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Kitchen Tour: Beautiful Dark Grey Storage in a Light-filled Space
Simplicity, symmetry and attention to detail have given this modern-meets-Victorian kitchen the wow factor
Sympathetically giving a Victorian home modern functionality can be a delicate balance, but Zoe Joannou of House of Beulah has pulled it off beautifully in this Kent kitchen, with a centrepiece butler’s sink and traditional brass tap amid simple charcoal cabinetry and modern appliances.
The new layout shows how the smallest of extensions can make a huge difference. The back wall was only moved out by about 2m, but the glazed doors and skylight flood the room with light and make it seem much larger.
“The huge glass panels on the extension roof were a bit blow the budget, but as the garden is small and backed by a massive brick wall, the room would have been very dark,” Zoe says.
The doors are powder-coated aluminium. “The couple chose the kitchen units first then picked the nearest colour for the doors,” Zoe says.
“The huge glass panels on the extension roof were a bit blow the budget, but as the garden is small and backed by a massive brick wall, the room would have been very dark,” Zoe says.
The doors are powder-coated aluminium. “The couple chose the kitchen units first then picked the nearest colour for the doors,” Zoe says.
The owner asked for a kitchen with the wow factor, so attention to detail was key. “We aimed for as much symmetry as possible,” Zoe says. “For instance, the dishwasher to the right of the sink has a handle in the middle, so we also fitted one in the same position on the standard cupboard to the left.”
The end unit holds a larder and a fridge-freezer. “We integrated the fridge and made it identical on the outside to the larder,” Zoe says. “In kitchens like this, it’s all about the cabinetry, so it’s key not to have any overbearing appliances.” The washing machine is in a bedroom upstairs.
The glass cupboards keep the feeling light. “Down that side, there’s such a lot of cabinetry that if we’d had solid doors, it would have felt quite heavy, especially as they’re countertop cupboards,” Zoe explains.
“The owner doesn’t tend to do lavish recipes and doesn’t need loads of equipment, so the glass cabinets can be dedicated to nice crockery and glassware,” she adds.
The end unit holds a larder and a fridge-freezer. “We integrated the fridge and made it identical on the outside to the larder,” Zoe says. “In kitchens like this, it’s all about the cabinetry, so it’s key not to have any overbearing appliances.” The washing machine is in a bedroom upstairs.
The glass cupboards keep the feeling light. “Down that side, there’s such a lot of cabinetry that if we’d had solid doors, it would have felt quite heavy, especially as they’re countertop cupboards,” Zoe explains.
“The owner doesn’t tend to do lavish recipes and doesn’t need loads of equipment, so the glass cabinets can be dedicated to nice crockery and glassware,” she adds.
“The quartz worktop has a very subtle marble effect, which adds to the timeless look,” Zoe says. “It’s in a polished finish, which bounces the light around.”
Worktop in Lagoon, Silestone. Tap, DeVOL.
Worktop in Lagoon, Silestone. Tap, DeVOL.
The island houses a slick induction hob and just a single oven. “Quite often clients ask for a range cooker with a butler’s sink, but the owner was keen to have the sink with the wall lights above it as the focal point and keep any cooking stuff fairly minimalist,” Zoe says. “That way, you don’t have two things fighting for attention, just one statement piece on the back wall.”
The unit contains large drawers and a bin, and Zoe has slotted in a 15cm wine fridge at the far end.
Tempted to revamp your kitchen? Read reviews of kitchen designers and fitters in your area
The unit contains large drawers and a bin, and Zoe has slotted in a 15cm wine fridge at the far end.
Tempted to revamp your kitchen? Read reviews of kitchen designers and fitters in your area
The island is open at the back, with a pot board and a breakfast bar, to prevent a blocky feel. “As with many Victorian homes, the room is relatively narrow,” Zoe says, “so I was a bit nervous when the island was going in, hoping there would be plenty of room to walk down this side. Keeping the back quite open helps the area feel spacious.”
Brompton floor lamp; Matilda armchair in Isla Kingfisher, both Neptune. Bar stools, Cox & Cox.
Brompton floor lamp; Matilda armchair in Isla Kingfisher, both Neptune. Bar stools, Cox & Cox.
There’s a small dining area at the back of the room. “The owners were originally just going to have seating at the island, but they decided it might be nice to have an area where they could sit around with a few more people,” Zoe says.
The black-framed mirror links the area to the kitchen.
Table and chairs, Marks & Spencer. Pendant and wall lights, Rowen & Wren. Mirror, Neptune.
The black-framed mirror links the area to the kitchen.
Table and chairs, Marks & Spencer. Pendant and wall lights, Rowen & Wren. Mirror, Neptune.
The owner didn’t want the dining area to be the focus of the room, so the bench, which contains drawers, is painted in a pale grey, with brass handles to link with the kitchen units. “There’s a lot of dark cabinetry in the space and any more could have been overkill,” Zoe says.
The oak shelf and seat that run around the bench tie in with the engineered oak flooring. “The boards add warmth to the room and run throughout the ground floor, making the whole house feel cohesive,” Zoe adds.
Bench seat painted in Lily, Neptune.
The oak shelf and seat that run around the bench tie in with the engineered oak flooring. “The boards add warmth to the room and run throughout the ground floor, making the whole house feel cohesive,” Zoe adds.
Bench seat painted in Lily, Neptune.
The log-burning stove creates a cosy spot next to the dining table. “Each little area in the room has its own style,” Zoe says, “but they all tie together nicely.”
Fleming mirror, Neptune.
Tell us…
What do you think of this revamped kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Fleming mirror, Neptune.
Tell us…
What do you think of this revamped kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Who lives here? A couple with a baby on the way
Location Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Property A Victorian end-of-terrace with four bedrooms and two bathrooms
Room dimensions 3.5 x 7m
Designer Zoe Joannou of House of Beulah
When the owners of this house decided to extend and revamp their kitchen, they knew just what they wanted.
“They were looking for a classic meets modern style,” Zoe says. “The charcoal Shaker units and fresh white walls are modern, but there’s a Victorian vibe in the taps, butler’s sink and lighting that respects the era of the house.”
Suffolk kitchen in Charcoal; Barlow cup handles; half-beehive handles, all Neptune.