Classic In-Frame Shaker Plain Front & Single Square Bead Kitchen 112 – Clapham, London

Project Highlights

• Classic In-Frame Shaker cabinetry with a plain front frame and single square bead, a contemporary twist on the iconic style
• Hand-painted in Farrow and Ball Red Earth, paired with Little Greene Slaked Lime Dark on the banquette and bar area
• Stained natural oak island with a 300mm overhang for seating up to four, and a concealed cabling post for integrated power
• L-shaped layout beneath overhead skylights and floor-to-ceiling Crittall windows and doors
• Bespoke banquette upholstered in Red Earth tones beside a bar with fluted glass cabinets and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry
• Misterio quartz worktops with a continuous splashback in soft white and delicate grey veining
• Armac Martin Leebank knurled knobs in aged brass, with a discreet integrated cat flap below the open shelving unit

An Autumn-Inspired Clapham Renovation

In the affluent area of Clapham in London, this remarkable home renovation project celebrates the art of bespoke, handmade design. Recognising craftsmanship, personality and function, all three aspects come together for the perfect balance. For homeowner and interior designer Tom Hughes, the kitchen was always going to be the star of the show, made into a space that reflects his planned sensibilities and transforms everyday living into moments to treasure.

Working closely with our client, we reimagined the Classic In-Frame Shaker with a contemporary twist, introducing a plain front frame with a single square bead. This subtle yet striking detail adds character and refinement, perfectly aligning with modern living and the client’s ultimate design vision.

Bathed in natural light from overhead skylights and floor-to-ceiling Crittall windows and doors, the L-shaped layout is both open and welcoming, offering a smooth flow for cooking, entertaining and relaxing. From the stained oak island and dark aged bronze finishes to the bespoke banquette and drinks area, every element of this kitchen has been considered. The whole design celebrates the beauty of autumn.

A Red Earth and Slaked Lime Dark Palette

When it came to the colour palette, the eye for design brought this space to life through a balance of three concepts: warmth, depth and natural harmony.

We hand-painted the main kitchen in Farrow and Ball Red Earth, a soft terracotta red inspired by the soil beneath our feet. This rich blend is luxurious, making the kitchen an inviting space to be in. As the light changes throughout the day, this delightful red glows softly in the morning before deepening into a cocooning warmth by evening.

Complementing this earthy tone, Little Greene Slaked Lime Dark was chosen for the banquette and bar area, introducing a versatile neutral that adds balance to the boldness of the terracotta. Together, both hues tell a story of contrast and deeper connection.

Stained Oak Island with a 300mm Overhang

Centrally positioned, the island is at the heart of the room, a stunning representation of classic, timeless design. Echoing the same In-Frame Classic Single Square Bead style as the main kitchen, it has been crafted in natural oak with a dark stain. This raw look adds a rich warmth that anchors the entire open-plan space.

It is more than just a focal point. This luxurious island is beautiful and practical, offering a 300mm overhang around the cabinetry to provide comfortable seating for up to four people. This social hub is a great spot for perching and a quick bite to eat, or a place to sit and chat with the chef.

To the left-hand side, a hollow post discreetly conceals the electrical cabling, maintaining the island’s seamless appearance while allowing for integrated functionality. This is where smaller appliances such as a mixer can be plugged in, or where you can charge your phone. Inside, our meticulous craftsmanship continues, with bespoke storage solutions and a cutlery tray in the top drawer for neatly organised essentials.

Miele Appliances & a Handcrafted Mantle

We formed the appliance layout to bring impact and functionality to the kitchen. A bank of Miele appliances, including a single oven, warming drawer and microwave, sits neatly at the end of the sink run. Continuing the L-shaped layout, a flush Miele hob takes centre stage on the opposing run, paired with a Westin Prime 900 extractor concealed within a handcrafted mantle, for a beautiful architectural look.

Maintaining the cohesive aesthetic, a Siemens fridge-freezer is fully integrated within the tall cabinetry, while a Siemens dishwasher remains discreetly hidden behind matching doors.

The black gloss finish of the Miele appliances creates a striking contrast against the warm terracotta tones of Farrow and Ball Red Earth, designed for a streamlined finish and a design-led appeal.

Sink Area with Franke Mythos and Samuel Heath

The sink area beautifully balances practicality with style, combining a sleek Franke Mythos integrated stainless steel bowl and a subtle warmth from the Samuel Heath aged brass tap.

Adding a touch of visual texture and shine, small square tiles were chosen for the splashback, reflecting the light and adding a fresh look.

As the sink is not positioned by a window, we designed floating shelves above to bridge the gap between the wall cabinets, creating a decorative feature. They have been styled with greenery, cookbooks and autumnal accessories such as pumpkins, with integrated LED lighting placed beneath.

Banquette and Bar Area in Slaked Lime Dark

Positioned within the appealing open-plan layout, the banquette and drinks area form a beautifully balanced wall of comfort and sophistication. All hand-painted in the warm neutral of Little Greene Slaked Lime Dark and topped with traditional cornices, this section is made up of three distinct elements.

To the left, the bar area immediately draws the eye with its fluted glass cabinets framed by floor-to-ceiling cabinetry on either side. Entertaining is made easy: the welcoming bar is the ideal spot to mix drinks, chat with friends and admire the craftsmanship. Inside the tall cupboards, custom shelving keeps everything perfectly organised, from glassware and bottles to cleaning equipment, while the soft glow of lighting built into the underside of the cabinetry highlights every detail.

Along the wall, the banquette seating creates a relaxed social hub. The deep sofa-style seat has been upholstered to include the rich terracotta tones inspired by Farrow and Ball Red Earth, adding a personal touch of vibrancy. With a seat depth of 750mm and a 600mm high angled backboard, the banquette offers generous comfort for morning coffee, family meals and late-night chats with a glass of wine. The dining table, personally chosen by the client, echoes the stained finish of the island, tying the design together with thoughtful consistency.

Curated Shelving and a Hidden Cat Flap

A touch of character continues with a tall open shelving unit that displays curated décor and books, while a discreet cat flap is neatly integrated beneath, where the household pet has its own stylish entrance.

This entire area perfectly reflects our approach with interior designer Tom Hughes to create a social space that is personal, purposeful and beautifully made.

A Personal, Lived-In Clapham Home

Concluding this stunning Clapham project, all elements are brought together to create a space for living, entertaining and truly enjoying every moment. Even the family cat has its own little hideaway, proof that no detail was overlooked. It is a truly functional and personal home.