My Kitchen – Classic Meets Contemporary

My Kitchen
Classic Meets Contemporary

Style Saturday Series

Post 2

Post written by Katarina Miletic  Join my Inner Circle

If you remember from my previous Style Saturday post (Missed the post about my Home Library? You can read it here), my home is on the compact side – but, I am grateful that the rooms are purpose built and spacious. Except the bathroom, which is still very small, but it had a grand makeover, which will definitely be the talk of the day - just not this day.

When we moved in, the kitchen was already fitted, but it had black counter tops, which are not my favourite, even if it were granite. I prefer lighter colour, or wood. In the first week of moving in here, I fitted the brand new counter tops, sink, tap and hob. That made such a difference immediately and it was tolerable to me how it looked.

However, once I decided that to put my own stamp on the place, I knew I wanted a feel good factor in the kitchen. I wanted it to be a pleasure for us to use and enjoy and live with, every single day. The look I wanted was timeless and classic, but with a contemporary feel. I used Farrow & Ball Eggshell in Wimborne White, Manor House Grey, as I always recommend and insist that the highest quality materials, especially when it comes to paint - have to be used.

The paint finish has to be impeccable in every way (lasting, great pigments, excellent choice of colour based on historical palette, easy to apply). If I am consulted for colour (and I was on every project I worked on in the past 20+ years as a professional interior designer - clients trust my experience and loving guidance), I always recommend buying the best quality paint, as it plays a significant role in the overall design scheme. Plus, if you really want to enjoy your life in the kitchen, a high use and high traffic area – specific consideration has to be given to the paints used.

So, yes – I had decided to paint the cabinets, as they were recently fitted by the previous owners, and their style was absolutely acceptable to me.  It was just me and a brush and one of those 4 day bank holidays. I had applied three coats of white primer, followed by two coats of paint: the top units in Wimborne White and the bottom ones in Manor House Grey – and the transformation was incredible. I was so pleased, and everyone seeing it for the first time after the makeover was genuinely surprised as to how much difference it made to the look and feel of our kitchen.

What thrilled me the most is that my kids said our kitchen feels so much more like me, and they immediately loved the homely, familiar vibe it gave them.

I really wanted this less is more look to the kitchen. I wanted the impact and a statement without it being too much in your face – and I achieved exactly that with this classic, understated – yet elegant combination of colours and style. It’s the perfect stage for every meal and cake and dish we cook in there, either together or we take turns, or when we entertain family or friends. It’s beautifully unfussy and clean (and easy to keep clean – practical things matter so much).

It’s easy to see why we love it so much. It suits our needs and our style. It’s an unmistakable picture of us.

If you have enjoyed this post, please share your dream kitchen ideas, likes, aspirations with me below in the comments. I would love to hear what is your style, because kitchens tell so much about us. They can be vibrant and fragrant, and they can be minimal and industrial. I love both traditional, free standing wooden shaker units that I bought from USA a long time ago (and painted them Swedish Blue by Craig & Rose 1829), and the contemporary use of colour on the fitted units.

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This is the sacred place between our souls. Thank you for sharing your visions, dreams and ideas. Your courage to be vulnerably seen will always be respected, and you will be treated with nothing but kindness and compassion. ♡

If you have any questions relating to the interior design, I invite you to visit Indigo & Verdigris website, download Your copy of the FREE eBook Designer in Residence and send me your questions. I would be happy to help you find the answers. Feel free to pin the images for reference.