So many chefs talk about the kitchen being the heart of the home and even having a lovely dining room, guests end up visiting the kitchen. We pulled out depressing battleship grey 1980s cupboards and tiles that were so dowdy to work in. It was as if the space was asking to be upgraded. A challenge was the water boiler, a pipe running along the wall, a broken sink u-bend and walls needed plastering. It was more work than anticipated! Ivory glossy doors were chosen, limestone tiles and a coffee coloured ceramic sink was put in. The same bench top was used as in our Berlin apartment. It looks like a scrubbed concrete but after the high maintenance of granite, the new laminates are the way to go. They can be moulded to avoid sharp corners and edges for a softer look. Soft shades of green and lemon have been added and the vibe is modern meets 1950s vintage.
Feng Shui First
The kitchen is in the relationship corner and there is no way pink was going to be used! The element is Earth and stone and they were the key focus. The relationship corner is obviously about romance but also about friends and groups. A single bird, flower, person is saying, I am still single. It is interesting that a friend wanted her bedroom, in the relationship corner, to help attract a proper boyfriend. Immediately entering the space, there were three prints of single women, the bed was against the wall and one bedside table and lamp. A suggestion of changing for a lovely print of two birds was met with a definite no, so there you are.
Our aim is to attract a community here so a lovely vintage advertising print of a party of friends having fun, has been placed in the main corner. Two 1940s adverts were framed of a man and a woman and we love the style as if they belong together. The French sideboard is the coffee station and two vintage sugar sifters were bought to represent each of us. Two lemon coloured stools were placed and a blind was put up to let the sun in but give privacy. As the window is opposite the room entrance, a crystal will be placed to be used as a pull.
Remember to avoid mixing fire and water elements which is really basic common sense but we have seen kitchens with a cooktop on top of the washing machine! It is a Feng Shui red flag as water puts out fire and really, a silly decision with electricity involved. If your back is to the door, put a shiny kettle or backsplash there so you can see the entrance reflected.
Lessons Learnt
Check piping and under the sink before you sign off for any interesting plumbing to manage. Get recommendations for kitchen places. There are several here with mixed reviews but a local family run business caught our eye. Reviews consistently stated that they came in on budget, no issues and very friendly. After a visit, an agreement was signed and a final visit was organised for last minute notes and measurement. Some tips:
- Measure, measure, measure;
- Check the natural light morning and afternoon – a brown or grey kitchen can look really dull in the early morning;
- With dark colours, use on the lower cabinets and lighter shades on top to give a sense of space;
- With wall tiles, ask how much grout will need to be cleaned;
- Finally, for colour choices, remember the 50/30/20/10% ratio – dominant colour, secondary, highlight and a touch.
