Thank you

First of all, an enormous, grateful and massive thank you to everyone who responded to the last and previous posts. I was completely floored by the sheer number of comments; it was something that I had not expected at all. I am so touched and humbled to know that the blog is still loved and appreciated, and was amazed to learn that so many of you are not/no longer interested in, or simply wary of, social media or Instagram. 

Of course, I will continue with the blog (how could I not!) and will do so with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Thank you all (including those who replied via email) from the depth of my heart for taking the time to write; it meant so much and I am grateful to every one of you. My apologies for not having responded individually or personally this time ... I tried at first but couldn't keep up. Will give it my very best in the future, and hope some of you will drop by from time to time to say hello in the comments!

Today's post does not only mark the continuation of the blog but also coincides with the 15th anniversary of my first Kelly, a 32 Retourne in Clemence Ebene.

Nowadays perhaps considered a "boring colour", but I love the dark brown Espresso shade and still adore carrying this bag.

Left: Ms Ebene, brand new out of the box in 2007. Right, still looking fabulous in 2022.  The chair is the same in both pictures, only that it's been re-upholstered recently (Iliad fabric by Lewis and Wood).

In honour of the anniversary, I am wearing the same dress as in 2007. I don't know where the chain necklace (left below) disappeared to, so I replaced it with a long pendant necklace from my collection (available here). The same goes for the shoes, so I am wearing my tri-coloured Roger Viviers that go quite a while back too:

To celebrate Kelly's 15th anniversary, the necklace comes with a 15% discount (please enter the following code at checkout: Anniversary15). The same discount applies to the ivory version (black: here and ivory: here).

In exciting news, I am so happy and pleased to show you a further completed part of my workspace expansion and renovation project. What a lovely coincidence that the colour scheme is perfectly in tune with the birthday girl's dark espresso Clemence leather!

I wanted it to be a glamorous and multi-purpose space where I could bring my laptop and work, develop new recipes, host lunches and hold future workshops. An extension of my workspace, rather than a traditional-looking kitchen.  The workshop website is currently under construction, and I hope to come out with it soon! (if you have any thoughts or suggestions, please let me know in the comments below)

Instead of uniform cabinetry, I decided to mix plain stained wood surfaces for the top wall units and island, with a more classic look painted wood cupboards that have mouldings and cornices.

The walls didn't remain white for long ...

I went for a warm medium brown (Mouse's Back by Farrow and Ball), that also covers the ceiling:

For the cabinetry, I chose Farrow and Ball's richly pigmented "Off-Black", whereas the plain-surfaced island cabinetry and upper wall hanging units are dark stained wood.

For the stone surfaces I fell in love with an amazing piece of black African Fusion quartzite, which adds a glamorous and dramatic touch. The patterns in this stone have incredible depth and sometimes elements that sparkle. It feels like looking into space!

Although the main elements are dark, the overall atmosphere is rich and warm ... strategically placed ceiling spots (DH is fantastic with lights) and integrated cabinet lights cast a warm and inviting glow throughout.

It was an exciting day when the cabinetry arrived.  I am overjoyed with the end result, but it has been a fairly difficult process and it took quite a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get there. All this is forgotten now, and I could not be happier.

Here's to the next ten years of blogging, and I hope many of you will accompany me! It is amazing to think that by that point my Kelly will be a quarter of a century old.

Hope everyone is happy and well, and wishing you a beautiful remaining autumn xx

(There is no sponsored content in this post; all items were purchased by me. There is also no affiliation with any of the brands/companies mentioned above or below)

Appliances: Wolf range cooker and Subzero fridge by Subzero and Wolf

Paint: Mouse's Back and Off-Black by Farrow and Ball

African Fusion quartzite stone and installation by Anastay, St Remy de Provence

Cabinetry and installation by ACC Menuiserie