Feature by Christine Black
Photography by Martin Black
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the stormWith a nastyflood being a blessing in disguise, thisten bedroom househas been given a revamp to offerthe Abletts a beautiful, relaxed home.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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24 www.irkbb.co.uk
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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