TV room with fireplace and bookcses

Simon Taylor Furniture was commissioned to undertake the full refurbishment of an existing kitchen space in a Victorian railway cottage in a small village, near Aylesbury. The clients were seeking a light, bright traditional Shaker kitchen that would include plenty of storage and seating for two people. In addition to removing the old kitchen, they also laid a new floor using 60 x60cm floor tiles in Lakestone Ivory Matt by Minoli, prior to installing the new kitchen. All cabinetry was handmade at the Simon Taylor Furniture cabinet workshop in Bierton, near Aylesbury, and it was handpainted in Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball. The Shaker design includes cot bead frames with Ovolo bead moulding on the inner edge of each door, with tongue and groove panelling in the peninsula recess and as end panels to add contrast. Above the tall cabinetry and overhead cupboards is the Simon Taylor Furniture classic cornice to the ceiling. All internal carcases and dovetail drawer boxes are made of oak, with open shelving in oak as an accent detail. The white window pelmets feature the same Ovolo design with LED lighting at the base, and were also handmade at the workshop. The worktops and upstands, featured throughout the kitchen, are made from 20mm thick quartz with a double pencil edge in Vicenza by CRL Stone. The working kitchen area was designed in an L-shape with a wet run beneath the main feature window and the cooking run against an internal wall. The wet run includes base cabinets for bins and utility items in addition to a 60cm integrated dishwasher by Siemens with deep drawers to one side. At the centre is a farmhouse sink by Villeroy & Boch with a dual lever mixer tap by Perrin & Rowe. The overhead cabinetry for the cooking run includes three storage cupboards and a housing for a 45cm built-in Microwave by Siemens. The base cabinetry beneath includes two sets of soft-opening cutlery and storage drawers on either side of a Britannia range cooker that the clients already owned. Above the glass splashback is a concealed canopy hood, also by Siemens. Intersecting the 16sq. metre space is a stylish curved peninsula with a tongue and grooved recess beneath the worktop that has space for two counter stools, a feature that was integral to the initial brief. At the curved end of the peninsula is a double-door crockery cabinet and on the wall above it are open shelves in oak, inset with LED downlights, next to a tall white radiator by Zehnder. To the left of the peninsula is an integrated French Door fridge freezer by Fisher & Paykel on either side of two tall shallow cabinets, which are installed into a former doorway to a utility room, which now has a new doorway next to it. The cabinetry door fronts feature a broken façade to add further detail to this Shaker kitchen. Directly opposite the fridge freezer, the corner space next to doors that lead to the formal dining room now has a tall pantry larder with oak internal shelving and spice racks inside the double doors. All cup handles and ball knobs are by Hafele.

This project was the complete reconfiguration and extension of a clients home. We worked on the spatial layout and design for each room. The client wanted a middle eastern aesthetic with marble tiles and brass accents. For the cloakroom commissioned a bespoke painted Harvey George vanity unit and selected these beautiful handles to create a focal point.

“A bold artistic expression, it radiates a unique and inimitable charm that captivates at first glance.” Set within a charming period property in the village of Shillington, Hertfordshire, this kitchen was designed to capture the romance, colour, and character of our clients’ time spent in Italy. Their love for the country and the many memories made there became the driving inspiration for this warm, vibrant, and timeless space. Opting for our In-Frame Shaker cabinetry, the clients embraced its classic proportions and enduring style, having it hand-painted in Farrow & Ball Cooks Blue – a vivid hue reminiscent of the Mediterranean, chosen to perfectly complement the magnificent Smeg x Dolce & Gabbana Range Cooker. The cabinetry is elevated further with Hendel & Hendel Belgravia polished nickel handles, offering a refined and timeless finishing touch. The kitchen follows an L-shaped layout anchored by a central rectangular island, complete with an elevated solid oak breakfast bar stained in Rubio Cotton White – the ideal gathering spot for casual dining or morning coffee. The Smeg x Dolce & Gabbana Range Cooker and matching extractor hood form the heart of the design, turning cooking into a work of art. This limited-edition collaboration celebrates all things Made in Italy, featuring the Divina Cucina collection’s bold colours and intricate patterns inspired by Sicilian majolica ceramicware. The Chimney Hood proudly wears the vibrant Dolce & Gabbana print, making it a true statement piece and a fitting tribute to our client’s love for Italian culture and cuisine. Alongside the statement range, the kitchen is equipped with Premium NEFF integrated appliances, including a fridge freezer and dishwasher, as well as a Caple Wine Cooler and Caple Microwave, all positioned for convenience. The sink run features a Shaws Shaker double bowl paired with a Perrin & Rowe Phoenician widespread mixer with rinse in pewter, and a Quooker Nordic Round in stainless steel for instant boiling water. And not forgetting the bespoke over-window mantle that seamlessly connects the cabinetry, with integrated LED lighting adding both practical illusions and a refined design detail. All surfaces are finished in Dekton Malibu, a porcelain worktop that brings a fresh, modern look, both stylish and durable, to this Italian-inspired hub. Additional touches include a coffee station with reeded glass-fronted doors and jars filled with rich Italian coffee, and the tall, slim pantry cupboard is discreet yet provides generous storage. There are also deep drawers with custom inserts, a corner Le Mans, and a pull-out unit for cooking oils and spices. This kitchen tells a beautiful story of the Mediterranean, bringing a slice of this into a quintessentially English home.

When the homeowners first approached us, they had a clear vision in mind—they wanted something that would complement their existing oak beams and create a warm, handmade, farmhouse atmosphere. We spent time together exploring different options, taking care to ensure every choice reflected their style and the family's needs. Ultimately, we settled on our Period English style, which aligned beautifully with their vision. The addition of curved cabinet legs was a subtle yet significant choice, softening the overall look and bringing a more relaxed feel to the room. The oak beams, far from being a design challenge, became an integral part of the space. We incorporated them into the layout, and the homeowners were delighted with how the kitchen now fits between the beams. One of the family’s favourite features is the kitchen island, which has become a central gathering spot—ideal for both practical tasks and family time. After experimenting with several shades, they settled on this beautiful blue for the cabinetry. The colour not only brightened the space but also beautifully complemented the warmth of the oak beams. Advice from the homeowners: They highly recommend visiting our showroom to meet the team in person. Seeing the options up close and discussing the fine details with the team helped ensure the final design turned out exactly as they had imagined.

The reconfiguration centred on moving the kitchen to the rear of the house, opening up the space to the garden and creating a light-filled, open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, the heart of the home.

Nestled in the serene countryside of Surrey, this once tired and uninspiring annexe yearned for a transformation, a revival of colour and purpose. My clients' directive was to convert this neglected space into something truly spectacular, a challenge I eagerly embraced. Having enjoyed many nights out in Mayfair when they lived in London, they tasked me with fashioning a bar that encapsulates the sophisticated allure of the district.

Bathroom accessed through fitted joinery, leading to a freestanding bath positioned beneath a shuttered window. Symmetrical cabinetry in a soft neutral tone frames the view, paired with black handles for contrast. Stone flooring and a simple black tap complete the space with a clean, balanced finish.

Designed from our Devine collection, this light green Kitchen is a blend of elegance and comfort. Its 'Moonstone' paint colour offers a tranquil space for culinary passions. The pale sage green cabinetry, complemented by burnished brass handles, sets an enchanting tone. The smoked oak veneer adds depth against the stunning Silestone Calacatta Gold worktops, creating a captivating dance of light. With Miele appliances, this kitchen blends classic design and modern technology. At Tom Howley, we've meticulously crafted every detail to embody our ethos. With its serene aesthetics and flawless functionality, this kitchen is a place where elegance and comfort seamlessly intertwine.

Vibrant Coloured Living Rom on a Victoria Terrace

Study with sofabed

Blue and Light Grey Kitchen with Grey Marble Countertops and White Tiled Backsplash in Extended Family Home in Itchen Abbas, Winchester.

A seamless open-plan living and dining space at Triptych Bankside, featuring soft textures, warm hues, and natural materials in a Southbank luxury apartment.

This project involved the complete transformation of a long-neglected, overgrown garden into a vibrant, structured, and highly functional outdoor sanctuary. Designed with both visual harmony and practical use in mind, the garden now offers a refined, immersive experience that balances natural beauty with intentional design. At its heart, a main patio is elegantly connected to a more secluded rear patio by a series of random-length natural stone stepping stones, creating rhythm and flow throughout the space. The rear patio is enveloped by tall, architectural Phyllostachis aurea, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a private tropical retreat, rich in texture and movement. On the left side, we constructed two bespoke wooden raised beds, tailored for the client’s use in cultivating aromatic herbs—merging functionality with understated elegance. To the right, a striking Trachycarpus fortunei palm serves as a focal point, complemented by a generously planted bed that delivers seasonal interest, structure, and year-round interest.