KITCHEN PROJECT
CLAIRE CARR BOUGHT A USED KITCHEN TO CREATE THE SPACE SHE’D ALWAYS DREAMED OF, FOR A FRACTION OF THE PRICE
PROJECT DETAILS
WHO LIVES HERE? Claire Clarr, her husband David and children Florence, 10, and Aria, seven.
THE PROJECT A kitchen refit in a four-bedroom house in Christchurch, Dorset
TOTAL COST £8,000
BEFORE
THE PROBLEM
A tired kitchen with an awkward layout and nowhere for us to sit
THE SOLUTION
‘Our old kitchen had a wide window and back door. We removed the door and centralised the window so we could run the sink, dishwasher and washing machine across that wall. We bought second-hand cabinets and appliances from The Used Kitchen Company, a classic design that reminded me of the DeVol kitchens I’ve always loved. While it was a bargain at £4,000, it could have been an expensive mistake and there was a moment of panic when it turned up. I’d never done this before so wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of its condition. I was so relieved a week later when it all started to take shape! The kitchen was much larger than we needed, giving us room to play and change the layout. I would recommend buying a used kitchen, but do find a good joiner to fit it.’
‘The second-hand kitchen had an island, which we didn’t need, so we took it apart and used the cabinets.’
Kitchen cabinets, handles, sink and Rangemaster, £4,000, Used Kitchen Exchange. Cabinets painted in Aquaris Line water-based spray stain, price on request, Renner. Colour-matched to Hornblende by Paint & Paper Library. Mora porcelain floor tiles, £28sq m, Topps Tiles. Try Chunky Jute woven rug, £45.50, Dunelm. Brooklyn Cone wall light, £89, Industville. Arputhy three-way filter tap with pull out spray sink mixer in Brass, £135.99, Amazon. Similar chopping board, Wood bark-edge serving board, £22, John Lewis & Partners
FOCUS ON WALL PANELLING
n Classic tongue-andgroove panelling echoes the traditional detailing of a Shaker kitchen, as well as providing plain walls and single-colour kitchens with added pattern and texture.
n Panelling is the perfect quick fix for walls in lessthan-perfect condition. As long as there’s no damp to contend with, simply glue the pieces to the wall for an instant transformation. It works for splashbacks and dining area walls alike.
n Available in a variety of patterns and sizes, MDF wall panelling is an affordable and achievable DIY job. Try a panelling kit from Traditional Wall Panelling & Interiors, which comes ready-primed and can be a
