A subtle use of pink complements the natural tones of wood and stone to create a calm and stylish atmosphere in this family kitchen. KBB journo Ben Webb shares the homeowners’ renovation journey…
Rachel and Nick were searching for a house with potential when they found the perfect property, just a “stone’s throw” from where they lived in East Anglia. Today, the detached property with several outbuildings has been turned into one spacious and characterful home, designed for multi-generational living.
“As I’ve always been interested in interiors, I relished the thought of planning something and putting our stamp on it,” explains Rachel. Although eager to press ahead with the project, the couple, who both work in healthcare, decided to live in the house to get a feel for its unique personality before finalising their plans.
Nick and Rachel had to ensure their ideas conformed to those of the local planning office – which had a surprising result. “I feel we got the best outcome,” Rachel says. “Something that works for a growing family but also respects the integrity of the building and the surrounding vernacular.”
dining and living areas.
Building a family home
The entire build took three years. “Our wonderful builders were always happy to try and accommodate my ideas, although I got short shrift when I approached with Pinterest open!” jokes Rachel.
The couple fell in love with a Davonport kitchen after visiting Ray Munn Kitchens and hired design director Bob Malston to design it. “Bob has a fine-art background and so he brought both functionality to the kitchen but a consideration of proportion and attention to detail,” adds Rachel.
Today, the house has been sympathetically modernised with the old and the new parts of the house fitting together naturally. It has also been cleverly adapted to make the most of open-plan living. “We use all the spaces beside the kitchen and my children don’t lock themselves away in their bedrooms any more, so I can irritate them much more effectively,” laughs Rachel. “I love the way the house works for us as a family.”
Rachel shares more about the design process of the pink kitchen…
What was the key aim with the pink kitchen and living areas?
We wanted to create a central space that our family of five would want to spend time in and also to make the most of the setting. I wanted a contemporary kitchen that was sympathetic to the old part of the house, which is why we opted for a Shaker style.
How does the new pink kitchen match your lifestyle?
We like entertaining and I have a very large extended family, who love getting together, so we wanted to be able to accommodate them. Two ovens make sure entertaining is easy. We have a full house at Christmas and knowing I don’t have to worry about oven space is great. We also have two dishwashers – a real luxury!
How did the age of the house shape your decisions?
I wanted to avoid wall cupboards, to make the most of the vaulted ceilings, so we have under-counter fridge drawers and storage under the window seat. Our main fridge-freezer is in the pantry.
Where did the idea for the picture window come from?
It was always an important idea and dictated the layout of the kitchen. We wanted views from every room. Even when the weather is bleak, a coffee in here is lovely. Tall cabinets on either side face away from the window rather than into room, which helps frame the view.
What shaped the colour palette and use of materials?
For the kitchen colour, I wanted something warm and inviting that didn’t jar with the outside, and I settled on pink. I didn’t want anything saccharine, so this shade, with peach undertones, fitted the bill. I went for brass fittings and fixtures, because I like its warmth and it goes well with the pink. Having said that, I’ve mixed things up and used chrome and bronze in the kitchen area, too.
How did you choose the materials?
I love natural materials and feel wood works well in all kinds of settings. I wanted the floor to be hardworking and robust, so we opted for porcelain tiles. In the breakfast area, we used terracotta tiles, which sit well with the pink and suit the old part of the house.
How did you balance the use of open shelves and cabinetry?
We have enough storage space not to need wall cabinets, so we are able to have open shelves. I love the airiness and versatility that they bring, and I really like the inset shelf, which allows me to change the look of the kitchen easily. And I’m never happier than when faffing with a shelf! Having a walk-in pantry was a dream, but it has enabled me to be a bit more organised, and the utility room keeps all the mess of family life contained.
Which area works the best?
As a family, we spend a lot of time in the coffee area. The kids collapse there after school – while I’m cooking – and tell me about their day. We have bites here at the weekend before dinner, which is my favourite part of the week. It’s lovely to enjoy the whole space.
As originally told to: Ben Webb | Design: Bob Malston at Ray Munn Kitchens | Kitchen: Davonport | Photography: Darren Chung
This house tour was featured in the May 2024 issue of Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine.
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