Not all kitchens are built for large banquet dining, but something I share with every client who worries about their compact cooking space is: small kitchens are absolutely brimming with potential. Size actually has no bearing on style. With smart storage solutions and thoughtful layout planning, even the most modest of kitchens can be turned into a space that works beautifully for your lifestyle.

When my clients first contacted me about their kitchen project, I knew we were in for an exciting challenge. Having spent the previous decade in Canada, they’d recently settled into their 1969 end-of-terrace home and were ready to make it truly theirs. With builders already breaking ground on a rear extension and countryside views begging to be showcased, we had limited time to create something spectacular and their love of vibrant colour meant conventional design approaches simply wouldn’t do.

Every summer since 1990, I’ve made the same cherished journey to the Périgord Vert region of the Dordogne, where our family home has become my sanctuary of rest, reflection and endless inspiration. It’s a place where my passion for interior design finds its most authentic voice, influenced by centuries of French craftsmanship and the gentle beauty of rural France, all of which I bring back to my projects across Kent and Sussex.

In last month’s blog post I shared my design visions for transforming a Victorian Coach House. Now, after months of planning and renovation work, I’m excited to share the completed transformation. From structural changes to the finest finishing touches, every element has come together to create a home that perfectly balances period charm with contemporary living.

After a decade of living in his beautiful Victorian Coach House, my client finally had the keys to ownership and big dreams for transformation. What excited me most about this project was the opportunity to work alongside the architect and contractor from the very beginning, ensuring that every design decision – from the structural changes right through to the finishing touches – worked in perfect harmony.

As someone who has guided countless clients in Kent and Sussex through this journey, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and occasionally the ugly side of creating that dream kitchen space. But I’ve also witnessed the pure joy when homeowners first step into their stunning new heart-of-the-home. Over the years, I’ve developed tried-and-tested approaches that can make the difference between a stressful renovation and a smooth transformation. Here are my top tips for not just surviving but actually having fun with your kitchen extension project.

Spring has officially arrived, bringing with it longer days, more sunshine, and a palette of fresh possibilities for our interiors. As nature bursts into life with the first daffodils, I find myself drawn once again to the refreshing energy that this season brings to our homes. This year, I’m particularly excited about incorporating lavender—a colour that embodies both tranquility and renewal—into spring design schemes.

I am thrilled to announce that Nicky Percival Design has once again been recognised with not just one, but two prestigious accolades in the 2025 Houzz Awards. This marks our sixth time winning the Best of Houzz Design Award and our fifth time receiving the Best of Houzz Service Award

As we settle into 2025, I wanted to share some of the interior design trends that are shaping our homes and spaces this year. We’re seeing a beautiful evolution of colour, texture, and personal expression that feels both fresh and timeless. This fits perfectly into my own personal design ethos of creating truly liveable, personality-filled homes for my clients across Kent, Sussex and London. Read on to find out more about these top trends for 2025.

Our living spaces are the heart of our homes—they’re where we unwind after a long day, gather with family and friends, and create lasting memories. Yet designing these spaces raises several questions. How do you balance aesthetics with functionality? Where should furniture go? What colours will work best? From my interior design projects across Kent, Sussex and London, I’ve found that the most successful living spaces aren’t just beautiful—they’re thoughtfully planned and here are the key things to consider.

Design influencers have recently started talking about ‘slow’ interiors—an approach that’s close to my heart. It’s about creating spaces that tell a story, using furniture and accessories accumulated over time, rather than buying a complete design scheme off the shelf. This philosophy inevitably leads to mixing period furniture with contemporary pieces, a technique I’ve mastered over years of designing client homes across Sussex, Kent, and London. So what’s the trick to making this mix-and-match approach work?

Designing homes across Sussex, Kent, and London, I’ve always been fascinated by how different colours can transform not just the look of a space, but also how it feels. Blue, in particular, is consistently one of my clients’ most beloved colours, and for good reason. Let’s explore how shades of blue can transform your living spaces, illustrated by my interior design projects.