This light blue painted kitchen by Smallbone of Devizes has a wonderfully spacious feel

Jai Goodwin

A handmade, hand painted kitchen is a luxurious investment, and the name Smallbone of Devizes is synonymous with the finest bespoke kitchens and painted cabinetry. Craftsmen are trained in the traditional skills of turning and joining, and create enviable and stylish  kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. Senior Designer Jai Goodwin says ‘Although Smallbone is committed to preserving the time-honoured skills of its craftsmen, it has never been a company to stand still and prides itself on revolutionising the form of the kitchen from cooking space to today’s social hub’

Q: What were the standout priorities in your brief from the client?
Our clients wanted to create a kitchen with a style blending both classic and contemporary ideas. One of the main priorities was an easy flow between the dining and living areas and the garden, whilst at the same time presenting an easy-to-use kitchen orientated to adults, with plenty of space for entertaining guests. We were also asked to keep the look sophisticated and glamorous …

Q: How did you set about answering that brief?
The design involved a central staircase between the kitchen and living room which enabled the owners to keep the whole of the lower floor as an open-plan space, and consequently created the double-height dining area. Large bi-fold glass doors opening out into the garden created an enjoyable flow-through and the large central island is ideal for both prep tasks and a morning coffee. The glazed wall cabinets and a gentle, light blue colour palette enhance the already considerable feeling of light and space. The Molten Silver handles were designed for Smallbone’s Walnut & Silver collection, and add the essential touch of glamour.

Q: Explain the reasons behind the choices of cabinetry and work surfaces …
It’s essentially quite a simple design, with an L-Shaped layout of cabinets installed along the kitchen’s two solid walls. We used cabinetry to frame the main appliances, and there’s plenty of storage space with practical pull-outs and interiors fittings such as drawer dividers and internal drawers. The glazed wall cabinets create impact and give the furniture a sense of presence in the large room. We used Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue paint throughout for all the cabinets to create a beautiful, modern and calm backdrop to the room.

Q: Was there any building/renovation work involved?
Yes, they dug down to the lower floor to replace a series of small, low-ceilinged rooms with one large open space, yet there is no sense that it is a lower ground floor. It’s colour scheme and access to the garden make the space feel particularly light and airy

Q: What is your best advice for someone who may be planning a new kitchen?
When planning a new kitchen, bespoke is the best route to take. The designers will work with you to refine your ideas, aspire to reflect your vision and will manage every step of the project. The designer and his or her team will visit your home to discuss your requirements, choose appliances and accessories and ultimately, specify every single piece of furniture and cabinetry.

We Love: The easy, free-flowing feel of this kitchen and it’s dramatic staircase

The Details:
All design and cabinetry by Smallbone of Devizes. www.smallbone.co.uk T:0207 589 5998 / enquiries@smallbone.co.uk
• Oven, extractor, dishwasher and wine cabinet by Miele, www.miele.co.uk
• Fridge and freezer by Siemens, www.siemens-home.co.uk
• Sink and tap by Franke, www.franke.co.uk
• All fittings by Blum, www.blum.com
• Paint by Farrow & Ball, www.farrow-ball.com
• Pendant lights above island by Tom Dixon, www.tomdixon.net