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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.