Design ideas for a contemporary galley kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, an island, grey floors, multicoloured worktops, exposed beams and a vaulted ceiling.

From the moment you enter this historic Much Hadham property, you are surrounded by open countryside, the warmth of a homely feel and craftsmanship that takes centre stage. This bespoke kitchen has been carefully designed and handcrafted to respect the home’s character while elevating how the space is used today. Framed by a striking triangular glazed extension, the kitchen connects seamlessly to the wider open-plan living area, with every element, from hand-built cabinetry and traditional In-Frame construction to hand-applied paint finishes, created specifically for this home. The result is a kitchen that feels considered, authentic, and entirely at ease within its setting. The original kitchen footprint formed the L-shaped section of the room, which the client was keen to retain as one half of the new design, particularly as the AGA was already positioned there, and this was much loved as part of the family’s daily life. As with many period homes, the property did not lend itself to one large open-plan kitchen, so the design focused on creating distinct yet connecting areas within the existing space, allowing each zone to feel purposeful while still flowing naturally together. It came together so beautifully! Each of our bespoke features brings personality and practicality to the space, including a secret door concealed within the cabinetry leading down to the cellar, and a new extension housing a “reading nook”. This approach allowed our Classic In-Frame Shaker style to come into its own across the different parts of the kitchen, and was hand-painted in a palette of colours. The bespoke cabinetry was built In-Frame with plain flat fronts and a central beaded panel, introducing a softer, more traditional aesthetic that complements the property’s age. Each cabinet was handcrafted using traditional In-Frame construction, with solid frames assembled by hand and finished with carefully detailed beaded panels. Our work allows for refined proportions and longevity, while giving the furniture a depth and character that cannot be achieved with mass-produced cabinetry. This style was the perfect choice for a countryside home, bringing a timeless, homely, cottage-inspired feel that sits comfortably within the building’s heritage while still providing the practicality required for modern living. Elements of tongue-and-groove panelling and recessed plinths complete the design’s look. Building on this foundation, our bespoke In-Frame furniture with a softer look continues into the newer part of the kitchen, where the space has been opened up by knocking through the existing wall and extending the living area for a more connected layout. At the centre of this part sits an island where it’s built to form a social space. It sits in front of a single run of cabinetry, providing balance and allowing the island to take prominence. By carrying the In-Frame shaker style throughout, the furniture seamlessly links the original kitchen with the newer space for a cohesive design that feels entirely at home. The finishing details of the kitchen were carefully considered to complement the cabinetry’s character. Hendel & Hendel Greenwich handles in waxed burnished brass were selected throughout, using a mix of knobs and cup handles to bring subtle variation across the furniture. Finishing the cabinetry with a warm metallic tone reinforces the homely, traditional feel of the space. Three colours form the foundation of the kitchen’s design, all from Little Greene, and are hand-painted onto the cabinetry. Invisible Green, a deep green connecting the kitchen to nature and the surrounding countryside. Joanna, a pale taupe with a warm base, offers a beautiful alternative to white and brings softness to the space. Linen Wash, a broken, pared-down natural linen tone, introduces a calm and understated warmth. All cabinetry was hand-painted on site in multiple stages, allowing the finish to settle naturally into the grain and detailing of the furniture. This process creates a softer, more layered appearance that enhances the handcrafted nature of the kitchen and adds to its sense of age and authenticity. Positioned within the newer part of the kitchen, the central island becomes the heart of the space, effortlessly supporting both everyday living and relaxed entertaining. From casual breakfasts to evening gatherings, the island provides seating for four, encouraging the kitchen to be used as a social hub throughout the day. Designed with functionality in mind, the generous worktop offers an expansive preparation area, while the storage below has been carefully considered to balance practicality with character. Beneath the Carrara Misterio quartz worktop, open shelving provides space for baskets, with discreet cupboards tucked below for convenient, everyday storage. Handcrafted solid wood brackets introduce a sense of craftsmanship and add a refined, luxurious detail to the island’s design. These details were designed specifically for this island, reinforcing the furniture-led approach. On one side, a burnished brass towel rail with additional hooks offers a practical yet decorative feature, perfect for hanging linens and baskets. Together, these details give the island a warm, authentic country feel. Wrapped around the central wall in our soft In-Frame beaded Shaker style, a bespoke dresser becomes a standout feature within the kitchen. Designed as an elegant display for the client’s glass collection, the upper cabinets feature glass-fronted doors that add lightness and refinement to the furniture. Below, a combination of drawers and cupboards provides generous storage for dinner-party essentials, balancing beauty with everyday practicality. Dark-stained oak open shelving with tongue-and-groove panelling introduces warmth and texture, echoing the detailing found within the cosy dining corner and reinforcing continuity across the space. Sitting alongside a concealed door leading to the cellar, this piece seamlessly blends craftsmanship and ingenuity. Discreet, well-integrated secret doors such as this are increasingly becoming a staple in modern homes, allowing practical elements to be hidden within beautifully handmade furniture. In this kitchen, the concealed door was designed as part of the furniture from the onset, allowing it to disappear seamlessly into the cabinetry while maintaining the visual rhythm of the In-Frame design. Two sinks were carefully positioned to support the kitchen’s flow. In the original L-shaped area, a Shaw’s of Darwen sink takes pride of place beside the AGA, paired with a Perrin & Rowe Phoenician monobloc tap in aged brass to create a classic, timeless setting. In the newer part of the kitchen, a second Shaw’s of Darwen sink is complemented by a Perrin & Rowe Ionian mixer tap, also in aged brass, providing additional practicality while maintaining consistency across the space. The kitchen brings together existing and new appliances, carefully integrated into bespoke cabinetry to suit how the space is used throughout the year. Our client was keen to retain the electric AGA in Dartmouth Blue, which remains proudly positioned within the original L-shaped section. As the AGA is turned off during the warmer months, a new ILVE Milano 600m oven was introduced within the newer run of cabinetry, ensuring the kitchen remains fully functional year-round while balancing traditional and contemporary cooking solutions. Above the ILVE, a Westin Prime extractor is seamlessly integrated into the in-frame furniture, maintaining the clean, considered aesthetics. Adding to the appliance setup is the Fisher & Paykel integrated fridge-freezer, housed in its own dedicated cabinetry section, thoughtfully wrapped around the wall near the concealed door leading to the cellar. This approach allows each appliance to sit naturally within the furniture layout, reinforcing the sense of cohesion between craftsmanship, functionality, and the home’s character. This cosy area incorporates storage on either side of the bi-fold window and a generous window seat, designed to double as dining bench seating when a large table is needed for family gatherings such as Thanksgiving. The reading nook naturally connects the open-plan living space to the garden beyond, creating a calm and inviting corner. The wide window seat draws you towards the light, offering uninterrupted views across the generous grounds and the surrounding English countryside. The open shelving within the nook is set against dark-stained oak and tongue-and-groove panelling, with matching base shelves, introducing that much-loved warmth and texture. Every element within this kitchen has been carefully designed and crafted to suit the way the clients live, from hidden doors and tailored storage to handcrafted details and considered layout. This is what truly bespoke design is about: handcrafted furniture, designed from the inside out, shaped around the home, the people who live there, and the way the space is used every day. With almost limitless possibilities in materials, finishes, and features, each decision is made with purpose. This kitchen is a true reflection of the refined detailing, craftsmanship, and individuality we offer our clients, with no two projects ever being the same.

Elegant kitchen with beige beaded units, marble worktop, wood flooring. Livingetc feature
Design ideas for a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen in London with beige cabinets, marble worktops, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island, a submerged sink, recessed-panel cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, brown floors and multicoloured worktops.

Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in London with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, yellow cabinets, terrazzo worktops, multi-coloured splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and multicoloured worktops.

Rear extension and hard landscaping with Chevron floor installed plus bespoke glazing
Medium sized contemporary grey and white l-shaped open plan kitchen in London with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz worktops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, beige floors and multicoloured worktops.

Immerse yourself in the opulence of this bespoke kitchen, where deep green cabinets command attention with their rich hue and bespoke design. The striking copper-finished island stands as a centerpiece, exuding warmth and sophistication against the backdrop of the deep green cabinetry. A concrete countertop adds an industrial edge to the space, while large-scale ceramic tiles ground the room with their timeless elegance. Classic yet contemporary, this kitchen is a testament to bespoke craftsmanship and luxurious design.

This dark & light Grey kitchen comprises Dekton work surfaces, German cabinetry with Pocket Doors leading into a walk-in larder storage with state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances for Cooling and Cooking. A large Bar area is hidden away by 4 Pocket doors in Bronze finish that fold back with state-of-the-art Gaggenau wine coolers.

This bespoke Scandinavian-style kitchen features navy cabinetry contrasted with warm oak for a two-tone effect. A central island with breakfast bar creates a sociable hub, while a rooflight and mirrored splashback enhance natural light. Pendant lighting, built-in appliances and a cosy window seat complete the contemporary scheme.

Classic
Design ideas for a large traditional galley kitchen in London with a submerged sink, white cabinets, marble splashback, integrated appliances, white worktops, recessed-panel cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, dark hardwood flooring, an island and brown floors.

Calacatta borghini marble backsplash and worktop, kitchen island in black granite.
This is an example of a large contemporary kitchen/diner in London with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite worktops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, concrete flooring, an island, grey floors, black worktops, feature lighting and integrated appliances.

Inspiration for a classic galley kitchen in London with a double-bowl sink, beaded cabinets, beige cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances, an island, grey floors and white worktops.

Design ideas for a classic galley kitchen in Dorset with shaker cabinets, green cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and white worktops.

This is an example of an eclectic galley kitchen in London with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, metro tiled splashback, medium hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and white worktops.

This is an example of a classic galley kitchen in London with a belfast sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, beige floors, white worktops and exposed beams.

Kitchen
This is an example of a large world-inspired l-shaped open plan kitchen in London with an integrated sink, beaded cabinets, medium wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, coloured appliances, terrazzo flooring, an island, multi-coloured floors and multicoloured worktops.

Bespoke made angular kitchen island tapers due to width of kitchen area
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary cream and black l-shaped kitchen/diner in London with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, composite countertops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, porcelain flooring, an island, grey floors, white worktops, a coffered ceiling and feature lighting.

Photo of a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Kent with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, an island, beige floors and multicoloured worktops.

Contemporary Kitchen with Island
Design ideas for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in London with a belfast sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, black appliances, an island, grey floors and white worktops.

Bold, bright and practical! This client wanted a kitchen that would stand up to heavy use. Would be easy to clean and be hardwearing. The result is this fantastic kitchen made from birch plywood with oak veneers and Sol formica fronts. These formica fronts are very hardwearing and will stand up to knocks and scratches that would ruin a painted kitchen. Perfect for this family and their 2 dogs!