Best Amateur-Designed Kitchen: Jo Flavell - Remodelista
The winner of the Remodelista Considered Design Awards Best Amateur-Designed Kitchen is Jo Flavell of Market Harborough, UK. Her project was chosen as a finalist by Remodelista editor in chief Julie Carlson who said The owners have done a nice job of creating an open to the outdoors kitchen in a former... ...garage you d never guess its past life We like the way the salvaged wood floor adds a note of rusticity to the space and plays against the dark blue and white color scheme Jo Flavell s Design Statement An unused double garage redesigned into an open plan space with height and light A variety of handmade furniture gives an unfitted look with... ...a mixture of simple colors and old wood A central prep area serves as a place to cook and socialize and a dining table overlooks views of the garden Q: Where do you live?A: We live in a small hamlet in central England, full of thatched cottages and an old manor house. Q: What were your practical goals for the project?A: Although our cottage was quaint at the front, the rear of the property had had a 1960s makeover, which was totally inappropriate. Cottage interiors can be dark, so we wanted lots of light and a new heating system as it was very unwelcoming before the renovation. Q: What solutions did you find to your design problems?A: We wanted a large barn-type feel, but when work started on the renovation, we discovered that the brick-built walls were not strong enough to hold up the roof. Q What are your favorite features of the project A The reclaimed wood floor adds warmth and as it gets more scruffed and faded the... ...character improves The oversized bottles in the windows original French vinegar bottles stand in for curtains and create a colored glow with the morning sunshine Q: What advice do you have for someone undertaking a similar project?A: Work out what is important to you and fits in with the way you live in a space. Don’t be afraid of bold colors. Shopping in brocantes and flea markets meant we accumulated lots of unusual, one-off pieces, such as the old Godin stove, wall cupboards, and stoneware. All the textiles in the kitchen are also from this shop.