Looking at the relaxed sophistication of Stacey and Jack’s Chichester kitchen you’d be forgiven for thinking this cooking-mad couple had a few renovation successes under their belts. In fact, the back-to-brick project in a leafy part of south-east London was their very first. 

The couple bought the late Victorian house in September 2021 as a gradual renovation project, living in the property throughout (along with Leo the dog) to save money. 'Originally, the kitchen was situated in the middle reception room of the classic terrace layout,' recalls Stacey. 'But as soon as we saw the beautiful original French doors, which led into the garden, via a dilapidated conservatory, we knew the kitchen had to go in this back room.'

By Spring 2022, Stacey and Jack were ready to embark on the kitchen. 'We visited lots of companies but when we discovered the Neptune franchise at Woods of London in Blackheath, everything felt just right. The superior quality of the cabinetry was on a par with other more expensive designs and the team were really accommodating, so it was the perfect pitch point for us.'

Alicia Turner, co-owner of Woods of London, recalls discussing the brief with the couple. 'The room had high ceilings and original cornicing which they were renovating, so, in keeping with the period of the property, the brief was to not look like a modern, fully fitted kitchen. The Chichester collection, with its elegant traditional details, was the perfect solution. As we were dealing with small spaces either side of the chimney and different depths of cabinetry, the options of smaller size cabinets within the collection gave the design lots of flexibility.'

Top of Stacey and Jack’s must-have list was a large American fridge (Stacey is a New Yorker, after all) together with space for a (reconditioned) Lacanche range, plenty of storage and a large island. The range was planned to slot into the old chimney recess and Stacey was keen to incorporate a decorative over-mantel. 'We discussed sourcing a piece of weathered wood, but felt it would look too ‘country’,' recalls Stacey. 'Then Alicia had the clever idea to use some extra Chichester moulding to create a bespoke mantel which gives the room a real customised look.' To keep the room feeling open and bright, Alicia recommended avoiding wall cabinets. 'I suggested using a bifold countertop cupboard on the short wall instead, so that the range cooker and mantel would be features,' she explains.

When it came to a colour scheme, the couple wanted a timeless neutral palette, using Snow on the cabinetry and Farrow & Ball’s Schoolhouse White on the walls. In contrast, the original floorboards were stained a rich chocolatey brown and the couple opted for an antique brass finish for the hardware. The marble island worktop was the only hint of colour. 'My husband is a geologist and refused to consider anything that wasn’t natural when it came to the work surfaces,' says Stacey.  'We found this stunning cut with green veining which in some parts is a Hunter Green shade and in others a bright Chartreuse.'

Two years on and baby Iris has arrived, meaning the kitchen is a busy family hub. 'We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, making one million snacks every day,' laughs Stacey. 'We’d wanted a kitchen where we could prepare a quick meal and be comfortable but also a space to host friends at the island and a place where we could sit to eat as a family. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved – a kitchen that is a beautiful space to relax in but also practical and high functioning.'

To begin your kitchen journey, book your free consultation today or visit your nearest store.