COLOUR BURST
A yellow splashback brings a touch of sunshine to this light and spacious kitchen-diner
A yellow splashback brings sunshine
Suzanne Szepeta, 37, a college course manager, lives with her husband Paul, 37, an engineer, in a four-bedroom 1920s semi in Mansfield. They created an openplan kitchen and dining space
What was the existing kitchen like?
It was long and narrow, with vinyl flooring, a worn-out oven, and old-fashioned, dark wooden units. There wasn’t space for a table or seating. Next door was the dining room that we just used for storage! It was a total waste of space.
What was your dream?
A bright, attractive environment where we could relax and entertain family and friends in comfort. Knocking the two rooms together to bring cooking, eating and seating into one space was the obvious solution. We also wanted bifolding glass doors that would bring in lots of light and make more of the garden.
How did you decide on your the new kitchen?
We visited various kitchen companies for design inspiration and costings. I’d decided on a sleek bank of wall units and a central island, and as it’s open-plan, I wanted the kitchen itself to be quite low-key. I liked the idea of mixing dark and pale greys and I went for flat doors with a matt finish.
Where did you buy the main components?
A friend suggested a local firm, Colourhill Kitchens, and we were impressed with their design and the style, quality and value for money of the cabinets and worktops they offered. Most of the appliances came from John Lewis as I liked the keen prices, as well as the reassurance of good aftersales service. I first spotted the herringbone floor on Pinterest. Luckily the supplier wasn’t too far away, so we visited the showroom to see the different styles before making our final choice.
What about other furniture and accessories?
Paul was really keen on having the classic, Eames-style armchair in the lounge area. We picked a dining table and chairs with a similar mid-century feel, and started building up a mix of retro and modern design. I felt a burst of colour was needed to lift the greys, so we chose to have a glass splashback painted yellow and then added some bright accessories to pull the entire room together.
Were there any issues with the kitchen design?
The island was too large for a single slab of worktop, but I didn’t fancy seeing a join in the quartz. Instead, Colourhill’s designer suggested having the contrasting walnut section, which forms a breakfast bar. It’s a real feature and everyone migrates there.
How did you manage during the work?
We had a microwave and fridge in the hall, and we did the washing up in the bath. The project took four months and although that part of the house was sealed, it didn’t stop dust ending up absolutely everywhere once the walls came down.
Is there anything you’d change?
As the room is open-plan, we do have to be quite tidy as everything is always on display. That said, I’m so pleased with how it’s turned out, and I don’t mind a little effort to keep it looking lovely.
How has the way you use your kitchen changed?
We couldn’t really have friends over before, but now there’s a lovely space to relax and entertain in comfort. Everything’s to hand, whether there’s just the two of us, or a gathering.