Homestyle Magazine
It is hard to imagine that this spacious kitchen diner was once a collection of small dingy offices

Nestling above shops in a thriving Birmingham suburb is an unassuming but stylish flat which Helen
Artlett-Coe bought two years ago. Built in the 1700s, the property boasted high ceilings and well proportioned rooms. However, having been used as an office space for years, many of the rooms including what was to become the kitchen had been divided into smaller areas.

With help from designers Rosalie Whitehead and Vivienne Waddell from One Off Interiors two dividing walls, two toilets and a narrow corridor were removed to create more space and one access point.

Helen can change her kitchen round should she ever want to adapt the look of the room

Units from the Varde range by Ikea provide the smooth lines and accentuate the open plan feel that Helen gained from the building work. As a freestanding design, they provide versatility, allowing Helen to change her kitchen round should she ever want to adapt the look of the room. Rosalie & Vivienne suggested combining the wall units with open shelving to add interest and so that Helen, a keen cook, had things close to hand.

Matching table and chairs completes the look and Rosalie sourced light birch laminate flooring to echo the units as well as for its durability.

Helen may have kept to a tight budget but, with vision and careful planning, she has proved that it is possible to get a stylish room with a minimum of cost.