Once seen as daring, too divisive or not grown up enough, pink is fast becoming a 'new neutral' — a modern classic that brings warmth and personality to the heart of the home. Search for 'pink kitchens' on Pinterest and you'll see how this versatile hue can look playful or sophisticated depending on the tone and finish.
TV and radio presenter Emma Willis is the latest to embrace the look, unveiling her beautiful new Howdens kitchen. Emma and her husband Matt opted for a serene blend of antique rose and charcoal cabinetry — a two-tone design that strikes the perfect balance between soft warmth and grounded sophistication.
The thoughtful use of colour zoning ensures balance, with the blush-toned island offering a soft contrast to the deep, moody units, resulting in a space that feels effortlessly elegant and warmly inviting.
‘We went for the Ilfracombe which is part of the Classic Timber Kitchen collection and the minute we saw it we knew it was the right one,' says Emma. 'Bobby and his team blew my mind with the skill and craftsmanship.’
The project began when Emma and Matt attended the Howdens Expo, a vast space dedicated to showcasing the latest kitchen and bedroom designs. 'It really helps you bring all the ideas in your head to life,' she says. 'Then we met Emma, who became our kitchen designer, and she made the whole process so easy. We obviously had our own ideas, but then she brought things to the table that we hadn’t even thought about. That’s when the fun began.'
The result is a kitchen that feels both beautifully bespoke and built to last. The Ilfracombe range is known for its timber frame, authentically grained finish, and Shaker build, while paint-to-order options allow for a fully personalised colour scheme.
What to Read Next
'I am absolutely ecstatic with the end result,' Emma says. 'Not only does it look beautiful, but I know the care and attention and detail the tradespeople put into it – so a massive thank you to Howdens and to Bobby and his team for doing such an exquisite job.'
Additional features include brass hardware and warm wood shelving, which add a refined yet cosy edge, while the large-format grey floor tiles anchor the space and bounce natural light beautifully around the room.
We love the hidden walk-in pantry – it brings a touch of luxury and everyday practicality, offering the perfect solution for organised storage. Integrated LED lighting ensures every corner is beautifully illuminated, enhancing both functionality and atmosphere. Meanwhile, the addition of fluted glass fronts in the wall cabinets – a growing trend this year – introduces subtle texture and a light, modern touch to the overall scheme.
The kitchen has always been the heart of the home for Emma. She previously told us in a My Happy Home interview: 'I think I spend most of our time in the kitchen. We are really lucky because we've got quite a good-sized kitchen. As we knew we would spend a lot of time there, we put a sofa and a TV in there so we could make sure we could all still be together. I wanted the kids to be able to chill out if we were cooking – we wanted to make it useful for the whole family, not just Matt and I.'
With its two-tone pink and grey cabinetry, fluted glass cupboards and clever storage, Emma’s kitchen perfectly balances style and function for modern family living.
