The project was to help the client understand the potential for the ground floor of their family home. The design brief was to create a cohesive and free flowing design for the ground floor which catered for young children and a love of entertaining, especially at Christmas. The property had been extended and whilst it created decent sized rooms, including a separate dining room and utility room the addition of a second front door and the location of the downstairs WC, prevented the space from being free flowing and cohesive. The kitchen, whilst a practical size, required a degree of modernisation and the dining room, in its current condition, did not make it a practical and usable space. The downstairs WC is neither in a practical or socially acceptable location. The utility room located at the front of the property did not offer the curb appeal the client is looking for.
The house was in an amazing location with stunning views over farm land and fields. There is a good amount of natural light throughout the ground floor but more could be made of the spectacular outlook at the rear of the property. There was a small conservatory leading off the living room. By extending the boundary line out to the conservatory wall line and opening up the space to create a living/dining room and kitchen it will provide the client with the entertaining and family home she has always wanted. By completely reconfiguring the ground floor layout and making the rear of the property open plan with bi-fold/sliding glass doors it not only creates a cohesive free flowing living, dining and kitchen space it extends the vista, bringing the outside in. Subdividing the existing living room will form the open plan room at the rear and a family snug at the front of the property. The snug provides the perfect cosy space for movie showings on a cold winters day. To address the issue of the utility room and create a space with more curb appeal a study room with a day bed would provide the client with a dedicated workspace and the flexibility for an additional bedroom. By moving the utility room to a newly created space in what was the rear of the dining room and locating the WC off this creates a more practical space. The entire ground floor would then have a defined and unified feel to it.
The property can become the modern family home with the flexibility to evolve as the family grows. The study and snugs proportions and locations in the property enable them to be turned into extra bedrooms, playrooms and the like as the family’s needs change. Selecting the correct fixtures and fittings will provide a feeling of luxury and comfort whilst ensuring there is sufficient budget for the structural changes.
It was key to understand how the client wanted to live in the home and how saw their lives evolving. The client was expecting their first child but had plans to grow the family with no intention to move any time soon. They wanted to invest in their home to make it somewhere special and that worked around them rather than having to adapt their lifestyle to suit the house. The proposal helped the client see how much potential the house had. It was a big investment, financially and in terms of time to implement it due to the structural changes, but they felt the result would be worth it. The presentation boards and visuals brought the concept to life for the client and the detailed product specification outlined the products suppliers and costs which is not only beneficial in sourcing the items but if there is something that the client liked but a cost saving is required then an alternative can be suggested which does not compromise the design scheme.
The feedback received from the client demonstrates how much understanding the way the client wants to lives is so important.
"Alexis & V A Heritage go above and beyond to deliver concepts that will exceed expectations. We are delighted with the project we have worked alongside Alexis with, to redesign our old quirky layout of a home, and transform it to meet our needs and lifestyle, which has made us exceedingly content and happy to stay at home. The attention to detail and level of standard held, are evident throughout. Alexis is a pleasure to work with, vibrant, bold, high integrity and clear communication, ensuring all elements are considered and nothing is forgotten. Great time was taken to truly understand what we were seeking and to get into our heads to deliver not only what we had hoped for , but beyond.
I would have no hesitation in recommending the services provided by Alexis and V A Heritage, you won't be disappointed."
Zoe, Scholes