Colorful kitchen/diner renovation, North London

After sitting untouched for years, Sharn (@sharnshouse) renovated the run-down looking kitchen/diner in 2022. After struggling to find a showroom that offered fun cabinet colors other than gray, blue, and beige, Sharn settled on her Valspar Bavarian Hops to tie it all together. Look with hot pink taps. “I was really drawn to light-colored kitchens. I was never meant to be that white kitchen girl,” she recalls. She said, “I created this kitchen by mixing up all the styles I like.''

Not only does this space look great, it also functions beautifully. Practical features include a pull-out tower larder unit, wine cooler, sink drainer, under-bench storage, durable micro-cement flooring and internal cutlery drawer to keep utensils out of sight .

“When I came to see this house, I remember thinking the rooms were completely wrong. The kitchen was a slightly seedy room in the back, and the dining room was a nice, spacious room,” says Shaan. recalls. “It felt strange to put them in this order.”

And what about setbacks? “There were a lot of challenges. There were a lot of structural issues. The ceiling and the roof were caving in, so it made sense to redo the room.

“We learned from YouTube and did much of the moisture proofing work ourselves. A lot of what we do is self-taught, but we have an architect in our family, so we can talk to them if we have a problem. A lot of it is about learning on the job and trying because you have to,” she added.

What we like:

• A large butler sink is a must in a Victorian home, and Sharn was able to get it for just £450 from Architectural Antiques UK.

• On-trend terrazzo worktops. “It was a dream item that I had always wanted to have in my kitchen,” says Shaan. “It wasn't cheap, but I saved money elsewhere. It looks very attractive.”

• Meanwhile, the Foren pink boiling water faucet adds color to your space and makes tea time faster than ever. Shaan added: “Why wouldn't you want a pink faucet in your space if it stands out so much?”

• Built-in plywood bench is an effective way to solve storage problems. Lifts up to reveal outdoor cushions that seat more people than a standard table and chair setup.

• And speaking of benches, Shaan created an impressive wooden shelf using scraps. “It was completely free because I DIYed it. It was a nice little save.”

• Rick's 'Pink 01' paint is used in both spaces, cleverly creating a continuity of color and making the rooms feel brighter.

Inspiration

• Sharn's feature wall of lilac slat panels may have taken 14 hours to complete, but the dining space would be nothing without it.

• The unassuming IKEA drinks cabinet made of cork reveals a dazzling mirrored interior and is perfect for storing drinks and glasses.

How much did it cost to renovate the kitchen? £25,400

space and layout

• Check for structural issues and factor them into your budget to avoid surprises.
• Learn important DIY skills and save money
• Don't be afraid to mix and match elements from different design styles to create the space of your dreams.

material

• Use the same color wall paint in multiple areas to create continuity.
• Upcycle and reuse leftover materials to create unique features
• Microcement flooring is perfect for busy kitchens. They are durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of colors.

Shaan used scraps from a wooden bench to create an impressive wooden shelf

detail

• Spacious pull-out storage provides practical storage space and frees up space in your kitchen
• Create a focal point with wooden slat panels
• The textured brass handle combines style and practicality.

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