When we moved into our house last February, the first thing we had to do was tackle the outdated and ramshackled 1970s kitchen. It did not have an oven, and no one would install one due to the unsafe electrics and the wood cladding. There was hardly any storage and it just felt dirty. Another big issue - no plumbing for a dishwasher. Here are some 'before' pics from the day we moved into our house.
It was tough going three weeks without a kitchen (we had a microwave in our living room and ate a lot of takeaways, which was far from delightful). But we made it through and ended up with a lovely cooking and eating space. A small kitchen is the price we pay for living in London. But I don't mind. Our kitchen really is the heart of our home.
Here are some of items that make my kitchen perfect for our family. Some items were sourced after weeks scouring the internet. Some were impulse buys. I found a gorgeous G-Plan highboard from eBay for £50 but we had to push the dining table against it when our two-year old son started trying to climb the highboard. The space isn't entirely as I would like. But that is what happens when you have children. Their needs become more important that your styling needs.
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kateonthinice
Looking so very much better and particularly like the flooring. Commenting for myself and on behalf of BritMums and thanking you for taking part
You Baby Me Mummy
I love the kitchen cupboards and the floor, very stylish x
Liska @NewMumOnline
I absolutely love what you did with your kitchen.
xx
Californian Mum in London
Post authorAww, thanks Liska!
WallyMummy
Looks fab - we've chosen a grey kitchen or our new one too! Great minds have awesome taste you know 😉 Can't wait to do it up… but need to sort the giant hole in my living room and lack of heating/windows a bit first… lol xx
Californian Mum in London
Post authorGreat minds indeed! Hopefully it doesn't take too long. I detest home renovations. We still have loads to do on our house but I cannot handle anything else. x
Shell Louise
I love the floor and even though it's not a colour I'd choose, the grey cabinets look really nice 🙂
Kanchan@ The Intrepid Misadventurer
Gosh, it's gorgeous...especially those tiles! I love what you've done with it.. very chic! You're dead right, childrens needs over ours and I think you've still got yourselves a looker here. Wishing you'll many happy meals and memories in your new space 🙂 x
Jen aka The Mad House
I adore your kitchen and I too am a big fan of mid century style. It must be hard to have a small kitchen after HUGE ones in the states. I know I lust over American kitchens!
Californian Mum in London
Post authorWhat I wouldn't give to have the space for a big American fridge!! Ooohhhh.
LearnerMother
What a fab kitchen, compact and bijou - and I love love love that floor!
Laura
Love your floor tiles and some of the ultra-modern appliances you have. I still don't feel grown-up enough for a bread bin though.
Californian Mum in London
Post authorhaha Maybe one day Laura.
Meghan Fenn
It's beautiful you've done a wonderful job and I love the colours, flooring and accessories.
Californian Mum in London
Post authorThank you so much Meghan!
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Carrie Talbot-Ashby
Ohh I love it all! You think you have a small kitchen lol, mine is half the size with four children lol, but its cosy to say the least! I love your kitchens look, looks homely & happy! 🙂 x
Californian Mum in London
Post authorAww, thank you! I'm glad I'm not the only one with a small kitchen. It's tough when you imagine that families have big kitchens, and then you're faced with the reality. 🙂