I love our new kitchen (can I call it ‘new’ when it was actually finished over two years ago?), but since it was installed it has definitely become a neglected space that wasn’t living up to its potential in our home. We’ve made various changes to the way we use the space, including installing a banquette (built-in seat) and moving the kitchen table to make way for a small island unit (more on the banquette soon, I promise), but when it came to accessories and a pulled-together look, the room needed reworking.
The main problem was that the jumble of kitchen accessories that were in the kitchen were just that – a jumble. There were a few new bits, lots of old stuff, and no discernible theme. My favourite feature of the kitchen is our wonderful aqua wall tiles, so I wanted to find accent colours that would show them off. Candy bright shades were the perfect fit. They’re fun, make me smile, and give an eclectic feel that I think suits our crazy household.
The island was an old school lab bench we picked up on eBay. I’m completely in love with its battered tabletop (it’s where I shoot the majority of my IG snaps) but I didn’t like its original orangey base, so we’ve painted it a happy yellow. I chose the Cable & Cotton lights (in Gooseberry, Bubblegum Pink, Ruby Red, Bright Yellow, Bright Orange and Pure White) to pull the colour scheme together – and the rest of the details have been built around those shades. I find the lights a brilliant reference point when I’m thinking of adding anything new to the space – they act like a permanent moodboard for the room. I sprayed some old tin cans and then planted up with some fresh herbs, and I think there are a few more bits in the room that are crying out for a spray, too.
There’s still more to do (I think there always will be), but as is the way in a busy family home, everything takes a long time to actually happen. At least we’ve made a good start though.
Stockist info:
Pantry Clock: Rose & Grey
String Lights: Cable & Cotton
Tray, fruit bowl, straws: IKEA
Chalk paint in English Yellow used on kitchen island: Annie Sloan
Cans painted in Fast Dry Enamel spray paint in Sunshine Yellow, Hot Pink and Insignia Red: Plasti-Kote
Disclosure: I was sent the lights by Cable & Cotton, the Plasti-Kote spray paints and the clock from Rose & Grey for use in this makeover post
Such an amazing space I absolutely love the candy colours 🙂
It looks lovely on the rare occasions it’s clean and tidy!
Colour inspiration award next year must go to you 😉 I want to see more of the old school bench – it looks amazing! Love the yellow you’ve painted it. x
Yes, I really must write more about the school bench – I just find it really tricky to photograph. x
those cans are adorable! such a great way to add a splash of colour!
Your kitchen is so pretty. I love bright colours!
Love the makeover! especially love the upcycling bits and pieces too. and, omg, that school lab bench!
What a fab kitchen, a real happy and homely space. I love the painted cans and cable and cotton lights. Little accents really pull a space together. I love the yellow unit, painted furniture is such a simple yet effective way to really give a room a lift :O)