I came across an article recently by Hydrangea Girl about Nigel Slater's unbelievably GORGEOUS kitchen... and was shocked to find it was a set! So, I discussed this with friends and they all said "oh yeah, and Nigella's". So, it was just me and Hydrangea Girl not in the know!
Shock dealt with, I want to talk about why this 'kitchen' works, what makes it look so fab and why I want it!
Designed by Rudy Thackray, it is the use of materials, the earthy selection of natural tones and the arresting views of verdant green outside his bi-fold doors and through those perfectly lined with wood windows. The windows alone are sublime... and this is just a set! The look is an industrial/vintage mix off set with smooth contemporary white units unified by deep grey walls (is this F&B's Down Pipe?). It really is fabulous and it makes my heart sing every time I watch Nigel in this kitchen.
A bookcase painted in the same grey showcases the books and objet on display. A stylish cupboard painted in white echos the crisp smooth white appliance unit but the period styling gives it a lovely lift. The ceiling joists, again painted out in white link the room. I wonder what they would have looked like left rough and unpainted? I think perhaps I would have done this if this were my kitchen.
But, for me, the triumph of the room is deep grey on the walls that ties the whole theme together. It gives the kitchen body and a distinctive personality. How easy would it have been to paint the room white? It would have worked, but how dull, how safe and how predictable. This room shows that being gutsy with colour can really pay off.
Rudi Thackray, I salute you!
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