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Why we all love Doctor Foster’s Kitchen

I think most of us have admired Gemma’s kitchen in Doctor Foster. Whilst her life is in complete turmoil, the kitchen is a haven of calm and elegance with its exposed brickwork, open-plan layout and industrial meets country styling.

Whatever your view the programme (disappointing end IMO), the kitchen is aspirational yet we believe easily obtainable and we thought we’d do a quick piece to show how you can obtain a very similar look for your own home…and in Used Kitchen Exchange style…on a budget.

The Island

The island is definitely the focus of the Foster home… where all the family meals are prepared, homework is done, as well as all the other ‘activities’ that happen in the programme!

An island is super easy to design and build if you have the space, especially if you aren’t too bothered about having any services in it requiring gas/electric/water supply. In simple terms all you will need are a couple of units, some panels and a worktop. If you are buying a used or ex display kitchen, aim to buy one that is a little too big for you if it doesn’t already have an island. This will give you the opportunity to use the left-over units to make one.

Shaker Style Kitchen

The shaker kitchen has universal appeal and is one of the most instantly recognisable styles. Characterised by its unadorned, simple style, Gemma’s has been brought bang up to date by choosing one with ‘beading’ inside the door’s frame.

This style of kitchen is readily available in many different colours and price ranges; from MDF factory painted doors to hand build/hand painted. As an idea, it would be really easy to get this look using one of our second-hand kitchens – have a look at this one which is currently for sale (click on image to see the listing)

 

Painting a wooden door would give you the opportunity to change the door furniture too. Have a look at the fantastic results gained by Chris Graham (click to see full story) –  These pictures show what was achieved with a plain wooden shaker kitchen

The Fosters’ island has been painted a contrasting colour, similar to Farrow & Balls Stiffkey blue. The outer units have been contrasted in delicate, soft white such as Wevet also by Farrow & Ball. Notice the choice of door furniture too – also readily available on line or from your local hardware shop.

 

 

Having recently repainted my used kitchen, I can honestly say it has given it a new lease of life – I chose Stiffkey blue as well and I love it.

 

Accessories

Anyone notice a change in lighting between season 1 and season 2?  – I wonder why they did this… Perhaps there was too much swinging from the lamps lol!

The change to the retro 1950’s style light is a little more in keeping with Ercol style dining table, and is definitely more modern than the contemporary metal pendant – either way, they both work well.

Season 1

 Season 2

 

 All in all we think Gemma has not only entertained us, she has made us re-think our kitchen, maybe our gym attendance (or lack of it!)… Oh and the dragonfly earrings are on my Christmas List already… LOL!

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