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An Affordable Kitchen Makeover With Grace And James

Showing how first-time buyers can make their mark on a property, this affordable kitchen makeover with Grace and James details a budget-friendly renovation of the cooking space in their Victorian home. By using an integrated handle kitchen, the pair have a design that stands up to modern living and makes their compact room more practical. Meanwhile, a period, navy palette, simple brass accents, and marble-effect surfaces pay homage to interiors of the past without a premium. With help from their Howdens designer, and a trade professional, Grace and James achieved a kitchen makeover at a low cost, so they could free up funds for other areas.

Meet Grace & James

When first-time buyers, Grace and James, bought their terraced house in South London, they knew they could make it their own with a little TLC. New to renovation, the couple were keen to update their kitchen on a budget and were recommended Howdens by a friend, and their trade pro, to achieve a stylish setup at a reasonable price.

Their design goals

A practical approach

With a compact footprint, Grace and James wanted a practical room that improved the flow for cooking and entertaining, while creating a modern design that retained the heritage charm of their home.
Prepped for period style

A U-shape format stripped of wall units allows the couple to maximise space without crowding, and an integrated handle kitchen in a navy hue combines their classic and contemporary aesthetics.

The design details

Clutter-free Clerkenwell

With a discreet, j-pull handle, our Clerkenwell collection reduces visual distractions, so Grace and James could streamline their cosy kitchen.

See Clerkenwell kitchens
Bold in blue

By stripping back their door design, the couple could also accommodate a darker hue, like navy, that offers a statement shade with plenty of heritage appeal.

See blue kitchens

Luxe surfaces for less

Lifting dark units, our first-time buyers picked marble-style counters in crisp white. Made of compact laminate, it is an affordable alternative to solid stone.

See compact laminate worktops
Invest in Oake & Gray

Using oak-effect, vinyl floorboards from our Oake & Gray collection, the pair have a hardwearing floor that will withstand high traffic when hosting guests.

See Oake & Gray Flooring

Energy-saving induction

When choosing tech, the couple's designer suggested a flush induction stove to clear counters. It also uses less energy to lower household bills.

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Convenient cooking

With a Lamona oven fitted at eye level by their trade professional, Grace and James created a setup that is easily accessible during meal prep.

See Lamona ovens

Whisk away waste

Integrated bins beneath the oven make it easy for the pair to dispose of food waste when cooking. This trick also frees up floor space for other features.

See kitchen bins
Access all angles

With corners crammed with extra cupboards thanks to their u-shape format, Grace and James selected pull-out storage to bring the contents within reach.

See pull-out kitchen storage

Affordable antique accents

To dial up the period appeal of their space without the price tag, Grace and James chose aged brass tap fittings to add art-deco accents at a low cost.

See brass kitchen taps
Make way for wine

Finally, the duo's designer recommended space-saving racks instead of a dedicated wine cooler, adding valuable storage for bottles on a budget.

See wine racks