Inheriting a small, dark kitchen that was impractical and unsuitable for a busy family of four many years ago, the owners of this property in Ripon were keen to put their own stamp on the space, with a light, airy and bright kitchen extension complete with CRL Quartz Carrara worktops. With a minimalist yet cosy and welcoming look at the top of their wish list the owners worked with the creativity and design skills of Joe Groves from Wharfe Valley Interiors to make their dream kitchen a reality. Simple and timeless in style, the finished kitchen is a hive of activity – a space used for cooking, eating and relaxing. CRL Quartz Carrara plays an important role throughout the space and was a natural choice for the owner, after falling in love with the surface at first sight during a visit to New Look Interiors of Leeds. A versatile and beautiful surface that exudes a luxury elegance, Carrara has the striking appearance of marble, with none of the maintenance issues. In fact, CRL Quartz is extremely hardwearing, durable and easy to keep clean making it ideal for this family. The soft white hue and smoky grey veins of the material tie the whole look in this new kitchen together, for a cohesive finish. Inspired by nature, the surface fits seamlessly with the timeless décor chosen for the extension, blending in harmony with the chosen colour scheme and soft furnishings. Delivery and installation of the quartz was expertly carried out by Harrogate’s Aktiv Granite who were undaunted by the size of the island slab, which measured up at 2.3 m x 1.1m. “When the installers arrived to fit the quartz and called me in to take a look I was overcome. I literally could have cried as it was just what I envisaged. “They did an amazing job, especially when they were lifting in the piece for the island which was a pretty big chunk.” comments homeowner Suzanne. Enter the extension from the hallway and a clean, airy and minimal space is waiting to greet you. The Carrara worktops are complemented by large format floor tiles and classically-styled furniture painted in Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth White. Bi-fold doors at one end of the room flood the room with natural light and create the perfect indoor outdoor kitchen living space for all-weather family entertaining. CRL Quartz Carrara is carried through to the adjoining utility and cloakroom for continuity of design, while back in the kitchen appliances from Bosch, plus a Quooker hot tap ensure the space is luxurious and functional. “My island is my pride and joy. I really like the having the sink integrated in this spot, as it turns the whole area into a space for socialising even when you’re washing up. “When I look back at all my drawings now the finished space is exact and just as I wanted it to be. It suits us very well now, instead of being cramped and dark it is a roomy, welcoming and bright kitchen.”