Team KBB

TV personality Olivia Bowen’s top tips for renovating your home

Posted on 6th March 2025

Passionate about interiors, TV presenter, influencer and former Love Island star Olivia Bowen shares her words of advice for anyone renovating and how she designed her dream new-build…

For self-confessed interiors obsessive Olivia Bowen, the chance to design her own house from top to toe was something of a dream come true. She talked to KBB journo Amelia Thorpe about the journey and how the project came together…

“This was our first new build project,” says Olivia, who shares her home with husband Alex (the couple met on ITV’s Love Island in 2016) and their two-year-old son, Abel. “Our vision was to create a countryside family home, which felt cosy and warm, but also easy to live in, with nice, open spaces,” she adds.

The couple worked closely with the developer to execute everything they wanted, while renting a property for six months, while the build took place.

U-shaped kitchen design with a central oak island. — Sitting at the heart of the family home, Olivia Bowen’s new kitchen is a warm and welcoming space for cooking and socialising. Bespoke kitchen by Rockwood with oak island and cream-painted cabinetry; Lambert Rattan bar chairs, Sweetpea & Willow. Photography: Adam Carter.

Olivia’s renovation advice

Olivia studied for a diploma in interior design during lockdown and, as a firm believer in taking your time and doing lots of research, she recommends thinking about how you want to feel in the space first, before you set to work, gathering inspirational images of the type of room you have in mind, from warm to fun to moody.

“I would find myself wanting to get things ticked off the list as things got stressful,” she says, “but it is so worth sleeping on a decision and getting other opinions before you make that final call.

“Also, I do believe that, for a house project when you’re buying some pretty serious stuff, ‘buy nice or buy twice’ should come to mind, especially for things such as kitchens, sofas and fireplaces,” she advises. “Hopefully, they will be with you forever.”

Read on to discover how she transformed her home…

Olivia Bowen in her warm and welcoming kitchen. — Olivia Bowen and her French Bulldog in front of her kitchen. Colt Antique Brass ceiling light, Dunelm.

The kitchen transformation

The new house has given her the opportunity to explore her skills, developing tastes and a keen eye for style. “The kitchen in our previous home was modern with very high ceilings, so the whole vibe was glamorous and grand,” she explains. “As you can see, this kitchen has a very different feeling – we have lower ceilings with beautiful wood beams to give it that real country look.”

Kitchen area leading to a utility room. — The kitchen leads to the utility room, where a Putney bridge mixer in Antique Brass and CPBS4 Belfast sink, both by Caple, add traditional touches.

With plans underway, the couple worked with kitchen specialist Rockwood to design the cabinetry. “They are a local company run by a lovely, close-knit, family-style team, not to mention that their work speaks for itself,” says Olivia of their choice. “We knew we wanted something special.”

The starting point for the brief was a portfolio of inspirational images, sourced by Olivia from Pinterest and magazines. “Think beautiful, clean, warm, timeless and inviting,” she notes.

The island

The focal point of the room is a large, natural oak island, designed to tie in with the timber beams. “We love the island; it’s huge, and such a centrepiece,” she says. “It’s the perfect hangout for parties and gatherings, where all our friends and family get together and enjoy a glass – it’s just super-special.”

The island countertop also includes an integrated wine bottle cooler, close to the bar chairs, so that it’s easy to reach.

Olivia Bowen'a kitchen design with a statement oak island in the centre. — This large island is perfect for cooking, preparing, and socialising. Greenwich knobs and pull handles in Dark Brushed Brass, Hendel & Hendel.

The layout

While the island is the main preparation space, complete with induction hob, it also forms the centre of the kitchen’s practical U-shaped layout, with zones for washing up, appliances and food and china storage.

“An essential for us was definitely the boiling water tap from Quooker,” says Olivia, who appreciates the speed and energy efficiency of the appliance. “We also have four ovens, which sounds excessive, but when you love cooking big dinners for all your friends and family, it comes very handy.”

Kitchen sink area with rustic tiles and a butler sink. — Instead of a ‘standard’ above-island extractor hood, Olivia chose a Miele induction hob with integrated vapour extraction for functionality and a minimalist look. Oasis White ceramic splashback tiles, and Brit Stone Burford porcelain floor tiles, all Ca’ Pietra; Fusion Square 3-in-1 tap in Patinated Brass, Quooker.

The colour palette and textures

To complete the colour palette, the oak island is balanced with perimeter cabinetry painted in a warm cream, with handles in a dark brushed brass finish to add an antiqued touch.

Texture comes from the subtly varied tones of the splashback tiles, while the limestone-effect floor tiles, made of durable porcelain, combine the beautiful look of natural stone with the low-maintenance qualities of a modern material. “And they just ooze that farmhouse look,” adds Olivia.

Closeup of the kitchen layout and stone flooring running throughout. — The Calacatta Gold quartz worktops from Sharpstone are hardwearing and low maintenance, perfect for this busy family kitchen. Wine bottle cooler (on worktop), Kaelo.

More tiles from Ca’ Pietra play an essential role in the stylish bathrooms in the house, including a striking chequerboard floor chosen to set off a roll-top bath and burgundy-painted walls in the cosy and characterful family bathroom.

The couple’s ensuite, however, has a different mood, featuring peaceful green tones and natural hues. “It’s a lovely, tranquil space,” says Olivia.