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Positioned in the center of the house, this remodeled English-style kitchen is an ideal hub for entertaining

A view of the kitchen area, wooden cabinetry cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, room, white

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One of the most noticeable remodeling trends of recent years has been the move towards more spacious interiors. Walls are often removed so that several smaller rooms can be joined to create one larger, multi-purpose living space. Hallways are often sacrificed for the same reason, with circulation areas simply incorporated into open-plan spaces.

Such was the case with this home, owned by sculptor Karen Taylor and David Griffith. To create more space for a remodeled kitchen, architect Stewart Davis removed a passageway, assimilating this space into the kitchen. The result is a larger kitchen, which is both a social hub and a transition zone that links the different areas of the house.

"The kitchen, in the dead center of the house, was formerly bounded by hallways, which also meant there was little natural daylight," says Davis. "Making it larger and removing one of these passages has made it more open, so it benefits from the borrowed light of the adjacent rooms."

Functionality has also been improved. The original space was a U shape, with a long peninsula counter that effectively trapped the cook in the kitchen.

"Designing the sink counter and raised bartop as an island has created a much better flow," says Davis. "There are more entry points to the kitchen, and five distinct work zones make it easy for more than one person to be working at one time. And although the far side of the kitchen is used as a through-way, there is enough space to ensure this traffic doesn't interfere with the functionality."

Aesthetically, the new kitchen bears little resemblance to what went before. Dated wood cabinetry has been replaced with traditional, English-style, white-painted cabinets topped with granite counters.

"Karen lived in England for a time and enjoyed the traditional English kitchens," says Davis. "She has an extensive collection of antique china plates, which we have accommodated in the cabinetry design. As well as open display shelving, we have designed special plate racks within the large curved mantel above the cooktop."

But, the mantel isn't purely decorative it also conceals lighting and ventilation services.

In keeping with the traditional styling, the central island includes space for a collection of wicker baskets. Another side of the island accommodates a stool, while the opposite side features open shelving for small appliances. These are plugged in and ready for use on the island countertop.

The owner has also retained her copper pots, which now hang from a recessed tray ceiling. Davis says the original 10ft ceiling was replaced with an 8ft 8-inch ceiling, which breaks down the scale of the room and creates a more intimate feel. It also helps to define the kitchen within the entire open-plan area.

"It is a better height for the cabinetry and the lighting," he says. "But we kept one square section in the middle at 10ft. This adds visual interest and conveys a sense of mass that balances the solid form of the cabinetry."