‘We had plans drawn up for a side return and rear extension to create a bright, sociable kitchen-diner, plus an adjoining utility and playroom.
Top of my wishlist was a range cooker as I prefer cooking on gas, plus a sociable island with sink and stools. I love filmmaker Wes Anderson’s aesthetic, so when I came across Pluck, their birch plywood kitchens with coloured laminate veneers hit the spot. None of their kitchens are boring. I love colour - I’d say my style is maximalist - and as it’s a pretty big space, I wanted to create contrast. I thought green, coral and blush would go brilliantly together.
We re-used the sash window and bifold doors in our garden office, where I write, teach and run yesmumcards.com. The kitchen renovation and extension, documented @theyesmumnest, took three months, and installation cost £1,350.’
PENDANT LIGHTS
GOLD INNER AND FOREST GREEN CORD ECHO THE KITCHEN COLOURS
BELOW ‘BECAUSE WE HAVE THREE CHILDREN, WE WANTED A BIG DINING AREA. THE DINING CHAIRS CAME FROM MY CHILDHOOD HOME AND THE PENDANT LIGHT WAS THE FIRST THING I BOUGHT FOR THE HOUSE.’ Duhrer extending oak dining table, £699, John Lewis & Partners. Domeno ladder shelf, £160; Malu armchair, £135, both La Redoute. Kartell FLY ceiling light in Sage Green, £214, Heal’s
ABOVE ‘THE LARDER AND CROCKERY CUPBOARDS ARE LIGHT PINK INSIDE. WHENEVER YOU OPEN THEM YOU GET MORE COLOUR, WHICH I LOVE. THE ‘MIND HOW YOU GO’ SIGN IS A TRIBUTE TO MY LATE GRANDAD.’ Brass pendant light, £85,
Spark & Bell. Nordviken stools, £50 each, Ikea. Custom glass art, £400, Alex May Hughes
RIGHT ‘WE’RE BIG FANS OF NATURAL MATERIALS SO CHOSE WOOD VENEER ON THE TOP DRAWER WHICH TIES IN WITH THE FLOORING. I DIDN’T WANT WALL CUPBOARDS AS I’M REALLY
SHORT SO WE PAINTED FLOATING SHELVES INSTEAD.’
Shelves painted in Amsterdam Green, £21.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan. Avenida Home animal mugs, £17 each, Liberty London
ABOVE ‘I’VE CHOSEN BRUSHED GOLD FITTINGS THROUGHOUT TO LINK EVERYTHING TOGETHER.’ Marple brushed gold boiling water tap, £449.95; Keswick radiator, £349.95, both Victorian Plumbing. Butler & Rose Belfast sink, £239.98, Tap Warehouse