Style advice

Three simple tricks to try in your own home

SAVE YOUR FAVES This 1970s-style wall cabinet was salvaged from the original kitchen and was the starting point for the whole retro-inspired design. The glass sliding doors make it perfect for displaying Helen’s collection of mid-century crockery and glassware, which is always growing. ‘I’m definitely a collector,’ she says. ‘I was buying crockery before I even bought my first housefl’ A mix of houseplants add interest and texture, but if your kitchen isn’t as light and bright as Helen’s, get a similar look with faux plants. ON ANOTHER LEVEL ‘ There is a step down from the kitchen to the dining room, and the split level is another good way of separating the two zones,’ Helen explains. The wraparound breakfast bar hides the mess in the kitchen brilliantly, and herbs can be displayed on the worktop. It’s a great in-between area to sit and have a drink. ‘We decided to zone the spaces with two different types of flooring as well: a soft natural cork for the kitchen and a bright blue lino for the dining area.’ HAVE FUN WITH IT ‘We knew the kitchen was going to open onto a living space so we deliberately made colourful statement choices that would help the two areas to flow,’ Helen explains. ‘Handleless cabinets in bright yellow and a speckled tiled splashback, that tie the yellow and blue colours together, ensure that the final results were not too kitchen-y. Having art on the kitchen walls adds personality, too. The text on canvas is by artist Babak Ganjei and the pinboard is another fun touch – you can change it when you wantfl’