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[...] equipment does not clutter the room with extra furniture.
The outside perimeter of the room is covered with brindle-colored quarry tiles. At the end of the room, in two arched recesses, are large fitted mahogany bookshelves with cupboards below.
The arch on the left side is a concealed door.
The whole unit can be swung open easily and it leads into the exciting garden room.
The reason for a concealed door-besides being a good topic for conversation!-is that it makes the garden room into a private, quiet place. It also means the room can be effectively shut off in cold weather. The huge door is built on the same principle as a bank safe door. Being heavy, it is supported on three stainless steel strap hinges.
The leading edge of the door is on a roller which runs on a stainless steel track.
The garden room is a kaleidoscope of color with cheerful zig-zag stripes painted along two walls The louvered doors conceal fitted cup boards on one side and a Beekay mini-kitchen on the other. The kitchen is equipped with a small sink, fridge and boiling ring, making an ideal place for serving drinks, brewing coffee or heating snacks. One remaining wall has glass windows, and the other is covered with mirrors.
At night, kinetic lights reflect off the white ceiling.
In contrast to the striking appearance ol the garden room, is the open plan kitchen-cum dayroom. The large stainless steel bar, echoed by the roomy bottle rack above, divides the cooking area from the eating and sitting area.
A number of useful items have been built into the stainless steel counter top-two bowls for washing up, a circular pastry slab of marble, and an electric cooking hob. The raised oven and fridge have been fitted into a storage wall filled with cupboards and drawers, finished with a red laminated surface.
------------ Above. A dining room with a grotto-like effect. The perspex
chairs and glass-topped table add to the sense of spaciousness. The bold pattern
of the carpet contrasts smartly with the solid maroon walls.
This kitchen unit is a superb example of the benefits of a well-planned layout. Although it is contained in a small space, the kitchen is efficient, easy to work in, and visually appealling. It is wise not to let a kitchen 'evolve' in a haphazard fashion-a great deal of thought should be given to the arrangement of storage units and appliances, ventilation, and plumbing as this area in particular should be above all, well planned and pleasant to work in.
------- Above. The kitchen-cum-dayroom. The vinyl floor and stainless
steel surfaces make it a good room for children' s play.
The step down to the main part of the room is effectively set off by the touch of red laminated skirting, The centre of the room is used for family meals and as a play area for the children.
The Provenpal pattern floor is made of vinyl which is a time-saver when it comes to house keeping. In rooms where eating or children's play is going on, a vinyl floor is a boon to any housewife.
The dining room is yet another splash of color with walls painted in maroon gloss.
Instead of curtains, there are floor-to-ceiling shutters, also painted in maroon gloss, giving the room an almost grotto-like effect. Although the room is not a particularly large one. the choice of furniture gives a sense of spacious ness. The glass-topped table is on a stainless steel base. The transparent perspex chairs are visually unusual and also very practical because of their washable surfaces. The red fronted cupboards are useful for serving and have the added attraction of inset stainless steel hot plates for keeping food warm.
If a house needs cheering up or you want to get a new look without spending a great deal of money, think carefully about changing the color scheme. The widespread use of maroon with the contrasting greens, yellows and oranges in this house work together to pro duce a striking and individual effect.