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This contemporary, light-filled kitchen takes pride of place within a rear extension to a once-gloomy row house

View of a kitchen which features a kitchen architecture, ceiling, daylighting, home, house, interior design, kitchen, living room, real estate, window, gray — View of a kitchen which features a kitchen island, limestone countertops, mahogany cabinetry and shelving, bamboo flooring, bar stools, sink and faucet, balustrade of stairway.

View of a kitchen which features a kitchen architecture, cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, flooring, hardwood, home, house, interior design, kitchen, living room, real estate, room, wood, white, brown

View of a kitchen which features a kitchen cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, hardwood, interior design, kitchen, room, table, wood, red, brown

View of a kitchen which features a kitchen cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, cuisine classique, floor, flooring, hardwood, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, table, wood, wood flooring, brown, white

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View of the open-plan dining area adjacent to ceiling, chair, dining room, floor, flooring, furniture, hardwood, interior design, living room, room, table, window, window covering, wood, wood flooring, white

View of a kitchen which features a kitchen ceiling, countertop, dining room, floor, flooring, hardwood, house, interior design, kitchen, room, table, wood, wood flooring, white, brown

View of a kitchen which features a kitchen cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, floor, flooring, hardwood, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, wood, wood flooring, gray, brown

View of a kitchen which features limestone countertops, cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, under cabinet lighting, red

View of a kitchen which features limestone countertops, cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, cuisine classique, floor, flooring, hardwood, home, interior design, kitchen, room, wood flooring, red, gray

Traditional row houses are known for their practical kitchens that offer the bare necessities but lack light, space and presence. Building an extension onto this style of residence allows for a general interior rethink, and the opportunity to turn a practical, behind-the-scenes kitchen into a central family gathering point.

This kitchen is the prime focus of a large rear extension to a 100-year-old home undertaken by architect Stephen Lawlor. The expansive room created on this level of the extension is intended as a gathering point for the family and as a circulation space to the rear garden, says Lawlor.

"The extension brings several advantages for the owners, including a 6ft-by-12ft skylight that floods daylight into the previously dark interiors," says Lawlor. "The addition also playfully contrasts the existing and new with the home's original exterior brick facade now re-invented as an interior wall on the new room."

Given the 45ft-long room's use as a throughspace and gathering point, the client wanted the kitchen to offer a focal point. To achieve this, its central zone has been given a stand-out presence.

The island, cooking surfaces and canopy are all set within a linear geometrical grouping and the canopy extends up to the ceiling and over the island, dramatically highlighting this area. The island and wrap-over ceiling panel draws the eye to the breakfast counter and stools.

The kitchen's greater run of wall cabinetry extends over 30ft and the furniture-like cabinet finishes help down-play its impact within the room. To further disguise these elongated dimensions, the substantial refrigerator and large pantry are integrated into the woodwork.

"While we made a point of understating the long wall of utilitarian elements, part of the allure of the kitchen is its obvious play off the existing interiors," says Lawlor. "Touches such as modern minimalist cabinetry handles and a milk-glass textured backsplash add to the contrasting aesthetic without detracting from the furniture-like aesthetic."

Designed for owners who love cooking, the kitchen has tight, efficient work triangles and broad work surfaces. Lawlor's design balances a wealth of practical considerations against a harmonious presence within the greater space.