Willowbrook House

Stephen’s vision for the kitchen was to create a modern and fresh space that nonetheless honours the character and heritage of the Georgian property.

Keeping the original Welsh slate floor and the bright yellow Esse stove, he designed a statement bespoke dresser with open shelving along the lines of a traditional apothecary. This he integrated with a modern take on Shaker-style cabinetry and dovetail drawers, all hand-painted in Farrow & Ball’s Emerald Green, which gives a connection to the garden and a sense of fun against the cooker. Below the Georgian window he designed a built-in window seat and storage in the same style, which overlooks his flower garden and together with the wooden table is the place to eat, relax and socialise.

Stephen chose English bronze ironmongery by Corston for the cabinetry handles and a Perrin & Rowe brass tap for the sink in keeping with the character of the house, together with brass light switches and shelf brackets which further the aesthetic in a mix of contemporary and traditional. The kitchen is both boldly modern and as one could imagine when the house was originally built, the simplicity and light touch achieved through the consideration of detailing, fixtures and the use of colour, and how these come together.

Across the rest of the property there was structurally little to do, and as a listed property, no major alterations would have received planning consent. Stephen’s design approach was to restore and give space to the architectural features that were happily still in place – fireplaces and mantels, cornices, the original windows and shutters and the clawfoot bath. His use of colours, joinery, fittings and furniture come together to celebrate the Georgian architecture in a modern interpretation which brings a refined vibrancy but also a restfulness to each of the rooms.