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Walking into the home of cookbook author Kim-Joy Hewlett is like stepping into a vibrant dream. Nestled in the picturesque English countryside near Leeds, her house bursts with colors that instantly catch the eye. Bright aqua stairs are framed by cheerful dandelion spindles, while a bubblegum-pink wall creates a playful contrast. The inviting zebra runner leads you up, enhanced by a whimsical soap-bubble light fixture that dangles overhead. Kim-Joy, who purchased this joyful space with her husband, Nabil Homsi, in 2021, transformed the entryway into a double-height marvel that sets the tone for the rest of the home. “It has to feel like, ‘Wow!’” she explains, emphasizing the importance of first impressions.
Creating a fun and energetic entryway
Kim-Joy’s vision for her home is evident from the moment you step inside. She sacrificed a bedroom to design a hallway that exudes energy and fun. “It’s a hallway. It should be fun and energizing,” she asserts. While many might overlook the potential of a hallway, Kim-Joy’s unique perspective—shaped by her experiences as a baker and a contestant on the Great British Bake Off—allows her to infuse joy into every corner of her home. She has published five cookbooks themed around joy, including her latest, “Bake Me a Cat,” showcasing her passion for whimsical baking.
The colors, prints, and quirky decor in her home reflect the lively aesthetic she is known for. Collaborating with Studio J Architects, who allowed her to take the reins in the design process, Kim-Joy utilized online tools to create detailed floor plans and 3-D walkthroughs. She made sure her kitchen had essential features like a tap with instantly boiling water and ample pantry shelving to help keep her organized before grocery shopping.
Bringing whimsy into the kitchen
In the heart of her home lies the kitchen, where a butter-colored Kitchen Aid mixer takes center stage. “I know some people keep it in a drawer, but… no,” Kim-Joy insists, emphasizing her love for showcasing her baking tools. Together with Nabil, she tiled the kitchen floor by following YouTube tutorials, opting for a bold black epoxy grout that others advised against due to its maintenance challenges. Instead of traditional upper cabinets, the kitchen features a chic picture shelf adorned with tropical plants and framed artwork, including a piece from comic artist Tula Lotay.
Just beyond the kitchen, a delightful pink pantry awaits, reminiscent of a dollhouse. Children visiting often gravitate towards two drawers brimming with her colorful sprinkle collection, showcasing Kim-Joy’s flair for the whimsical. “I’ve always been drawn to really bold colors, whether it’s in fashion, baking, or at home,” she shares, revealing her philosophy of embracing color in all aspects of her life. “Whenever I’m in doubt, I’m like, ‘Just paint that pink.’”
Unique decor and lighting choices
As you explore further, a stunning wallpaper mural of a jaguar prowling through a lush jungle scene grabs your attention. This artwork was created by her friend Hazel Carruthers at Avalana Designs and serves as a striking focal point. Above the dining table, Kim-Joy crafted an eye-catching light fixture from interlocking circles, painting each in shades of pink and aqua to complement her vibrant home. Lighting was a crucial element in her design process, especially since she suffers from chronic migraines. To create a calming environment, she implemented pale bamboo wood fluting in the kitchen and warm-toned colored bulbs throughout the house.
While most English homes typically place the washing machine in the kitchen, Kim-Joy chose to move it upstairs to minimize noise, showcasing her thoughtful design decisions that prioritize comfort.
The playful living space and bedrooms
In the living room, Kim-Joy often finds solace in her neon orange loveseat, which also serves as a cozy perch for her beloved cats, Mochi and Blinky. Her furniture choices reflect her playful style, such as an eye-catching side table she discovered online, which she describes as “bright pink and wiggly.” She finds joy in hunting for resale bargains, with her loveseat and soft pink sofa being standout pieces in her vibrant living space.
Upstairs, the bedrooms showcase the same boldness as the rest of the home. Instead of a traditional headboard, the guest room features a circus-like wall adorned with brown and pink stripes. “On every single DIY project, I think: This’ll take one day. Then it takes several days, and you have multiple tea breaks in between,” she laughs, reflecting on the challenges of her home renovations. In her primary bedroom, she opted for a pink and white checkerboard wallpaper, creating a playful yet elegant atmosphere.
A continuous journey of creativity
Just as baking a cake requires precise measurements, Kim-Joy approached her home renovations with care and creativity, experimenting until she achieved the desired results. Even as she admires her vibrant space, she sees opportunities for further enhancements, such as painting the radiators or updating doorknobs. “There’s still loads to do,” she notes, “but that’s what I love. It’s always fun to have projects to work on.” Her home is not just a reflection of her personality; it’s a canvas for her creativity, inviting all who enter to embrace the joy of design.