We weren’t really happy from the start. The kitchen was designed as a corner, not really creative. The kitchen furniture unit wasn’t easy to integrate. In short, the whole kitchen design seemed like a poor compromise to us.

When we looked at the first kitchens and sought advice, we were faced with pure salespeople. Not one inspiring idea. Only the materials and number of drawers and compartments were discussed. But no creativity at all. 

The calculated budget for the kitchen from the constructor was less than £5,000, without appliances. Anyone who has ever bought a kitchen knows that this is totally impossible to get a proper solution for this budget, not even on IKEA level.

The whole kitchen thing seemed like it was going to be a huge compromise.

But we didn’t have a better idea either.

Then Hilde Heyvarrts came along. We met Hilde and René on Kefalonia (Greece). As harbour neighbours, you chat, have a drink together and, if you like each other, even go out for dinner together. Luckily for us.

We told them about our plans to build a house in Spain. And Hilde told us about her job as an architect. She specialises in the architecture of bakeries. What a coincidence.

So we showed her our house plans. We talked about everything we considered a compromise and about the kitchen. Hilde looked at the plans and asked us to give her a day to think about it, as she might have a few suggestions for improvement.

The next day, she came up with the perfect idea for our kitchen. We wanted a kitchen that looked tidy. One that didn’t look chaotic when viewed from the living room, and a very practical kitchen.

Above all, a kitchen must be practical. The appliances should not be far apart, the stove should not be next to the refrigerator, and the sink and dishwasher should be together.

Hilde primarily created a main kitchen, a kitchen side room (where everything that is not used daily can be stored) and a storage room, which will also house the building services, from a kitchen and an adjoining room. In fact, our kitchen would consist of three areas. This way, the main kitchen remains tidy and free of unsightly appliances, and there is enough space in the adjoining room to store everything.

We are absolutely delighted with the design and a much improved solution. Thank you, Hilde.