Bryony Johnstone found that using a bespoke cabinet - maker helped to create her perfect kitchen - on a budget.
Tired of her dated scheme, Bryony Johnstone decided to keep her kitchen carcasses and replace the doors and worktops, for a new look on a budget. Here, she explains how she did it...
What was the kitchen like before?
It had shiny, speckled - granite worktops and beech Kvadrat doors from Ikea - and lots of them! While the layout was perfectly functional, it felt too busy and the tall wall cabinets gave it a slightly oppressive feel. The kitchen was here when we moved in, and we lived with it for six years.
What did you want to change the most?
I wanted to open up the space and take advantage of the natural light. Its a lovely, sunny room but somehow it always felt rather dark and gloomy. I was also really keen to have lots of open shelving space to display my collection of inherited and junk - shop finds.
Why did you go for a bespoke kitchen rather than off - the - peg?
Im a great believer in using local craftspeople if I possibly can. I knew I was going to keep the basic layout of the existing kitchen and thought that it was definitely worth getting a quote before I headed off to the high street. I also knew that as I was keen to incorporate lots of recycled pieces, it would be much easier to consult an independent kitchen maker who would be able to take that on board. Id seen a kitchen that Ryan Broom had designed for a friend and was really impressed. Hed already built a log - store cupboard in the sitting room and it seemed natural to ask him if he had any ideas for revamping the kitchen.
Did you have a particular style in mind?
I wanted the new scheme to fit in well with the rest of the house as I like rooms that flow easily from one to another without the sense that each one is a self - contained box. I decided to have a slightly industrial look in the kitchen, with lots of reclaimed elements, but at the same time I liked the idea of making it feel warm and homely by using vintage crockery and inherited pieces of furniture, such as my aunties dresser.
Did you do any of the work yourself?
As Ryan was the expert I pretty much left it up to him. He did involve me at every stage, though, so it wasnt like a makeover show where you just come home and its all done. He was completely unfazed, too, when I changed my mind or wanted to add things. He also had some great ideas that I was happy to incorporate, and I loved the way he felt passionately about using reclaimed materials.
Were the recycled elements your ideas or Ryans?
Having had overbearing wall cupboards previously, I didnt want to have too much cabinetry above the worktops. However, I didnt want to lose valuable storage space either, so Ryan suggested that using recycled, glazed cupboards and open shelves would be a good compromise.
Why did you choose the plywood finish for your doors?
They were cheap to make and while they do have a clear varnish to stop them becoming too marked, they suit the industrial style. 1 wanted them to be functional and not too obtrusive. Im more keen on the display shelves where I can indulge my love of Orla Kiely kitchenware.
What was your best buy?
I love the concrete worksurf aces, although they were quite problematic to install - unwieldy and needing really precise work. Its worth it. though, as the finished look is even better than 1 expected.
Youve kept the existing flooring - will you replace it later?
Id never really liked it, but felt that on my budget and as it was perfectly serviceable, I couldnt afford to change it. Ryan used the darker tiles as inspiration for a colour for the blue walls, and now everythings finished I can see that it suits the style of the room.
Are you pleased with the finished result?
Im really delighted with it, and its made the whole house feel complete. An added bonus is that Im now enjoying cooking again and were spending much more time in the kitchen as a family.
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