With Liz's advice on creating a beautiful minimalist, modern organic style kitchen with a nod to deVOL, you will be mapping out your floor plan and researching colour schemes in no time.
My kitchen renovation plans, started before covid hit in 2020. Living in a conservation area, with great neighbours, a real community feel, the best coffee on the doorstep this house is a kind of treasure which are disappearing at speed.
Having lived here for 20 years, and watched my children grow up here this house means so much to me on an emotional level.
The previous kitchen we inherited was an IKEA kitchen which started to need replacing, and the kitchen wasn't located brilliantly as we needed to cross the full width of the house to reach the fridge for example so it really was a case of do we patch up broken parts or go all out!
Overcoming obstacles 
Were there any significant hurdles to overcome along the way?
With regards to hurdles, our structural engineer suggested adding the largest steel beams possible to support opening up the whole room which in turn meant drilling holes and an awful lot of plaster dust in our living room for the second time. Having no back wall to our house for 3 months, and navigating this project single handled certainly did test my resilience.
My first consideration was finding an architect, Rob based at Now Architecture realised my vision. Our next task was presenting our plans to planning, who were pleasantly surprised by the look and thought it would add to the property. I then sourced a builder who was recommended by a friend, to ensure he could meet my intended timeline. At this stage, I began obtaining various quotes whilst juggling family illness and my career, kickstarting this huge renovation journey on one cost centre.
Unfortunately, things did not work out as intended with a local independent retailer I chose to purchase appliances, stoneware and brassware etc from. With a deadline of Christmas, I eventually received a handful of appliances including a sink, wine fridge and carcass of the cabinets in March. The missing items were kindly gifted by the fitter, at that point I quickly realised my services I can trade in thanks including word of mouth and an editorial feature rewarding his kindness with other referrals. Due to repetitional concerns, and out of goodwill our tap company also gifted this item. My carpenter also made wooden shelving but didn't charge us, what really shone through in the face of adversity was the kindness and integrity businesses do have in the industry.
Determining the floor-plan 
How did you go about planning the layout, did you have a clear vision initially were there any must-haves for you?
In terms of dimensions, the extension turned out 100 square metres larger than originally planned resulting in having a pantry through from the kitchen.
Pairing Neutrals + Oak 🪵
Having gone for a very modern organic style kitchen with a functional twist, how did you decide on the colour scheme?
The ethos for this space was a paired back and minimalist with hidden appliances. With other rooms in our house rustic and steeped in deep colours, I wanted a zen contrast in here where working with light was central to our decision making. For the island, I wanted a practical focal point ideally a space you could sit at so decided to make it wider and add bar stools. My sources of inspiration for the kitchen and venetian pantry originated from deVOL, Pinterest and Scandi kitchens.
For the pantry, I chose linen/natural materials paired with Ironbridge Aged Brass Shelf Brackets and an Aged Brass Hanging Rail. In terms of lighting, I didn't want any down lighting just sectional so opted for up and down weighty lights in the roof paired with occasional lighting lamps.
Why did you choose aged brass hardware?
The aged brass hardware really was the finishing touch which made the scheme come together.
Any advice for other homeowners who are renovating with regards to funding their project?
Compromises I had to make included not opting for the full up-stand to save costs.
The heart of the home 
Now the space is finished, what do you like most?
Having this space to entertain clients and family has made the world of difference, my plan is to host a board strategy day bringing people from all over the world into my new kitchen/diner.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing 
Is there anything you would change looking back?
Words of advice I can offer for anyone embarking on a similar journey, John our architect advised us 'Don't compromise, if something doesn't fit in a space take it back out again!' I really enjoyed the design aspect of this project, and could definitely see myself doing it for someone else applying all the learning along the way. Including, ripping our old perfectly functioning dishwasher out as I instantly regretted getting rid of this.
For me, this was not just a renovation project but represents an emotional upheaval and life experience all in one.
Joining the Yester Home community 
Why did you choose Yester Home?
Our designer did some research and recommended Yester Home.
A massive thank you to Liz for joining us for this Q&A!
