A kitchen makeover can completely transform a home, taking a dreary, outdated space and turning it into an inviting area for cooking, dining, and entertaining. This was precisely the mission for a London couple looking to reimagine their busy but boring kitchen into a New England-inspired space full of charm and functionality.
Introduction
The owners of this London home, located in the Primrose Hill neighborhood, were dealing with a cramped and inefficient kitchen layout that no longer suited their needs. As a couple that loved cooking, baking, and hosting dinner parties, having a kitchen that functioned well was a top priority. However, the existing kitchen felt dark and closed off from the rest of the house. The outdated cherry cabinetry and black countertops contributed to the overall gloomy aesthetic.
Inspired by idyllic New England cottages and home decor, the homeowners envisioned a lighter, airier kitchen with a timeless look and plenty of custom storage solutions. They desired a space where they could cook comfortably together, with room for multiple people to gather.
To achieve this goal, they hired an interior designer to completely remodel the kitchen. The renovations included knocking down walls, replacing cabinets and appliances, adding an island, installing new floors and ceilings, and decorating with New England-style accents. Nearly 6 months later, the transformation was complete – the once lackluster kitchen was reborn into a highly functional cooking space merged with cozy New England charm.
Planning the Remodel
The first step in remodeling this dated London kitchen was coming up with an effective layout. The existing footprint was very closed off from the rest of the home, with short ceilings and limited counter space.
To open up the space, one of the first changes was removing part of the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room. This helped connect the two rooms visually and allowed more natural light to filter in.
Other important layout considerations included:
- Creating defined work zones for food prep, cooking, washing, and storage
- Incorporating room for multiple people to cook or gather comfortably
- Adding an island with seating to expand the countertop workspace
- Upgrading all appliances and fixtures for optimal performance
- Installing a large farmhouse sink as the focal point
- Designing custom cabinetry and storage built-ins for organization
The homeowners wanted to retain some original architectural details like the window framing and exposed brick walls to preserve character. But surfaces like the tile flooring and cherry cabinets needed to be replaced to match the new aesthetic.
Key elements of the New England-inspired design were reclaimed wood accents, subway tile, antique-looking hardware, and a color palette of whites, blues, and neutrals. These choices helped strike the right balance between historic charm and airy elegance.
Demolition: Removing the Old Kitchen
With the layout strategy in place, it was time to gut the existing kitchen down to the studs. Appliances, cabinets, flooring, and the wall sections coming down were demolished and removed. Getting rid of these outdated elements allowed the space to be rebuilt from scratch.
Some of the key demolition tasks included:
- Disconnecting and removing all appliances like the refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher
- Tearing out old tile floors down to the subfloor
- Knocking down walls between the kitchen and dining room
- Removing upper and lower cherry cabinets
- Taking down the dated laminate countertops
- Eliminating the drop ceiling to expose pipes and wires
- Opening up the boxy layout to create an airier footprint
The demolition process took about one week of intense work. Dealing with all the dust, debris, and potential utility issues required skilled contractors. But the clean slate they created set the stage for the rebuild.
Structural Changes: Opening up the Space
With the kitchen gutted, some structural changes could commence. This primarily involved removing sections of the existing walls to improve sight lines and natural light.
The wall separating the kitchen from the adjacent dining room was partially dismantled to connect the two spaces visually. Sections were strategically removed to allow for the installation of a walk-through pantry and partition window.
On the back kitchen wall, a section was knocked out to accommodate the new French door installation. This door provided access to the small courtyard garden, improving indoor-outdoor flow.
Lastly, the drop ceiling was removed to give the kitchen a vertical boost. Exposing the pipes and ventilation system allowed for a higher ceiling, making the room feel more open and airy.
All of these structural changes required permits, professional contractors, and careful planning to execute seamlessly. But they truly opened up the kitchen to feel more like part of the home versus a closed off, isolated space.
Custom Cabinetry: Crafting Built-In Storage
One of the most important elements of the kitchen remodel was the installation of custom cabinetry and built-ins tailored to the homeowner’s storage needs and style preferences.
The existing cherry cabinets were bulky, dated, and poorly organized. The new custom maple cabinetry introduced cleaner lines, drawers suited for pots and pans, pull-out vertical storage, and dedicated spaces for appliances.
Key features of the new cabinetry plan included:
- 42” upper cabinets with crown molding
- Full-height pantry with rollout shelves
- Double tier cutlery and spice drawers
- Deep lower drawers for cookware storage
- Glass-front upper cabinets for display
- Custom hood with reclaimed wood accent
- Built-in bench seating with large drawers
By designing every inch of storage specific to how the homeowners cook and organize, the new cabinet layout streamlined the workflow. The varying heights, widths, and interior configurations catered to everything from dishes to baking sheets.
The new cabinetry provided ample and accessible storage that put items right at the homeowners’ fingertips—a major upgrade from the old awkward layout. The New England-inspired details like visible hinges, beaded fronts, and muted painted finishes added character and charm.
Island Installation: Adding Work and Dining Space
One of the most dramatic changes to the kitchen layout was the addition of a large kitchen island. This expansive work surface provided much needed countertop space for meal prep. But it also created a casual dining area and social hub within the kitchen.
The custom-built island featured details like:
- White oak butcher block countertop
- Recessed panel cabinet fronts with storage inside
- X-shaped legs and an overhang for seating
- Pendant lights overhead for ambiance
- Open shelving for cookbooks and display
- Stainless steel French farmhouse sink
With seating for 3-4 people, the kitchen island became an ideal spot for casual meals. It was also a perfect place for entertaining guests, as the open floor plan allowed it to connect to the refinished dining room.
The central island truly transformed how the kitchen space was used. What was once a cramped galley layout became an open, social gathering place—just what the London homeowners wanted.
Flooring: Installing Reclaimed Wood Look Plank Tile
The existing kitchen tile was outdated and impractical. So installing new porcelain plank tile flooring helped tie the whole new aesthetic together.
The homeowners selected a reclaimed wood look tile in a grey washed color palette. The broad planks brought warmth to balance the crisp cabinetry. And the porcelain material was more durable and easy to clean than actual wood.
Some important benefits of the new tile flooring included:
- Helps unify the refinished kitchen and dining room
- Provides an attractive, natural wood look without maintenance
- Grey tones complement the blue cabinetry and white island
- Tile is water resistant, great for high traffic kitchens
- Planks create sense of visual continuity and flow
Compared to the old tile, the new floor made the kitchen feel lighter, airier, and less choppy. The neutral wood plank look acted as a base that allowed the other finishes to shine. And it aligned perfectly with the New England cottage design motif.
Appliances: Installing High Performance Equipment
The kitchen remodel was the perfect opportunity to upgrade all of the appliances to better suit the homeowners’ needs. The old appliances were not only dated in style, but lacked the functionality required for frequent cooking.
Some new luxury appliances added include:
- Professional 48” gas range with 6 burners
- Full-size electric wall oven with convection
- Built-in microwave with exhaust vent
- Energy efficient dishwasher with quiet operation
- 20 cubic foot stainless refrigerator with bottom freezer drawer
These appliances introduced conveniences like steam cooking, air frying, adjustable racks, fast preheating, and smartphone connectivity. Their larger capacity better fit the way the busy homeowners cooked and baked.
The powerful range, spacious oven, and quiet dishwasher transformed this kitchen into a high-performance cooking space. The style and arrangement of the appliances also contributed to a less cluttered look compared to the old configuration.
Lighting: Installing Task, Ambient, and Accent Fixtures
With a brighter, airier concept in mind, the lighting design focused on adding well-lit task areas supplemented by accent and ambient fixtures.
Key lighting elements included:
- LED recessed can lights in the ceiling for ambient illumination
- Under cabinet lighting for food prep and cooking tasks
- Sconces flanking the decorative hood provide accent lighting
- 3 pendant lamps to illuminate the island dining space
- Recessed lights in the new pantry and glass cabinet tops
The new lighting plan removed dated elements like the fluorescent box lighting. The strategic mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting made the kitchen more functional and attractive.
The pendant lights over the island added inviting ambiance. Details like the glass cabinet top lighting and sconces gave the kitchen warmth and charm in keeping with the New England-inspired design.
Installation of Architectural Details
Several carefully chosen architectural details helped reinforce the vintage New England cottage feel within the newly remodeled kitchen. These included:
Exposed Brick Wall:
One accent wall of the original brick was left exposed and given a fresh coat of white paint. This added texture and played up the character of the Primrose Hill home.
Subway Tile Backsplash:
A classic bright white 3” x 6” subway tile backsplash served as the backdrop for the gorgeous antique blue casework. The backsplash spanned the entire cooking zone.
Reclaimed Wood Accents:
In addition to the flooring, reclaimed wood beams were used for the kitchen hood cover and open shelving. This brought natural warmth to balance the white cabinetry.
Partition Window:
The new window cut into the wall linking the kitchen and dining room let light pass through and connected the spaces.
French Doors:
New French doors replaced a smaller window, allowing direct access to the courtyard garden.
Each detail enhanced the New England-inspired look while giving this London kitchen unique character and charm rarely found in new builds.
Choosing the Color Palette
The color scheme for this kitchen makeover was rooted in light, neutral shades accented by pops of blue, green, and touches of wood tones. This allowed the architecture to shine while still feeling cozy versus sterile.
Some specifics on the color palette included:
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace white on the island base cabinets
- Sherwin-Williams Naval blue on the perimeter upper casework
- Warm white on the subway tile backsplash and ceiling
- Benjamin Moore Linen White used on the walls
- Green accents via foliage, art, and accessories
- Golden oak finishes on the flooring and wood accents
The combination of soothing whites and blues, punctuated by greens from plants and accent pieces, created a crisp yet welcoming backdrop. Timeless shades meshed perfectly with the New England style vision.
Sourcing the Finishes and Materials
The interior designer and homeowners worked together closely to source all the materials, furniture, lighting, hardware, and finishes that brought this kitchen to life. Finding pieces that aligned with the aesthetic vision was key.
Some notable sourcing details:
- Custom cabinetry designed locally, built offsite
- White oak island butcher block from a sustainable UK provider
- Porcelain wood-look plank tile from Spain
- Kitchen island base ordered from a furniture maker
- Vintage-style lighting and hardware from Rejuvenation
- Stainless steel appliances from John Lewis
- Subway tile and designer plumbing fixtures from UK shops
- Garden stools, furnishings and art from antiques shops and boutiques
By mixing custom elements with curated vintage and antique pieces, the kitchen truly embodied the essence of New England cottage style rather than just mimicking it. Quality craftsmanship and sustainable sources were prioritized.
The Remodeling Process and Timeline
Remodeling an entire kitchen from start to finish is no small undertaking. Careful planning and project management is required to keep the process on track and prevent costly delays.
Here is an overview of the timeline for this London kitchen remodel:
Weeks 1-2: Layout finalized, demolition work begins
Weeks 3-5: New structural changes are made, space prepped for install
Weeks 6-9: New utilities, HVAC, electrical and plumbing work completed
Weeks 10-12: Custom cabinetry installation commences
Weeks 13-15: Countertops, backsplash tile, and flooring installed
Weeks 16-17: Installation of all new appliances, fixtures and lighting
Weeks 18-20: Final decor touches, furniture added, styling completed
Total Duration: 20 Weeks
Careful coordination was required between the designers, contractors, cabinet makers, and homeowners throughout the process. But the project stayed relatively on schedule, wrapping up in just under 5 months.
Designing a Functional Kitchen Layout
One of the most important facets of the kitchen remodel was creating a layout tailored to how the London homeowners cook, eat, and live day to day. Key factors included:
Separating Work Zones: The kitchen features distinct zones for food prep, cooking, cleaning, dining, and storage. This allows multiple cooks to work simultaneously.
Optimizing Triangle Workflow: Fridge, sink, and range create an efficient triangle that minimizes cross-traffic and steps.
Emphasizing Ergonomics: Frequently used items live at comfortable heights. Storage is designed for easy access.
Blending Open and Closed Storage: Glass front cabinets, open shelving, and a partition window maintain sightlines while closed storage hides small appliances.
Allowing Room to Gather: Island seating and the open dining room allow 4-6 people to socialize and dine comfortably.
Highlighting Architectural Details: Exposed brick, reclaimed beams, and other original accents add character and tie the home together.
This thoughtful layout allows the kitchen to meet the homeowner’s needs for years to come, while retaining charm and functionality.
Designing a Functional Kitchen Layout
One of the most important facets of the kitchen remodel was creating a layout tailored to how the London homeowners cook, eat, and live day to day. Key factors included:
- Separating Work Zones: The kitchen features distinct zones for food prep, cooking, cleaning, dining, and storage. This allows multiple cooks to work simultaneously.
- Optimizing Triangle Workflow: Fridge, sink, and range create an efficient triangle that minimizes cross-traffic and steps.
- Emphasizing Ergonomics: Frequently used items live at comfortable heights. Storage is designed for easy access.
- Blending Open and Closed Storage: Glass front cabinets, open shelving, and a partition window maintain sightlines while closed storage hides small appliances.
- Allowing Room to Gather: Island seating and the open dining room allow 4-6 people to socialize and dine comfortably.
- Highlighting Architectural Details: Exposed brick, reclaimed beams, and other original accents add character and tie the home together.
This thoughtful layout allows the kitchen to meet the homeowner’s needs for years to come, while retaining charm and functionality.
Choosing Fixtures and Finishes
The fixtures and finishes selected for this kitchen remodel needed to check all the boxes functionally while matching the New England inspired aesthetic.
Faucet: A bridge-style gooseneck faucet in matte black adds vintage character while offering flexibility.
Hardware: Antiqued brass knobs and pulls have an aged, timeworn look befitting the home’s architecture.
Lighting: Pendant lamps, recessed lighting and sconces pair task and ambient illumination.
Countertops: Soapstone on the perimeter and white oak on the island offer natural contrast.
Backsplash: Classic white subway tile with dark grout lines provides a clean, neutral backdrop.
Flooring: Wide plank porcelain tile looks convincingly like reclaimed wood.
Each detail was carefully curated to enhance the form and function of the new kitchen. The fixtures and finishes work cohesively to create a space infused with cottage charm.
Designing an Aesthetically Pleasing Space
In addition to optimizing function, the kitchen remodel needed to result in a visually stunning space. Several design choices contributed to the aesthetic appeal:
- Unifying Indoor and Outdoor: The new French doors connect the kitchen to the garden courtyard, blurring lines between indoors and out.
- Mixing Textures and Materials: Wood, tile, stone, glass, metal, and brick mingle to add depth and interest.
- Playing with Light: Sunlight streams in from multiple angles. Task lighting illuminates key areas. Ambient and accent lighting add warmth.
- Repetition of Architectural Details: Exposed beams are echoed on the range hood. Subway tile continues onto the backsplash wall.
- Contrasting Dark and Light: Naval blue perimeter cabinets pop against the white island and light walls. The reclaimed oak floor grounds the space.
- Curating Stylish Decor: Vintage accents like antique glassware and ceramic tableware reinforce the aesthetic.
Thanks to this purposeful, well-executed design, the new kitchen achieves a spectacular blend of form and function.
Adding Storage Solutions
For avid home cooks and bakers like the London homeowners, no kitchen remodel is complete without storage customized to fit their needs. Built-in organization was a priority.
Some of the storage solutions incorporated into the
