KEEPING THE PEACE

Reworking the layout of this open-plan kitchen to have quiet areas for all the family was a huge success

- WORDS AMELIA THORPE PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS SNOOK

When Magnus and Gemma Willis moved into their house in 2010, the open-plan ground floor layout was ideal for keeping an eye on their young children. But as their kids grew up, they needed quieter areas for relaxing and socialising. The kitchen was also showing its age,' notes Magnus.

RETHINKING OPEN PLAN

Working with architecture studio Emulsion, business consultant Magnus and copywriter Gemma began to rethink the layout, adding glass metal-framed double doors to zone the TV area at the front of the house and a slatted timber partition to create a desk space, distinct from the dining area. They also created a new room for a walk-in pantry and utility off the kitchen space, so that noisy laundry equipment is tucked away. That's the genius of a good architect, says Magnus. "The new layout makes the space feel larger and so much better defined."

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