing. Explains Rachel, "We hated its

layout and size but it was a good quality design."

However, last year, the couple decided that

the space was too small for their needs and

forthe size of the house, "We wanted a kitchen

that could be the main family room. The existing

layout could never have worked as the hub

of the home. lt would have been awkward,

unpractical and really cramped," she adds.

Fortunately, their neighbour is kitchen designer

and master craftsman Alex Spring (at Design

Solutions) a man that had already bailed them

out when the builders who stafted fitting out

their en suite walked off the job after botching the

plumbing. This time, he took up the challenge with

relish, designing and then making allthe cabinetry

www.ekbb.co.uk 21

Hand-parnted real oak veneer cabinetry dovetailed soft-close drawers and turnings in

tulip wood form this charming, classic kitchen. Created by Design Solutions, it's complete

with top-of-the-range appliances and a lightJilled dining area while the master suite along

with its rich d6cor, adjacent en suite and shower room ensure luxury, comfoftable living

Design Solutions, Forewood Timber, Ross Way, Bushey, Herts WD23 3RX.Telr 01923 262922. No website available.Kitchens cost from e 10,000.

below A f ully-stocked iron utensils rail is set above

the large, cream Aga which is flanked by cabinetry

that conceals those essential spices and oils.

above Echoed by tarlan wallpaper and tasselled

lamps, the dusky-pink tone of the storage unit is

complemented by greens and creams elsewhere

Alex transformed three separate rooms nto

one spacious k tchen which f ows through to an

orangery that s used as an nformal dining area;

ts windows frame the vast landscaped gardens.

P us, a snug area with an or ginal firep ace and

large telev sion gives the family an extra liv ng

space. "lt ensures that the kitchen is hive of a I

activ ty and not just a room for preparlng food.

We often siay in here all evening," says Rachel,

However, the centre of the room is dom nated

by a arge island that's topped n granite sourced

from lta y. "As soon as I set eyes on a sample, I

knew that noth ng else wou d do," laughs Rache

"lt has fantast c veins of colour running throughjt," she adds. This central unit pu ls the whole

kitchen together and also provides a place for

nine-year-oLd lmogen to hang out while Rachel

prepares dinner. lt incorporates a sumrner oven,

a hob, p enty of storage and a preparation sink.

left Rachel is thrilled with her new kitchen. lt is

exactly what she wanted it to be - a welcoming

hub of her home to gather with friends and family.

22 www.ekbb.co.uk

:j;:!

ffi"--&ra- ,q4h

left A raised snug is the perfect place to relax,

while two suppod pillars have cleverly been

included within the design as an unique feature.

above & below From the powerful gas hob with

pop-up extractor to a griddle and steamer, these

appliances ensure creating favourite dishes is

effortless, effective and, above all, pleasurable.

;i.;', '+:lr!

ii t:.

\,

Although the size of the kitchen meant that there

were no restrictlons, the proportion of the existing

din ng table was a problem, Luck ly, Alex came

to the rescue by convert ng it from the awkward

rectangular shape to a more reasonable square

and added a new oak top. He also spray parnted

the ex sting wicker-backed chairs. "He's amazing

-there isn't anything he can't do," says Rachel,

Rachel employed lnter or designer Josette

Kaiser to help her with her decorating ideas.

"l knew how I wanted the kitchen to look but

L needed guidance to he p turn my v sion into

reality, Josette isn't one of these airy-fairy, ch chi

designers, she knows exactly how to make your

house a home," enthuses Bachel. Indeed Josette

has captured the coupLe s taste and enhanced

t. One of the most unifying themes is the use of

Rachel's favour te Mu berry text les throughoui,

from the wallpaper and upholstery to the bllnds,

right The orangery's large windows not only

allow plentiful light to flood in but also frame the

view of beautifully landscaped grounds beyond.

www.*kbb.co.uk23

!M:+

1r.

rl

1.,

t'4s- -

"""3.t

X-

t l**\e il 1I".flr ifi,-,

" " q''*:"*"'r-n

I 'l '1:! r: I lliiil.l

*,ili} i ll

.ii.

. .tr. t

ffi1

a.. ,q ll,tl

, ..,,.,r,11. rlj.lt

24 www.irkbb.co.uk

tiGh,urqt

*t'

I

leftA wenge plinth cradles the double-endedtub while the female form is tastefully embraced

through artwork bought at an Edinburgh fair.

Rachel's pract cal approach to life is clearly evident

ln the en surte bathroom with its built in storage

for al their clothes and shoes. "We really wanted a

bright, clean and airy bathroom that incorporated

lots of cupboard space," she explains. Thanks to

Alex and his unobtrusive cabinetry, the bathroom

is organised and calm. plus includes everydhing

you'd expect from a luxury retreat, The large bath

stationed in the middle of the room that's raised on

a rich wenge frame s in posrtion for contemplating

the treetops while enjoying a long, soothing soak.

above & below ln the en suite, his'n' hers basins,

a powerfulshower, capacious wardrobes and

an antique chair provide ample facilities for two.

The master bedroom is furnished simply with a

few pieces that the couple have owned for years

the centrepiece rs a grand and luxurious bed,

The handmade curta ns in two-toned silk are

dramat cally swaged and tailed and are coupledw th dark red wallpaper to give the room an cosy,

opulent look. The cream carpet off sets the rich

colours and gives a more feminine, brighter touch

So, what is Rachel s verdict? "We wanted a

home that was beautiful, practica and relaxed

exactly what we achreved," she concludes.

www.skbb.co.uk 25