Extension diary

Ever wondered if it’s possible to project manage a massive kitchen extension and remain sane? Interiors journalist Linda Clayton is finding out the hard way…

Interiors writer Linda Clayton on living through a big renovation

Bar stool shopping, so soon? Surely such fripperies come under the heading of ‘accessories’ and, as such, are a joyful after-purchase alongside herb planters and #shelfie fodder? Experience has taught me the error(s) of not taking bar stools seriously, until too late. In our previous kitchen, I went through no less than three bar stool designs and a near divorce before I got it right. And even then, the final models had to be modified, by unscrewing and binning the backs so we could get out of them without dislocating our spines (they were too heavy to pull out). This time, I was determined to put buying bar stools right up there with choosing a hair stylist or husband on the important life decisions front.

Crucially, the stools had to be chosen before, or in tandem with, the dimensions of our breakfast bar. Sounds obvious, but if you don’t there’s a strong chance the stools you’ve set your heart on won’t fit.

And don’t think you can do this using standard planning guides. The first rule of bar stool plotting is that positioning is personal, as is the width of stool that will comfortably fit your derriere. The ‘experts’ suggest a gap of 15cm between stools, but that’s way too cosy for my liking. Especially given my hatred of noisy eaters…or just eaters. If you’re similarly intolerant, allow at least 30cm between stools, more if you’ve married a mouth-breather. I also prefer stools with wide seats because I tend to sit with one foot tucked underneath me. Maybe

I was a stork in a former life?

These Ikea stools in our current temporary kitchen are too close together and near impossible to get on

If I didn’t have grubby kids, I might go for these Noa luxury velvet bar stools, £189, Cult Furniture

The second rule of Stool Club (sorry) focuses on depth. Both the depth of the stool seat and depth of leg room. If you’ve ever had to sit side-saddle at a breakfast bar, you’ll have felt my pain (usually in the lower lumbar region). For ultimate comfort, we’ve decided to sacrifice some storage in our island for a tall table scenario at one end. Fancy. Not only will we get to see more of our million-pound oak flooring but I’ll not have to listen to the girls kicking (and scuffing) my precious cabinetry during breakfast. Win-win. Thus, the four stools around this ‘table’ could be as deep as we liked (45-50cm is ideal) with backs. Being greedy, I wanted a further three-tofour stools along the length of the island, where guests can perch when I’m cooking (living the dream). When not in use, these backless stools can be pushed under the bar. Depth requirement = 42cm max. (Nb. Stool height depends on your worktop height, we’re going for 65cm tall for ample thigh girth between seat and worktop). Only once these dimensions had been cleared with planning (i.e. husband Nick), did I get to shop looks. My dream stools are buttockcushioningly comfortable, easy to clean and, timeless. Forget fashion-forward finishes and shapes. Once this kitchen is done, I never want to think about stools (of any kind) ever again.

The reality will be more like this wipe-clean Spindle stool, £230, from Garden Trading

The inspiration behind our island table/stool arrangement, courtesy of Roundhouse

For more advice, follow me on Instagram @lindaclaytonwrites

unhinged about hardware (and other internal construction choices)