This week we have a special guest post from interiors expert Jennifer Drew, from Housetohome, who writes the fantastic blog Room Envy. She’ll be talking about what makes her dream kitchen.
GUEST POST BY JENNIFER DREW
The only downside to working for an interiors magazine, is that just when you’ve updated your teeny kitchen to within an inch of its life, an image of your dream kitchen comes along and pretty much knocks its lights out.
I love this kitchen, I always have and I always will. I remember spotting it in 25 Beautiful Homes a year or two ago, and like a teen with a crush, I knew we’d be together at some point … unfortunately the cut-out of the kitchen still remains pinned up on my noticeboard, waiting for the day that it can be designed (although I abstained from drawing hearts on it).
First and foremost, I’ve always wanted a kitchen with beautiful exposed beams. I’m not sure if there’s a better reason to move to the country! Make sure you keep the walls neutral though – it will allow these original features to take centre stage – and DON’T paint them – for me it’s the same as painting an antique fluorescent pink.
Secondly, I love the chunky cream units, they’re rustic and perfect for this look. Oooh and the storage baskets are ideal. It’s great to keep a lot of your kitchen accessories on display, but baskets like these are great for stashing away the less attractive items. I LOVE the Linton range by Magnet for the rustic look, and the baskets featured in the Buxton range are perfect. All you need to complete the cabinetry is a classic Belfast sink.
And the icing on the cake? KITCHEN COLOUR! An AGA is a must-have in a country kitchen and I love how this ruby red design adds real pizazz, it’s teamed with a colourful tile splashback which looks great against the rustic brick.
Finally, it’s all in the accessories. Display your best china and glassware in a cream kitchen dresser. This one is perfect for storing cutlery while showing off your favourite trinkets. Add to this some chintzy floral fabrics and linens here; some polka dot hearts there; a whistling kettle and a nice cup of tea, and you’ve got yourself one super good-looking country-style kitchen.
