Kitchens for Listed Buildings

Designing for Historic Homes

Whether living in a humble Victorian house, a Georgian mansion, or a Scottish castle, finding the right kitchen style for the building is essential. Kitchen design is a very personal thing, especially for old homes. Some prefer to complement the property’s architectural style, while others embrace a more modern-looking space.

A kitchen in harmony with the building tends to age gracefully. When units are chosen carefully, they don’t date easily. There’s nothing worse than stepping into a kitchen that screams, “Help! I need a refurb!” That said, many period properties with ultra-modern extensions manage to pull off a modern kitchen beautifully.

Deciding what to do about a kitchen can be challenging. Mod cons are a must, but maintaining that period feel is often desirable too. Kitchens today are the social heart of the home. Sure, people had dinner parties 100 years ago, but back then, food preparation was hidden behind closed doors, a task for servants. Life is different now. There’s no longer any embarrassment in inviting friends into the kitchen while cooking—it’s one of the joys of meal preparation, sharing conversation and a glass of wine with company.

Here are some tips on what to consider when designing a kitchen for a period home.

Fitted or Unfitted?

Traditionally, period kitchen featured free-standing, practical furniture pieces accumulated over time. Nowadays, most prefer fitted kitchens for their ease of cleaning (no crumbs under the furniture) and the ability to maximize storage in smaller spaces.

freestanding kitchens, on the other hand, offer a more relaxed, individual, and original look. Furniture can be moved or replaced easily if a better piece comes along. In older homes with uneven walls, fitting cabinets can be challenging, while freestanding furniture tends to work well.

Top tip: Combine both ideas!

Positioning the cooking and washing-up areas for practicality is always a good approach. Other sections of the room can then be designed with a period aesthetic, incorporating freestanding kitchen units or even antiques. For those who prefer a fully fitted kitchen, it’s possible to design fitted units that mimic the appearance of freestanding pieces.

Mix and Match

Many kitchens in historic buildings evolved gradually over time. In the past, recreating specific paint colours was costly, so furniture was often painted in whatever colours were available or left as natural wood.

Top tip: Use different colours.

The trend of having one colour for all cabinets emerged with the mass production of kitchen units. Even if a uniform look is preferred, consider using a different colour for an island or table to add contrast.

Cabinet Detail

At The White Kitchen Company, the focus is on designing with classic and timeless styles. Most historic looks are achieved using the Shaker Kitchen style, known for its simple, basic units, along with period English beaded cabinets or our English Heritage collection.

Handles

For an authentic period look, selecting the right kitchen cabinet handles is essential. While handleless designs can be striking, they aren’t ideal for older listed buildings. Instead, opt for pulls or knobs that will complement the desired style.

A beautiful example for a period home is Cotswold’s ‘Georgian Cabinet Pulls,’ featured in a client’s new kitchen. Inspired by Georgian interiors, these handles exude elegance and offer a timeless aesthetic.

Appliances

In listed buildings, appliances can sometimes feel out of place, especially washing machines and tumble dryers, which are best kept out of sight. While cookers and sinks can add character to a room, these modern appliances can disrupt the period aesthetic. Even in utility rooms, it’s often preferable to hide them.

When designing a period utility room, inspiration often comes from traditional wash-houses, sculleries, or old boot rooms. These spaces can be transformed into stunning areas that complement the charm of a listed building.

Larders and Pantry Cupboards

Larders are a fantastic addition to any kitchen. For kitchens without an original larder, a creative solution is to utilise a corner of a small room. A simple ‘plank’ wood wall and door can transform this area into a compact space that surprisingly feels much larger than expected while providing ample storage. For those lacking space for a traditional walk-in larder, consider incorporating a full-length larder cabinet or a worktop pantry cupboard into the period kitchen design.

For assistance in designing an appropriate period kitchen in a listed building, please call 01604 435835. Help is always on hand!