FLOWER POWER
A bold wallpaper has given an understated space real impact.
Bold wallpaper gives this kitchen real impact
Jodi Slater and her husband Mark, both 43, moved into their detached five-bedroom Victorian house in Hampton, Middlesex, six years ago and extended to accommodate their growing family, which includes Emma, 10, Matthew, eight, and Hannah, four. The main work was completed just before Hannah was born and the decor subsequently updated with colour and pattern.
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL SAYS... ‘Against the quiet white and grey base, the lively wallpaper, colourful accessories and aqua green highlights energise the room.’
What prompted this transformation?
When we bought the house in 2011 it had just a small galley kitchen and limited workspace, and with two small children and a baby on the way, we knew it wasn’t going to work for us as a family. To create the extra room we needed, we built a substantial two-storey extension, which included a large open-plan kitchen, dining and living area.
Describe your ideas for the design
I had in mind a modern, light-filled space with plenty of work surfaces for food preparation as I love to cook. An island was an essential part of the plan. I knew exactly what I wanted and enlisted a local kitchen company to help bring it about.
You chose white units…
Yes, when we came to the end of the lengthy building process Hannah was about to be born and, not surprisingly, I lost all motivation for decorating! So, to keep things simple we chose plain white gloss units and put everything else on hold for a while.
Is there anything you’d do differently?
On reflection, we’d plan the decor in advance. Being so involved in getting the building work finished meant that we ended up with a sleek but blank space that lacked personality. I’ve always loved Orla Kiely’s retro designs, so this look was the starting point for the scheme. We added a bright wallpaper and matched it with a fresh blue paint for the supporting wall in the centre of the space.
How do you use the room now?
We all gather around the island on most days to eat and just chat about our day and it’s where the girls do their homework. Spending time here cooking and relaxing is lovely.
What are you most pleased with?
The cheerful wallpaper and retro accessories have really brought everything to life. I love how the space opens out onto the garden, and I can get my jobs done while still being with the children playing outside, which was my aim right from the moment we started planning. It all works together beautifully.