Style advice Three simple tricks to try in your own home

ACCESSORIZE The white walls and tiles allow for fun and cheery accessories. The spaghetti artwork from Frowzy Prints shows that this isn’t a kitchen that takes itself too seriously. ‘ There are so many similar kitchens out there, but it’s easy to put your own stamp on them with accessories,’ says Nikki. ‘It’s a great way to have fun.’ The lamp, from houseof.com works perfectly with the colourful plant pots. ‘I like to have things out on the worktop. Since the walls are quite plain, it helps the space feel cosy.’

BRING IT BACK DOWN TO EARTH

As the house is a fairly standard build, Nikki and Luke didn’t want to go too over the top. ‘It wouldn’t have felt authentic,’ Nikki explains. ‘ To balance the bright colours, we went for matt black and white fixtures and fittings throughout, including the switches, sockets and the white sink and tap. We also tried to use low-cost materials, like the concrete worktop. But, of course, it had to be colourful and this pale pink design was perfect.’

GO FOR ITfl

Nikki personalised the IKEA kitchen units by spraypainting them in a vibrant blue by Mylands paint. It was a bold choice, but the risk has clearly paid off. ‘It’s surprising how far you can push boundaries with interiors,’ says Nikki. ‘I often doubt that a certain idea will work, but then I give it a try and it always does. The worst thing you can do is hold back. Things can always be changed, or you can start over. Just be careful not to fall for too many fads and make sure you shop around for things that make you smile.’