Natalie and Ali’s Kitchen Dream
Natalie Jamieson and her partner, Ali Ward, spent two years dreaming about transforming their 1930s semi detached home with a bright, open plan kitchen that would become the heart of their home.
Their vision included removing a dividing wall, introducing a statement island and creating a space that flowed effortlessly into the garden.
However, after speaking with several kitchen companies, they were told the layout they wanted simply was not possible.
It was only when they began working with Smile Kitchens designer Jane that everything changed.
By reimagining the space and encouraging the couple to be bold with their choices, Jane turned a design that others thought could not be achieved into the kitchen Natalie and Ali had imagined for years.
Now enjoying the finished space, they reflect on the design journey, the decisions that shaped their kitchen and the features they now couldn’t live without.
First Impressions
A Dream Kitchen Brought to Life
After two years of imagining their dream kitchen, Natalie and Ali say finally seeing it become a reality still feels surreal.
More than anything, it’s transformed how they live, creating a bright, open space that connects the kitchen, living area and garden in a way their old layout never could.
“It’s amazing. We had been dreaming of this kitchen for about two years.”
For Natalie, the finished result is remarkably close to the picture she’d been carrying in her mind long before the renovation began.
“I used to sit in the living room looking at the wall before we cut a hole in it, imagining what the kitchen would look like. And it’s so close to what I used to imagine, which is amazing… I just couldn’t believe that this was my dream come true.”
The new layout has also transformed the couple’s everyday routine. What was once a cold, enclosed kitchen has become somewhere they can slow down and enjoy their mornings.
“It’s nice to just take your time in this kitchen… Before, I’d kind of rush to make a drink in the morning. It’s nice not to rush any more.”
Natalie laughs that they’ve adapted so quickly they’ve almost forgotten what the old kitchen was like.
Ali: “Sorry, I should have put a trigger warning in there for the old kitchen.”
Natalie: “It’s just so funny to think that that was the kitchen for so long, and now I can barely remember it because this just feels so natural.”
Inspiration & The Design Process
Kitchen Design With Confidence
Although Natalie and Ali always knew they wanted a pink kitchen, many of the decisions that shaped the finished space evolved as the project progressed. Choosing a bolder colour, rethinking the layout and committing to an island all felt like risks at the time, but each became one of the defining features of the finished design.
A friend’s honest opinion helped settle the colour debate.
“We were between this one and a lighter one… A friend of ours said, ‘It’s not very you, is it?’ We realised they were right. Someone once said never do any work thinking of anybody other than yourself, and then we chose this.”
The decision has proved worthwhile.
“Now everybody comments on the colour. It’s the first thing people notice when they come in.”
The layout changed even more dramatically. Having been told by several kitchen companies that the space they wanted wasn’t possible, the couple had almost settled for a much smaller design.
“We didn’t think it would be possible for the kitchen to be here in this space. We were going to have a much more modest version of this, without an island.”
Working with Smile Kitchens designer Jane changed that.
“Nobody could fit in what we wanted. It was only Jane that managed to do it.”
Ali says Jane also encouraged them to be more confident with their choices.
“Smile were great at facilitating that, and encouraging us to be a little braver with the design.”
One of the biggest leaps of faith was the island itself.
“I lost sleep over this island because I thought it was going to be too skinny… A couple of kitchen companies said we weren’t going to be able to fit this in at all.”
Instead, it’s become one of the kitchen’s biggest successes.
Ali: “We’ve got loads of space.”
Everyday Details
Practical Kitchen by Design
While the colour and island catch everyone’s attention, Natalie and Ali say it’s the smaller details that make the kitchen such a pleasure to use every day.
A pull-out appliance cupboard keeps the kettle and toaster hidden away, while the hose-function tap makes cleaning the sink quick and easy.
“It’s little tricks like that. Very good.”
Storage has also been carefully built into almost every corner of the room, from banquette seating that hides board games and dog treats to integrated laundry appliances tucked neatly out of sight.
Even the finishing touches continue to stand out.
“The detail they’ve put onto the top of the cupboards just makes it look really smart and very expensive-looking.”
The Heart of the Home
A Kitchen Space Made for Gathering
The island has quickly become the place where everyday life naturally unfolds. Whether it’s a morning coffee, a quick takeaway or entertaining family and friends, it’s the spot everyone gravitates towards.
“It’s nice to lean here and just have a chat.”
The couple recently christened their new island stools with a Chinese takeaway — a small moment that already feels like part of their routine.
When friends and family visit, they rarely stray far.
“Everyone gravitates towards the island. It’s just a great central location.”
Friday evenings often come with a soundtrack too.
Ali: “Northern Soul.”
Natalie: “Northern Soul… and Revolver by The Beatles.”
Looking Back
Advice for Future Kitchen Renovators
Looking back, Natalie and Ali say they’re proud not just of the finished kitchen, but of everything they achieved together along the way.
“I’m proud that we managed to do this together. It’s felt like a very big, very adult project.”
For anyone beginning their own renovation, their advice is simple.
“Be bold.”
Whether that’s choosing colour, embracing a different layout or trusting ideas that initially feel ambitious, they believe it’s worth following your instincts.
“Have an open mind, and trust the expertise that the designers have — because we stood in a kitchen that we didn’t think was possible, and they’ve proved us otherwise.”
