MY EXPERIENCE
When we moved into this house in April 2012, this area was divided into a small kitchen and an adjoining utility room. The kitchen had cheap MDF units and a fake wooden worktop. The wall tiles had been painted over and the floor was covered in tatty lino. There really wasn’t a lot to love about the space.
We saved up for two years to pay for the renovations. In 2014, we hired builders to knock down the wall between the two rooms and install bi-fold doors to the garden. We made the fireplace bigger too so we could fit in a range-style cooker. I decided to go for a Scandinavian look with IKEA units, light oak worktops and a ceramic sink. Instead of wall cabinets, we fitted shelving.
Early this year, it felt like the right time to give the kitchen a glow up. Just painting the walls and shelves in a peach tone made a huge difference. The space instantly looks more modern. We switched out the silver tap and handles for gold-coloured ones and I changed the industrial metal pendant shades to pretty rattan designs.
As a family, we use this kitchen so much. There’s always music playing, and we love to cook in here. Our kitchen has a relaxed feel, making it the perfect space for entertaining.