Total Transformation

A complete renovation of this period-style home in Co. Down allowed the owners to create the kitchen they had always wanted.

- CLAIRE CRAIG

The property itself dates back to 1934 and after nearly 18 years living there the current owners began to face some challenges that prompted them to undertake an extensive build.

‘We pretty much had to knock it down and start over again,’ explains the owner. ‘We had dry rot and rising damp which we had been dealing with for years and had previously tried taking a balcony off because we thought it was that and then tried replacing the roof but it later turned out it was coming from underneath the house.

‘It was quite extensive so most of the house had to come down although planning control wouldn’t allow for a complete demolition.’

Keeping the front facade of the house the owners began to plan the rest of the work around it with the aim of creating a period-looking home at the front and then a more modern and contemporary new build towards the back.

When it came to the new open-plan kitchen they wanted to continue with this theme of classic but contemporary. Working with designer Brian Parkes at Parkes Interiors they set up creating a plan for a statement kitchen that would be the hub of their new home.