Inside Lisa Dawson’s New Kitchen

The Interview

You’ve spoken very openly about downsizing and starting a new chapter. How did that decision shape the way you approached designing your new kitchen?

I was really keen to create a space that was really functional. My previous kitchen was much larger, and I owned a lot of things that were probably surplus to requirements! So, when I was planning this kitchen out, I allocated spaces for essentials and tried to make the most of every single inch of it. I am an avid collector of tableware and after editing what I had, I created shelves where I could display it to best advantage. I also wanted to use what I already had storage wise and incorporate vintage, so I thought really carefully about how I was going to use the space.

Your followers have been closely following the renovation journey. How important was it for you to create a kitchen that felt both beautiful and practical for everyday living?

Very important! This was the first kitchen I have ever designed from scratch, so I wanted to get it right. I am a keen cook and enjoy hosting, so it needed to work for both everyday use and also for when we had guests and parties. I am a big fan of kitchens that feel more like living spaces—my worst nightmare would be a fully utilitarian space—so I brought in lots of texture, including mixed materials and table lamps on the work surfaces rather than spotlights, to create a warm, welcoming feel.

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Entertaining seems to play a big role in how you use your home. When planning the kitchen, how important was it to create a space that works just as well for hosting as it does for everyday cooking?

I didn’t want the sink to be a main event in the kitchen so that it could be used as a socialising space – previously, it was central in the island. I opened up the doorway and moved it around the corner, overlooking the courtyard. This meant that the island area (a vintage dresser that was extended) could be used for hosting and social events rather than for washing up. Smeg appliances were also ideal for this purpose, as I was able to match the colour to the kitchen scheme, creating a really cohesive space.

The Smeg Opera range cooker has become a real focal point in the kitchen. What made it the right choice for someone who clearly loves to cook and entertain?

I’m so pleased with the range cooker as it is the perfect size for what I need. I took it as a lead for the rest of the metallics in the kitchen (chrome) and it’s worked really well. I purposely chose a range cooker that had two good sized ovens as I host a lot so could have several dishes on the go at once! I also didn’t need a separate grill section; the ovens have a grill function that can be turned on when needed. It’s also got a storage drawer beneath, which is really helpful, especially when I was downsizing into a smaller space and needed every inch available. It’s incredibly easy to use, and I love the hood, which creates a feature on the tiled wall behind.

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Your pastel blue FAB fridge adds such a beautiful sense of character to the space. Colour has always been a big part of your interiors - how did you decide on this piece for the kitchen?

Despite there only being two of us (my son, Leo, and I) in the house most of the time, I have two other children who visit very regularly, so I couldn’t get away with a small fridge! I also do lots of food preparation and batch cooking, so I needed enough frozen storage to do the job properly. The FAB fridge is big enough to hold everything, plus it’s got an ice section which is very handy. Its retro shape works really well in the space, and I adore the pastel blue, which blends beautifully with the mixed woods and pale blue tiles.

Downsizing often means making more thoughtful choices about what you bring into your home. How did that mindset influence the appliances you selected?

I needed to make sure that the appliances I chose – both small and large – were able to fit in a smaller space. As someone who hosts and cooks a lot, the fridge freezer and range cooker needed to work hard for me, but I cut back on other smaller appliances such as a microwave, which was a non-essential. I ensured I had storage shelves for the stand mixer and scales, which are not used daily but still need a space to live. The dishwasher is integrated so it’s seamless in the cupboard stretch, which I love. I created a special area for the bean-to-cup coffee maker so that everything was easily reachable within one space, with a hanging rail above for coffee cups and pots for bean storage and other essentials.

You share so much of your life and home with your community online. What kind of kitchen moments do you find yourself enjoying most now the renovation is complete - everyday cooking, hosting friends, or those bigger family gatherings?

It’s a really sunny room with three large ceiling windows so it’s a lovely place to be. I love mornings as everything is to hand and it’s wonderful to make a coffee and sit at the table now the days start brighter! I had a housewarming party, and it was so fab to see people enjoying the space – it’s a great kitchen for socialising and chatting. I think this is because the space is cohesive with the rest of the house, so it feels like an extension of the living room.

Finally, looking around the finished kitchen now, how does the space reflect where you are in life at this moment?

It perfectly reflects where I am now! It’s very much focused towards the way that Leo and I use it and is both a functional room whilst still being very welcoming and cosy. I have lots of my favourite pieces on show and have chosen artwork I already owned to hang which fits in really nicely. It’s a lovely place to sit and just to be!

Interview with Lisa Dawson