Refuge in the kitchen: Ed Smith | olivemagazine

Tell us about yourself

I am a recipe and gastronomy writer, author of four cookbooks, including Good eggs and Askand co-author of Welcome to our tablea children’s book about food eaten around the world. I live in East London with my wife and our young son.

How long have you been in business with your kitchen?

We moved into our house almost three years ago, did a bunch of unglamorous and annoying renovations and redecorating, and then had to take a two-year break until we could think about more enjoyable things, like changing the kitchen. It’s the space I spend 80% of my time in (both for work and family life). So, during those two years, I spent a lot of time thinking, planning, and rethinking how to transform it from a dark, dirty, and miserable space into a colorful, clean, efficient, and cheerful one. I think we accomplished that.

What jobs did you do in this kitchen?

The space is technically half of a fairly large, open-plan, rectangular room on the ground floor of the house. The natural light and garden are at the opposite end, meaning the kitchen is quite dark and surrounded by some odd beams and old fireplaces. This meant some changes had to be made to find the best arrangement of cabinets and appliances. After considering many different companies and options, I found Sustainable kitchensa Bristol-based company that boasts a standardised range of solid wood cabinets with infinitely customisable fronts.

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The final design was done with a bright (well, very bright) colour scheme, with a sleek and contemporary yet hopefully timeless design, and we added subtly matching handles, which work really well. The colour and overall look still makes me smile every time I walk in, and the little details like the shelving, marble surfaces, interiors and wooden edges add softness and warmth.

What influenced the style of your kitchen?

I spent a lot of time on social media, as well as in other kitchens and photography studios, planning what I liked and what I didn’t.

I love the ones that are filled with covetable items and jars with personality, but that wouldn’t work for my family and I. I’ve tried it, and with our possessions and my constant use of the kitchen, it just seems chaotic. Because it’s part of our living space, it’s very easy for my work to spill over and everything to feel overwhelming. So we’ve hidden most of the stuff away, with one side of the kitchen looking flat but hiding a double pantry with a bread and toast station, and extra-wide drawers underneath (these are amazing for not losing jars, cans, etc., in the back of a cupboard).

When do you enjoy cooking the most?

To be honest, I prefer to cook when I’m alone. Early in the morning or late at night, maybe kneading some pasta on the counter or cooking a nice egg or two early in the morning on a weekend, before the family carnage begins.

What is it like cooking with children?

It’s been great to have a relatively large space to cook with my son, so things can be spread out and he can eat and drink, depending on what interests him most. So far, mango sorbet, brownies, sausage and egg muffins, and pasta making have kept him there the longest. All healthy things!

Your favorite kitchen kit?

There is nothing more essential than a sharp knife. I don’t have an inordinate number: a chef’s knife, a boning knife, a couple of smaller knives and a santoku (which is Japanese steel but hand-forged in the south of England by Gorse Knives).

What’s always in your fridge?

Parmesan, anchovies, kimchi and a bunch of half-used condiment jars.

Is there a family dish that you cook over and over again?

We eat a lot of pasta with tomato, although sometimes the pasta is homemade.

Get the look…

Inspired by Ed’s kitchen? Here’s how to achieve a similar style…

Powder coated aluminum conical door knob

If you like the touches of ultramarine colour in Ed’s kitchen, try it yourself by changing the handles on your doors or drawers with these aluminium knobs, with 12 different colours to choose from.

Black Cat Pottery Ceramic Juicer

Make a design statement with your everyday kitchen equipment – ​​this crackle-design juicer comes in yellow or blue.

Wilfa Coffee Grinder Black

Transform your morning coffee at home with a state-of-the-art coffee grinder. Check out our reviews of the best coffee grinders The best coffee grinders To buy for more options.

Kinto SCS Coffee Carafe Set

Make filter coffee in style with this brewing and filtering set, complete with handy measurements. Check out our The best coffee cups to complete your morning coffee journey.

Ottolenghi artichoke large plate

If you’re entertaining, serve in style with this eye-catching ceramic platter.

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