This post is as part of a competition entry in conjunction with Tile Mountain
You will have had to be an eagle eye reader to spot our kitchen on this blog. Much as I love how our kitchen is arranged and how it really is the centre of our home, it is not exactly a food blogger’s dream. You will notice from the photos that it is so dark. The dark grey worktops and red tiles make a terrible combination for taking food photos. 14 years ago, when we had our huge garage and bedroom extension, we decided to go the whole hog and install our dream kitchen. At the time, I was making cakes every week for clients and really needed the kitchen designing with wedding cakes in mind.
As time has passed, I no longer make so many cakes but still love the kitchen. The worktops and cupboards have lasted well. The wooden interiors are still in great condition but the tiles have sadly dated. 14 years ago, we were considered maverick to even think about red tiles. Something about the process of making the red tiles being very difficult and therefore, a lot more expensive. Even worse, I had my heart set on mosaic tiles which were rarer still. After much searching around, we found the perfect tiles and chose a grey grout so the contrast of white to red wasn’t too harsh. Don’t get me wrong, they’ve been great but feel so dated now. We gave the kitchen 10 years but 14 years flew by so quickly. Its definitely time for a change (and not just because it will look better on the blog!)
The Plan:
We do tend to do most of the work in our house ourselves (Well, Mr C does!) so these videos from Tile Mountain could be very useful. We have talked about biting the bullet and being brave, learning new skills. I’ve recently learnt how to do some basic plastering so grouting and cutting tiles could be my next challenge!
In addition to the tiles, we are planning on opening the window space up to create more light and a new floor. Several drinks spilt on wooden floor over the years have not been kind. Our ultimate plan is to maybe extend out into the garden on what is the patio now and make an even bigger kitchen/dining space. Not sure my fledgling DIY skills are quite up to doing that just yet though!
Ooh I can’t wait to see what it looks like afterwards!! I’m sure it will look amazing, will be following with interest!
Thanks Laura. I’m really looking forward to getting started!
I love seeing before and after of room makeovers! I think lighter ones would look great. Good luck in the competition
Thanks Jenni – As soon as we sort out the larger window it will be all systems go with the tiles!
Opening up the window space is a great idea and can really transform a kitchen! My boyfriend’s mum recently had this done to her kitchen as there wasn’t much light and it looks like a completely different room! Good luck in the comp x
Oh that’s good to hear – I cannot wait to let a little more light in, especially during these dark winter months x
You have the same worktop and cupboards as me in my flat, though I have cream tiles, which seem to lighten everything up a bit. I do like the way you’ve co-ordinated the appliances with the red tiles – so excited to see what you get up to over the next few weeks and months! x
I know just how you feel about your kitchen. I have dark red tiles on ours that came with the house and they clash with the red granite work top making it dark. I look forward to seeing the transformation with yours as changing the tiles will make such a difference