A kitchen update and some new additions

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It’s been a while since I posted an update on the kitchen extension so I thought I’d show you how things are shaping up. I’m really close to being able to share the full reveal now – just some shelving and an extractor to fit and then that’s it!

In the meantime I’ve added a few new details this month including this jute rug for the dining area and a few other things from M&S who are running a home event with 20% off their entire homeware range at the moment.

The space has really come together since I last posted about it and I love how the rug (along with the cane bentwood chair which was a vintage find) adds texture and pulls everything together. I ordered the large 230cm x 160cm version and it’s big enough to comfortably accommodate our dining table and chairs.

Although my local M&S store here in Leamington Spa only carries a small homeware edit I was pleasantly surprised to discover some very good and affordably priced tableware when I called in recently. (They also do a next day click and collect service for items that aren’t available in your local store). The Tribeca Stoneware dining range comes in different colour options, has a cool matte finish and is perfect for everyday use. I opted for the cream version which has black hand painted rim detailing, but it looks good in black too. The bowl is the perfect shape for breakfast cereal and the mug is ideally sized to sit comfortably in the hand. They are really nice pieces to use and are available either individually – with mugs and side plates priced at just £3 each – or as a set.

Now that I finally have a beautiful new space to cook in I’ve been baking my own sourdough bread for the past couple of months. These kilner jars are perfect for storing my starter and I also picked up a new salt grinder and this ivory cast aluminium casserole dish which is a really good colour match for our new kitchen and feels warmer and softer on the eye than stainless steel.

While I was visiting my local store I also checked out M&S’s home fragrance collection. Their Apothecary range includes candles, diffusers, room spray and hand wash in three different fragrances – Calm, Balance and Restore – all simply presented in amber jars and bottles with minimalist labelling. They look and smell as good as other products I’ve tried at a much higher price point and I will be stocking up on them as little affordable everyday luxuries that won’t break the bank. I’m currently working my way through this Calm hand wash – a blend of lavender, sweet orange, clary sage and cedar wood essential oils.

I’d been looking for a circular mirror with a slim black metal frame for ages, but the only ones I’d found had been either the wrong size or at the very upper end of my budget. At just £99 (and even more of a bargain with 20% off during the current home event) this Large Milan Mirror is definitely one of the best buys around and similar to ones I’ve seen elsewhere at more than double the price. I love the way it opens up the space and adds depth by reflecting a view of the kitchen into the hallway. It’s available in gold too.

I ordered the mirror and rug for home delivery and they arrived quickly and with free delivery.

I’m so pleased with how the new additions have helped this part of our home to feel more complete. We love spending time in here now – it’s now the perfect space for lazy weekend breakfasts with homemade sourdough toast.

We’ll be working on a few final jobs in the kitchen over the next few weekends and I hope to share the full reveal with you very soon.

The M&S Home event is on until 29 January with 20% discount across the entire homewear range.