THE COLLEY'S GRAND DESIGN

At the end of 2011, Ian was invited to the home of Lynda and Rob Colley in Milton Keynes, who were exploring the possibility of having a kitchen refurbishment.  I now know I should have packed him off with sandwiches, as Lynda and Rob didn't just want a refurbishment - oh no - they wanted a Grand Design, and nothing less.



The kitchen is clearly Lynda's realm and domain and  Ian loved the level of creativity and involvement he shared with Lynda, as it gave him an insight into what was really wanted and needed from their space: we're all about asking what you'd like, rather than telling you what you can have.

Lynda and Rob's patio doors are directly opposite a doorway leading into their lounge, with the former dining room in between.  Lynda's vision was to widen both the patio and living room doors and install bi-fold doors that would open right back, to create one huge inside-to-outside space.

Lynda loves to cook and bake and create gorgeous little chocolately thingys that linger forever on the hips!  However Lynda is not the tallest chocolateer and finds working at conventional worktop height uncomfortable; so Ian designed this central seating and working area.

The Colley Grand Design took approximately eight weeks to complete, but the results were worth waiting for.  From widening the patio door and lounge door recesses, to replacing ceilings and plastering walls. There was miles of new electrical wiring and Building Control liaison/certification to ensure. Obviously there was the kitchen installation itself, complete with all the appliances, wirework, recycling and storage solutions, in addition to the plumbing and decoration work. Rob requested a bespoke Sky box housing, whilst Lynda requested a purpose built, fully co-ordinated dog bed for the VIP's (i.e.: her dogs!).  This was all done with the endless laughs, generous refreshments (and cake!) and tireless patience of Lynda and Rob Colley - we had a blast, thank you, and we're so glad you like it.

On Sunday 22 April 2012, Lynda posted the following on her Facebook wall:

Ian's dedication and pride in his work is second to none.  He was here until seven last night tinkering, just wanting to make sure every little detail was "just so".  It is.  It is GORGEOUS.  We both love it, it's a total joy just to stand in the kitchen/Deck Room and admire the completed project - which I have to say just grew and grew from a new kitchen to walls coming down, ceilings being skimmed, renovations moved to the lounge too.  So practically the whole of our downstairs has had the Ian Dennis touch.  Thank you Ian (and Karan for her patience and enthusiasm).

And finally there there was this, a beautiful hardbook photobook, stuffed full of gorgeous glossy photos of Lynda and Rob's kitchen and Deck Room, by way of thank you for our contribution.  This, quite simply, is the best testimonial we have ever received, and by far the most generous, by every definition of the word.