This kitchen was in a 1970s extension to a very old thatched cottage. They had kept the incredibly low ceilings, so we remodelled one end to allow more light and added a bifold window to bring the garden in and allow for a bench seat along one side of the table. Vaulting just that section of ceiling gave us enough space for a wonderful light fixture to draw the eye up, and - without extending - made the room feel far more spacious. We avoided wall cupboards almost entirely to keep the remaining room as airy as possible.