‘i took time to Plan my Perfect kitchen’
Carolyn, 44, transformed two dark, cramped and dated rooms into a dazzling and sleek kitchen-diner with modern, vibrant touches
Carolyn Clayton’s patience paid off when planning her modern kitchen
In 2004, I was renting a two-bed place locally but with two young boys, Shannon (now 25), and Leon, I needed more room,' says Carolyn. 'I found a house that was dated and needed redecorating, but it had the space we wanted and a good-sized garden.
At first, I rented it from the council while studying for a degree in computer science, but after I graduated and began to work, I bought the house in 2007. I redecorated it throughout, then saved up for a bathroom suite. Next, I had a new driveway laid and an office built on the side of the house. Lastly, it was time to tackle the kitchen.
Starting to plan
I work from home and had been using the dining room as my office. My plan was to knock down the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create a kitchen-diner, so I had to build a proper office on the side of the house leading off the kitchen before I could embark on the project. I collected snippets of designs I liked from magazines and the internet, laying them together on a board and rearranging them to see what worked best. It took me three years to plan my new room, because I needed to save the money and I wanted to get it just right. In the end, my sons said in desperation: “Just get on with it, Mum!”
I selected a local company after getting two quotes from fitters online. The office was built first, then the kitchen started in December 2014. There were, however, hitches along the way – poor fittings and finishes, materials in the wrong sizes, the sink having to be re-installed after being incorrectly located – so the kitchen wasn’t fully completed until June 2015. I was able to use it to cook Christmas dinner in
2014, so that was something, but it was a huge relief when it was finally finished.
Deciding on the design
i was set on having a breakfast bar for quick meals and coffee breaks, rather than having to use the dining table. Plus it's a place for my boys, friends and family to perch and chat to me as i cook. Unlike in the old kitchen, i incorporated plenty of worktop space and storage in units and drawers. the appliances are integrated and all electrics are boxed for a seamless look.
i went for a dark wood-effect worktop to contrast with the light decor and white hi-gloss units and had underfloor heating installed beneath the tiles, because the old floors were freezing cold in winter.
to display my collection of fun, brightcoloured items to best effect, i chose a neutral palette for the units, walls and floor. i finished the scheme with lime green accessories but i’ll change them when i tire of the colour and fancy a new look. right now, i'm so happy with the overall result – it was well worth the wait.’
‘If you’re limited on worksurface space, consider a wall-mounted microwave – I find It easier to use when It’s at eye level’