When they bought this five-bedroom property in August 2022, the new owners had a vision: to transform the tired Dorma bungalow into a sociable space made for modern family life.
Aptly named Valley View, the home, which is located in the sought-after West Yorkshire village of Thurstonland, has amazing views from each room and it was important that these were utilised throughout the renovation.
“After weeks of brainstorming with architects and structural engineers, we designed a property that captured everything we wanted whilst fitting in with the conservation area of Thurstonland. Key features of the renovation included an addition of a first-floor side extension featuring a gable end and a large, open-plan single-storey rear extension, which would house the kitchen living room,” explain the homeowners.
To help create a light and airy open-plan kitchen and living space that would become the heart of their home, and to make the most of the surrounding scenery, they opted for floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors. In terms of layout, the owners knew they wanted the kitchen to have an island to help create the sociable space they desired. “We wanted the island to be the focal point for people to gather round when we’re cooking and entertaining,” they continue.
Although they’d initially had their hearts set on light oak kitchen cabinetry, concerns about its durability convinced them to choose modern, Shaker-style furniture in white instead.
“We tried to balance practicality with style in our kitchen,” they explain. “Because we knew our cabinetry was simple, we wanted our surfaces to feel bold and impactful.”
Designed to create a truly dramatic effect, Milano Quartz by CRL Stone was the perfect solution. Featuring striking veining on a white background, this beautiful surface captures the luxurious look and natural beauty of marble and combines it with the durability of quartz.
“Its intense veining in neutral tones meant we achieved a striking look that we wouldn’t quickly grow tired of,” the homeowners add.
The beautiful Milano Quartz was used on all the worktops and surrounding splashbacks but it is on the island that it really makes an impact. Here the couple opted for a waterfall design where the surface continues vertically down the island’s sides to create a luxurious look and feel.
Working with an experienced installation team ensured the quartz slabs were optimised to make the most of the veining. “Given the size of the island we decided to go with, there were some concerns that neither ends of our island would be able to be bookended to ensure the pattern continued,” explain the owners. “However, the team were so helpful in making sure they could make the matching work and they absolutely pulled it off in the finished result.”
A large induction hob was built into the waterfall island, which allows the couple to enjoy their incredible views while cooking. Ideal for entertaining, the island also houses a wine cabinet so drinks are easily accessible when they are hosting.
A bank of ovens, built into the back wall units, are perfectly positioned to allow food to be easily moved from the oven to the island to serve.
The sink has been seamlessly integrated into the side worktop and is clad in Milano quartz to provide a “fabulous finishing touch”. And to create some contrast to the neutral colour scheme, the couple went for appliances finished in black glass, which were complemented by matt black taps and hardware.
The finished result is light, airy and uncluttered, with the new kitchen-dining-living room really feeling part of the surrounding landscape. And the family are thrilled with the results, particularly the beautiful statement Milano Quartz surfaces. “As a couple with very natural, simple interior style, we didn’t know if we would face buyers regret with going for such a bold vein in our quartz. However, I can comfortably say now that it’s in, we wouldn’t change a thing… we love it!”