A London townhouse kitchen transformed to be sociable, practical and charming
The new owners of this London townhouse have reconfigured it to create a sociable space for cooking and entertaining.

The kitchen of this Victorian house in north London was previously on the lower ground floor and offered neither the light nor flexibility its owners wanted.
Working with Leicestershire-based kitchen designer deVOL, they decided that the only solution was to create a new layout, converting the main reception room to provide a large, sociable space that includes both a kitchen and a dining area.
DeVOL’s classic fitted cabinetry has the distinctive look and fine detail of classic freestanding furniture that makes it the ideal choice for multipurpose rooms of this type. Senior designer Alexa Jacobs worked with the clients on this project and suggested the installation of a Lacanche range cooker into the existing fireplace, which is flanked by a pair of tall, open-shelf countertop cupboards.
Extra-deep cornicing at the top of the cupboards was specified to hide cleverly the ventilation ducting that runs behind them. The splashback surrounding the range is in handmade tiles by the Surrey-based manufacturer Froyle Tiles.
A mix of cabinetry designs was chosen for this project; the firm’s Classic English collection was used around the perimeter of the space and the island is from the Real Shaker range. The cabinetry is painted in a two-tone scheme with bespoke colours mixed in house; a subdued, mellow yellow and a rich brown with purple undertones that combine to enliven the recessive backdrop. Both hues pair well with their respective surfaces: Carrara marble on the worktops and dark-stained wood on the island. In the bay window, where the shutters are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Shaded White, there is a mid-century dining table and chairs sourced by the owners.
Find out more at www.devolkitchens.co.uk
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
-
Freddie Mercury's London bathroom, perfectly recreated in a family home in Surrey
This Drummonds designed bathroom is a faithful replica of Freddie Mercury's London one, used on the set of his Bohemian Rhapsody film biopic.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
An oasis of peace in the maelstrom of Covent Garden
This Eadie and Crole designed drawing room is cool, calm and timeless.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
The Designer's Room: A sitting room splashed with colour, space and style
The sitting room of an Arts-and-Crafts house in the Surrey Hills has been brought to life with a palette of lively colours.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A London townhouse kitchen created for work, rest and play
The owners of this elegant London house asked the team at De Rosee Sa to create a light, modern kitchen for their large family..
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A fresh, bright kitchen created to fit in to a 17th century manor house
When reconfiguring a 17th-century manor house, Nicola Harding converted the drawing room into a bright, light-filled kitchen. Arabella Youens spoke to her about the project.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
How to create a serene, yet hard-working kitchen
Plain English worked with antique dealer Robert Young to make this traditional kitchen with an effortlessly relaxing colour scheme that marries perfectly with the views over beautiful gardens.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
Why kitchens are going green — literally
Green is the perfect colour for a kitchen, says Amelia Thorpe.
By Amelia Thorpe Published
-
A glorious Cotswold kitchen lifted to new heights with pitch-perfect colour choices
A clever combination of colours has brought life to this inviting Cotswold kitchen designed by Sims Hilditch. Amelia Thorpe takes a look; photography by Christopher Horwood.
By Amelia Thorpe Published