Simple steps to a loose-fit kitchen

Stay away from symmetry

Aim instead for a balanced room, without all your furniture on one side, says Bergman. If your vintage corner cupboard and drawers don’t match, relax. “Once they have been painted in a warm colour, your eye will be drawn to other aspects of the room.”

Wood is warmer

If you’re replacing surfaces, lean towards wood – not only is it more sustainable and cheaper than granite but it looks better with age, says Hills. Retrouvius sells reclaimed wood surfaces that aren’t necessarily cheaper than new but are usually good quality.

Green your sills

House plants are still having their moment and an attractive planter potted with bulbs you have grown will add personality, says Hutchinson. “I’m into geraniums in big pots by the window.” The cheat’s option is to order a basket of potted Paperwhites (£32.95, sarahraven.com).

Curated not cluttered

Paintings, sculptures and books will add personality, particularly if they have sentimental value, says Mehydene. For affordable artworks, see Partnership Editions (partnership editions.com). Suss has decorated her kitchen with framed art by her children (seemylittledavinci.co.uk). Be discerning, warns Hutchinson: “It should feel put together, not cluttered.”

No shame in plugs

Plug in some lower lights rather than wiring in spots and under-counter lighting, says Hills.Hutchinson likes to put lamps on the worktop – practical and pretty – while Hills suggests Anglepoisetype

lamps. Retrouvius is selling restored Herbert Terry anglepoise lamps in green, yellow and chrome for £295.

Big features

Fireplaces and panelling had no place in the modern kitchen but designers are now making a virtue of them, Bergman says. “They bring texture and character.” If yours doesn’t have period features, invest in salvaged mouldings and fireplaces.

Knobs and whistles

Forget handleless doors, interior designers such as

Nicola Harding are adorning cupboards with salvaged vintage handles. See authentic-reclamation. co.uk, Etsy and eBay for vintage brass, bronze and porcelain knobs.

Accept that it’s a kitchen

There’s nothing wrong with having your blender or toaster on display – it is, after all, a kitchen, says Suss. Don’t feel the need to hide your mugs. And there’s no shame in freestanding white goods, adds Hutchinson. For more aesthetic options than a white box, head to fisherpeykel.com.