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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

  • Influencers Grace and James standing in their Clerkenwell matt navy kitchen, with an integrated oven, hob, and extractor.

    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.
  • U-shaped navy kitchen, with white marble-style laminate worktop and integrated appliances.

    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

  • Open kitchen cabinet with built-in storage behind a navy door. Also features a marble-effect laminate worktop.

    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
  • Clerkenwell matt door and drawer fronts, finished in a navy colour and integrated handle design. Also includes oak flooring.

    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
  • White laminate worktop with a marble-effect pattern, fitted onto navy kitchen cabinets.

    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
  • Oake & Gray branded vinyl flooring, with a light oak-effect finish. Fitted alongside navy cabinet door fronts.

    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
  • A black, electric Lamona hob, inset into a white marble-effect worktop. Behind the hob is a matching white upstand.

    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.
    See induction hobs
  • An integrated, black Lamona oven which is built into an appliance cabinet at eye-level. It is alongside navy kitchen doors.

    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
  • Double-compartment bin, integrated behind a navy kitchen door and with sections for waste and recycling.

    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
  • Integrated pull-out storage accessory is fitted into a corner kitchen cabinet. The storage features dried goods & food tins.

    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
  • A classic-style brass tap and matching strainer in a white inset sink. The tap features two-lever control and a curved spout.

    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
  • A slim wine rack, which is in a navy matt finish alongside matching kitchen doors. The rack holds 5 bottles of wine.

    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

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