Kitchen Makeovers

A Painted Kitchen Makeover With Poppy

Interior blogger, Poppy Marples, wanted a painted kitchen makeover that she could customise to suit her taste. She also wanted a design that could be refreshed quickly with the latest trending tones, so her space always looked stylish. Explore how Poppy and her trade professional worked with Howdens to create a personalised layout that was unique to her home.

About Poppy

Poppy has spent the last two years honing her interior design skills with several renovation projects and creating her own signature style. Having used our Fairford Navy doors in her old home, Poppy wanted to use a Howdens kitchen to transform her new Brighton flat, which is part of a Grade II listed building. Poppy has been updating the property into an open-plan space to reflect her aesthetic, whilst retaining all the original features and character.

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The transformation

Muted and monotone

Poppy’s old kitchen was white and monotone, offering limited visual appeal. The muted shade lacked life and made the room feel cold and clinical. The previous layout was also cramped and small, making it difficult for Poppy and her partner to host family or socialise with friends. This was something Poppy really wanted to improve within her new space.

Bold and bespoke

By moving the kitchen into the larger living space, Poppy and her partner have connected their socialising and cooking areas to make entertaining simple. They have also added a bold palette that mirrors the old-world charm of their property by choosing our Chilcomb paintable doors collection, which is customised in a rich green shade.

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The design details

A customisable canvas

With a classic shaker design and an authentic woodgrain detail, Poppy’s Chilcomb kitchen looks right at home with the period features in her flat. The Green Smoke colour, sourced from Farrow & Ball, offers a striking balance between the trend for dark decor and organic accents. Meanwhile, the solid timber construction means Poppy’s units can be sanded down and repainted over time to match changing fashions.

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Smart storage

In order to leave a sizeable area for the living room, Poppy knew she had to plan in clever storage solutions to create a functional design without taking up too much floor space. She decided to include extra-tall wall cabinetry to make the most of her high ceilings. Poppy also added built-under oven drawers, which utilise the gap beneath her cooking devices to store baking trays or roasting pans.

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Minimal devices

By strategically placing her extractor, stove, and oven in the same area of her layout, Poppy has created an ergonomic cooking zone that is easy to use and makes her essential equipment simple to access. Poppy purposefully opted for devices with an integrated or slimline design, as they add functionality and reduce visual clutter at the same time, keeping her bold cupboard doors the focus of her scheme.

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Working with Howdens

Finding a fitter

Poppy found a fitter through a recommendation made by another tradesperson. Her trade professional had lots of experience installing Howdens kitchens, which gave Poppy the confidence that her new design would be installed to a high standard. For help finding a fitter, contact your local depot.

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Product choice

Wanting a design that would give her flexibility to change the look over time, Poppy was pleased with the selection of paintable kitchens available at Howdens. Poppy eventually settled on a real timber option with a grained finish that would add organic character to her room, whilst offering a sustainable choice.

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Design service

After consulting with a Howdens designer, Poppy switched from our Fairford Dark Green units to a paintable style, as it could be personalised in a custom shade of her choice. Her designer also offered some clever ideas that would keep her space clutter free, so her bold doors remained in the spotlight.

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Installation

Living in a Grade II listed building meant that Poppy had some restrictions. For example, her skirting boards could not be removed. Thanks to her fitter’s expertise, he was able to provide a bespoke solution that involved cutting down end panels to cover the existing skirting, creating a seamless look.

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Get Poppy's look

Brass handles

To punctuate the jewel tone of her cupboards, Poppy used handgrips in a bright, brass tone to create an eye-catching contrast. As well as introducing warmth to the room for a more inviting feel, the gold-like hue of these fixtures has a luxe look that adds a high-end touch to the space.

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Quartz counters

Poppy opted for crisp, white counters, which have a neutral tone that makes the statement colour of her cupboards pop. She decided to go for a quartz surface, which has a uniform finish for a premium look. It is also hardwearing, giving Poppy the confidence that it will stand the test of time.

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Ceramic sink

Made of natural materials, the ceramic sink-bowl in Poppy’s design has an authentic appearance and old-world style that complements the period features in her space. The pale white tone blends in with her counters for a continuous look. It also has a dirt-resistant surface, making it a hygienic option.

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Brass tap

Wanting to create a cohesive design, Poppy also chose brass fixtures for her washing area. Its warm tone has a heritage appeal that matches the handgrips for a co-ordinated effect and helps it stand-out against the white sink-bowl. Poppy decided on a single-lever style for a pared-back look.

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