My favourite bits in a kitchen
20th February 2018
Hi, I’m Holly! I joined the PR team about 6 weeks ago and I thought it was about time I wrote a blog. Pretty quickly I have realised I have clear favourites and preferences when it comes to kitchens. I’m often dreaming about how I would renovate the tiny, rented kitchen I have in Clapham and I’m always asking about customers’ projects. I’m the first to admit that I love being a little bit nosy but I am also genuinely interested in the wonderful ideas our designers and customers come up with. I decided to sit down and write down a few elements that I love about certain kitchens.
Colour
This is the hardest thing for me to decide on. In some ways I adore colourful kitchens that take a risk; it always pays off and such bold and memorable spaces are created. However, in other ways I’m subconsciously drawn to the understated look of pale designs. I think this is why my favourite deVOL project is the Strawberry Hill Kitchen – it’s the perfect combination of playful and sophisticated. One side has Damask cabinets, polished Carrara marble worktops and a copper sink, what could be better? But the other side has a run of full height cupboards in the most beautiful Trinity Blue colour that hides the appliances, provides so much storage and keeps everything looking beautifully simple. It is all brought together by a vintage table and chairs in the middle of the room, it is definitely my dream kitchen.
Worktops
My favourite has to be Carrara marble. It’s timeless, beautiful and yes it will scratch and stain but this is just wear and tear in a kitchen that has clearly been used and loved. I actually like the idea of it changing and developing over the years. Pairing Carrara marble worktops with one of our new Carrara marble sinks would make for a pretty strikingly beautiful kitchen, I think I could even manage to do the washing up…
An element of rustic
I realise I may be biased about my love for original features because the home I grew up in is full of exposed beams and old tiles, but I love seeing a kitchen with a touch of rustic charm. Whether it’s original oak floorboards that have been sanded and brought back to life or low beams that require you to duck every time you get up, I love it all! They bring so much character to a room and I think it creates an instant feeling of cosiness. I love the combination of the old bits and the new bits together, such as the beautiful oak beams paired with the simple, industrial looking pendant lights in The Hampshire Barn Kitchen.
Think vintage
My love of a kitchen is definitely affected by how it has been styled. The best is simple cabinets and worktops paired with the odd vintage item or two. Perhaps it’s a few chairs picked up at a vintage fair, lights found at different markets, or an incredible table that has been passed down through generations – I’m specifically thinking about the amazing wooden table in the middle of the Lidham Hill Farm Kitchen, it must be the most enviable table ever!? The vintage bits and pieces Helen and Paul find are always lovely and would become perfect additions to any home. Check out the collection on our website here.
Finishing touches
While we are on the subject of styling, I’m such a fan of greenery and feel it brings such a sense of vitality to any space. If you are ever stuck trying to find that finishing touch for your room, try a succulent. It will look great! I love everything from the potted plants that drape over a high shelf to a few dotted in corners, they just bring a sense of summer freshness to the kitchen even in mid-February. And although I don’t have my own Strawberry Hill Kitchen yet, I have started on the plant collection for when I do!
