A fresh start
This ‘brand-new’ kitchen is, for the most part, thanks to a clever recycling project and a few tins of paint.
TThe house Bobby and Amanda Craddock moved into in August 2018 suited them to a T. Except for the kitchen, which was the proverbial ugly duckling. “The kitchen was badly in need of a makeover,” recalls Amanda. “It had orange cabinets with black countertops, while stainless-steel handles on the cupboard doors were fitted at weird angles.”
Since this space is the hub of the home, with all the other rooms branching out from it, the renovation was a top priority for the Craddocks. “We wanted to make the kitchen more welcoming and sociable,” she says.
And because the couple felt the space was such an eyesore, the renovation project began on the very same day that they moved in.
Amanda is experienced with a paintbrush but choosing colours is another matter entirely. “I walked around with about 20 paint swatches for a month, asking people’s opinion on what colours to choose for the cabinets and walls. I wanted a cohesive look.”
Eventually, she had a lighter shade of the Annie Sloan colour French Linen specially mixed for the walls in a low-gloss PVA. For the cabinets she had an even lighter colour mixed. Amanda says this combination of colours has added wonderful depth to the space.
On display
Amanda’s kitchenware and décor elements are displayed on an eye-catching shelf unit strategically placed on one side of the kitchen to create a focal wall. The kitchen was partially planned around this display unit.
“I desperately wanted that shelf and we were lucky that it fitted in the spot where the fridge would have been. It really makes the kitchen,” she says.
Another focal point is the unique light fitting above the island which always gets guests talking. And although Amanda loves using paint, she believes that raw elements such as this woodand-metal chandelier definitely have their place.
Some of her unusual kitchenware has been collected over many years. “I don’t like new things; I prefer to recycle old items.”
The Craddocks managed to stick to their budget of R18 000, which included two luxury items: a French oak countertop on the island and a cleverly designed spice rack and waste bin in a soft-closing drawer. “They were a bit expensive but definitely worth it!” says Amanda.
The kitchen cupboards look white but are actually a very pale grey. – Amanda