it paid off, and the builders were able to start work on the kitchen
extension on schedule, four months after the couple moved in.
‘We took down a wall, extended into the side return to create a
utility area, squared off an arch to modernise the space and erected
a wall inside made from reclaimed Sussex bricks,’ says Hannah. ‘It
all went very smoothly.’ The finished kitchen in white gloss has a
contemporary feel, which fits Hannah’s design philosophy. ‘A
Shaker-style kitchen might date, but clean lines and neutral colours
are timeless,’ she says. ‘The exposed brickwork and worn wood help
prevent the white units looking too clinical and sterile.’
Hannah decided to experiment with dark walls in the snug, just
off the kitchen, sticking to her neutral design aesthetic but using
black paint for a dramatic, luxe effect. ‘I wanted to do something
different in this room without committing to the whole house,’ she
says. ‘It’s a dark space anyway, with no natural light, so the opulent
accessories and black walls work.’ Upstairs, the old bathrooms
were ripped out. In fact, the only element of the original master
bathroom that Hannah kept was the enamel bath. ‘It was
immaculate,’ she says, ‘but everything else needed gutting.’
While the couple didn’t have a strict renovation budget, they
tried to make savings where possible. ‘We funded the purchase with
equity from our last property, topped up with savings,’ says Hannah,
‘but we did things gradually to keep an eye on figures. We also tried
to do what we could ourselves to keep costs down.’
Hannah and Jasper both work, so finding time to decorate
wasn’t easy. ‘It’s surprising what you can get done in an hour,’ says
Hannah. ‘It never looks as good as a professional painter, but it’s
much cheaper. I also painted the fireplace tiles in the sitting room;
as soon as I’d done that, the space looked more modern. Little
tweaks can make a huge difference, without costing you a fortune.’design tip ‘If you get bored quickly, steer clear of decorating in
bright colours. Keep it safe with neutral walls, then accessorise’KITCHeN-DINeR
An exposed steel beam
adds an industrial edge.
Clerkenwell kitchen in
gloss white, price on
request, howdens.
Industville’s old Factory
pendant in Light Pewter,
£59, is a good alternative72 | 25bh AuguSt 2019