‘My new kitchen feels like it has been here for years’
Thanks to clever planning, this stylish space now has cosy seating and plenty of storage
What did you want to achieve?
I’m obsessed with Victorian style, so I was keen to have a period look that would fit the age of the house, but with a pared-back, bespoke feel. I didn’t want the sink under the window, and shelving was on my wishlist. Another priority was to squeeze in a small seating area.
How did you get started?
We’d lived in the house for eight years before we got to grips with the kitchen, but the wait gave me the chance to understand how the space works and how the light affects it. I looked at Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration, played around with design ideas, then approached Howdens with a fairly clear vision. I had to compromise on some things though, due to practical aspects such as the position of pipes.
Did you face any challenges?
There were a few – the biggest was working with the designer and builders to get what I wanted. We were also nervous about removing the chimney breast and worried the house would fall down. Lowering the floor
was a big job and allowed us to install underfloor heating. And it took a while to persuade Al that we should splash out on the sockets and switches. Having a good builder was essential – our builders, Akeys Construction, just got on with things and protected us from a lot of stress.
Any absolute must-haves in your plan?
Yes – the pine Victorian floorboards, which I found at Antique Wooden Floors. They were distressed and painted ahead of installation. We also wanted mod cons without compromising on style. Al chose a Smeg induction hob as there was no space for a cooker hood, and we wanted a double oven.
What do you like most about your new space?
I love the atmosphere we’ve created with the soft colours. The pocket door is a game-changer as Al loves to cook while listening to music, so he slides it across to prevent the sound overtaking the house. I’m also glad we managed to include the seating area. We have breakfast there and a glass of wine before supper – it’s changed the way we live.