At the time of writing, Caldecott couple Bob &\u2008Barbara Hook are looking forward to spending their first Christmas in their new kitchen, designed and crafted by Kitchens by Nathaniel Oliver<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whilst it\u2019s proverbially stated that you can\u2019t teach an old dog new tricks, you can breathe new life into an old property with the addition of an extension or living kitchen that\u2019s modern and fit for purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doing so adds value to your home, provides the latest appliances and technology, and it adds much-needed space for entertaining over the festive season which was a source of reassurance for Caldecott couple Bob & Barbara Hook when we visited a month or so ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This will be the couple\u2019s first Christmas and New Year in their extension, to the rear of their Grade II\u2008listed property, which dates back to the 1500s. The extension was part of a broader reevaluation of their ground floor living space, which saw the relocation of the kitchen from the front of the house to the rear, accessible via a new glazed walkway adjacent to the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alongside skylights in the ceiling, the abundance of glazing provided a wealth of natural light, accentuated by the white engineered quartz work surface of the large central island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The couple enlisted the expertise of Kitchens by Nathaniel Oliver, whose workshops are based in Oakham. The company has been established for over 50 years and offers everything from modern and high gloss cabinetry to traditional in-frame shaker style kitchens that suit any setting, from a modern property to a traditional ironstone country house such as Bob & Barbara\u2019s property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nathaniel Oliver was brought in early on the project and finessed the design with the couple as part of a collaborative design process. Working alongside the project\u2019s architect, Stuart Ellis, and Tugby-based builder Pete Andrews, Nathaniel Oliver\u2019s diligent communication and project management meant perfect coordination between each of the different trades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The couple opted for a two-tone hand-painted finish in Dove Grey and Hartforth Blue. The white surfaces were lit by LED lighting and around the island accent lighting was used to give the kitchen a stylish look in the evening. Matching quartz splashbacks are a cinch to keep clean and the clean look of the property was underwritten by the use of inconspicuously integrated technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The kitchen\u2019s Quooker tap eliminates the need for a kettle on the worktop, and a Neff dishwasher and the undercounter recycling centre are integrated into the cabinetry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The island features an Elica induction hob with a downdraft extractor which is easy to clean and doesn\u2019t necessitate a vent in the ceiling. It also avoids having to clean the filer of a greasy conventional hood extractor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nathaniel Oliver also installed the couple\u2019s two Neff ovens, one of which integrates a combination microwave and grill, the other providing a pyrolytic self-cleaning function. Among the couple\u2019s favourite features are the convenient \u2018hide and slide\u2019 doors for easy access and safety, and a 14cm deep warming drawer for heating plates, keeping side dishes warm and proving bread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMr & Mrs Hook were really pleased with the work that we carried out on their kitchen,\u201d says Nathaniel Oliver\u2019s Gary Noble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd they have since commissioned us to design, manufacture and install furniture for their utility room as well as a custom cabinet for storing coats and shoes with a built-in oak seat. We\u2019re really looking forward to working with them again on the next phase of their project!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n