credit photo - Stephane Durieu
This is an example of a small contemporary u-shaped enclosed kitchen in Paris with stainless steel appliances, ceramic flooring, no island, flat-panel cabinets and white cabinets.

A luxury conservatory extension with bar and hot tub - perfect for entertaining on even the cloudiest days. Hand-made, bespoke design from our top consultants. Beautifully finished in engineered hardwood with two-tone microporous stain. Photo Colin Bell

Working with interior designer Hilary Scott, Mowlem & Co has created a stylish and sympathetic bespoke kitchen for a fascinating renovation and extension project. The impressive Victorian detached house has ‘an interesting planning history’ according to Hilary. Previously it had been bedsit accommodation with 27 units but in recent years it had become derelict and neglected, until was bought by a premiere league footballer with a view to restoring it to its former glory as a family home. Situated near the Botanic Gardens in Kew and in a conservation area, there was a significant investment and considerable planning negotiation to get it returned to a single dwelling. Hilary had worked closely with the client on previous projects and had their couple’s full trust to come up with a scheme that matched their tastes and needs. Many original features were restored or replaced to remain in keeping with the architecture, for example marble and cast iron fireplaces, panelling, cornices and architraves which were considered a key fabric of the building. The most contemporary element of the renovation is the striking double height glass extension to the rear in which the kitchen and living area are positioned. The room has wonderful views out to the garden is ideal both for family life and entertaining. The extension design involved an architect for the original plans and another to project-manage the build. Then Mowlem & Co were brought in because Hilary has worked with them for many years and says they were the natural choice to achieve the high quality of finish and bespoke joinery that was required. “They have done an amazing job,” says Hilary, “the design has certain quirky touches and an individual feel that you can only get with bespoke. All the timber has traditionally made dovetail joints and other handcrafted details. This is typical of Mowlem & Co’s work …they have a fantastic team and Julia Brown, who managed this project, is a great kitchen designer.” The kitchen has been conceived to match the contemporary feel of the new extension while also having a classic feel in terms of the finishes, such as the stained oak and exposed brickwork. The furniture has been made to bespoke proportions to match the scale of the double height extension, so that it fits the architecture. The look is clean and linear in feel and the design features specially created elements such as extra wide drawers and customised storage, and a separate walk-in pantry (plus a separate utility room in the basement). The furniture has been made in flat veneered stained oak and the seamless worktops are in Corian. Cooking appliances are by Wolf and refrigeration is by Sub-Zero. The exposed brick wall of the kitchen matches the external finishes of the brickwork of the house which can be seen through the glass extension. To harmonise, a thick glass shelf has been added, masterminded by Gary Craig of Architectural Metalworkers. This is supported by a cantilevered steel frame, so while it may look deceptively light and subtle, “a serious amount of engineering has gone into it,” according to Hilary. Mowlem & Co also created further bespoke furnishings and installations, for a dressing room plus bathrooms and cloakrooms in other parts of the house. The complexity of the project to restore the entire house took over a year to finish. As the client was transferred to another team before the renovation was complete, the property is now on the market for £9 million.

On this large wraparound kitchen extension we extended out into the side return, utilising a dead space, and into the rear garden. The result is a multifunctional kitchen and dining space that is open and bright. The extension roof is a gable design with a pitched roof in the side return. The benefit of this design is the height that is created, which makes the space feel so much bigger. Another feature is the angles created by the roof structure, particularly in the side return where glass is angled to give better light reach into the original space underneath the first floor. A large fixed glass panel was installed above the bifold doors on the exterior rear wall to create a feature and maximise light, whilst enhancing the connection with the outside. Most other roofs would typically create a lower ceiling, so in a large open space like this it is a real opportunity to be creative and add atmosphere.

Large contemporary foyer in London with grey walls, grey floors, dark hardwood flooring and feature lighting.

Our brief was to provide a link from the ground floor of this Victorian House within the Harrogate conservation area, which, due to the sloping site, is a full storey above the garden at the rear of the house. The existing kitchen/dining area has been linked with the garden via a floor-to-ceiling curved glass and steel extension, providing space for sitting and enjoying views of the landscaped garden at both the lower ground and ground floor levels. Both the roof and mezzanine are punctuated by circular glazed openings, and the staircase linking the two levels is constructed from steel with timber treads and a frameless glazed balustrade.

Small contemporary home office in London with white walls and a built-in desk.

Andy Spain Photography
This is an example of a large and white contemporary bungalow brick house exterior in Hertfordshire with a flat roof.

Design ideas for a large and red classic brick semi-detached house in London with three floors and a hip roof.

A great photo of one of our Contemporary Pool Tables in Oak #4 with a Hainsworth smart Orange Cloth.
This is an example of a large contemporary open plan games room in Oxfordshire with blue walls and grey floors.

On 1st October 2008, and again more recently, the planning regulations in London were simplified and as a result the number of householders opting to extend their properties vastly increased with some households no longer requiring planning permission. We can help establish the relevant requirements for your property, as it may be possible to do your extension under Permitted Development regulations. If you would like to add extra living space, increase the value of your home and avoid the stress of moving, we offer extensions that are of the highest quality in terms of design, craftsmanship and sustainability. Our work will not only give you additional space but will enhance both your property and your lifestyle.

Large and red contemporary house exterior in Oxfordshire with a hip roof.

The extensive vegetable patch. Photo by Emma Cross
This is an example of a large and gey contemporary split-level house exterior in Melbourne with metal cladding.

A bulthaup b3 kitchen designed and installed by hobsons|choice and featured in the September issue of KBB Magazine in the UK. The corian island worktop has a molded double sink and drainer arrangement. Full length drawer aluminium 'G2' bulthaup handles make access easy.

Internally a palette of existing granite walls has been paired with Jerusalem limestone stone flooring from Mandarin Stone , and wide-plank oak flooring. Existing timber ceiling and roof structures have been retained where possible – retaining the character of the property. Feature panels of black walnut line the kitchen and entrance hall joinery, adding warmth to the calm colour palette. Wood burners were supplied by Kernow Fires .

Modern living and busy family life has resulted in the kitchen increasingly becoming the favourite room in the home. It can be a relaxing and informal place where recreation and work go hand in hand. A sunny cheerful kitchen is everyone’s ideal, and a kitchen conservatory provides just that. It will be used at all times of the day by all members of the family for a wide range of purposes. Folding doors open the conservatory onto the garden. This project shows how a contemporary feel can be achieved whilst adding a traditional timber and glazed extension. Brick piers and solid walls add to both design and functionality of the room. Vale Paint Colour - Tempest Size- 6.0M X 7.8M

David Giles Photography
Photo of a large contemporary house exterior in London with three floors.

Gorgeously small rear extension to house artists den with pitched roof and bespoke hardwood industrial style window and french doors. Internally finished with natural stone flooring, painted brick walls, industrial style wash basin, desk, shelves and sash windows to kitchen area. Chris Snook

Inspiration for a small contemporary open plan living room in London with a wood burning stove.