A DEVON BAKER'S DREAM KITCHEN
Set in the heart of South Devon, this beautifully renovated family home called for more than simply a new kitchen. The homeowners approached designer Ben Gilbert seeking a space that would work hard for everyday life while also delivering moments of personality and indulgence.
THE KITCHEN
The cabinetry is finished in Bampton Mussel, creating a soft and elegant backdrop. Cabinets are built into the far wall, while a generous central island anchors the space. To the left, a run of cabinetry frames a substantial Falcon range cooker, crowned with a painted mantel in Marine. Hidden behind the mantel is a built in extractor, preserving the clean lines of the design.
A large grey mirror splashback sits above the cooker, reflecting light and views from the bifold doors opposite. This thoughtful detail enhances brightness and creates a sense of depth, making the room feel larger and more open.
The island, designed in Marine, is designed for both preparation and connection. At one end sits a sink paired with a Quooker boiling water tap, ideal for busy family life. At the other end, seating invites conversation. Beneath the surface, generous storage ensures everything has its place. Moulded skirting plinths wrap the island and side cabinetry, introducing a traditional detail that grounds the contemporary layout.
THE PANTRY & COFFEE LARDER
Along one wall, a run of cabinetry conceals a bespoke walk in baker’s pantry created especially for the family’s daughter. Inside, oak crates and a quartz worktop form a practical and inspiring baking space.
Tongue and groove panelling in Mussel lines the back wall, adding texture and cohesion. An oak shelf is supported by chrome plated brackets from Hendel & Hendel, introducing a refined detail that complements the wider scheme.
Centrally positioned within this wall is an American fridge freezer, framed with slim cupboards either side and a smaller cabinet above to maximise storage. To the far right, an oak coffee larder with open shelving, a quartz worktop and oak drawers below provides a dedicated drinks station, keeping the main kitchen uncluttered while enhancing everyday convenience.
THE BAR DRESSER
Beyond the kitchen, the dining room features a bespoke bar dresser designed to make a statement. Crafted with bifold doors in fluted glass, this piece balances drama with discretion.
When closed, the textured glass adds depth and character. When opened, LED lighting illuminates glass shelving, while cabinetry beneath offers practical storage. It is a striking focal point that elevates entertaining and brings personality beyond the kitchen itself.
Together, these spaces create a home tailored to the whole family. From baking and coffee rituals to evening hosting, every element was considered, crafted and designed to enhance daily life.
THE BAR DRESSER
Beyond the kitchen, the dining room features a bespoke bar dresser designed to make a statement. Crafted with bifold doors in fluted glass, this piece balances drama with discretion.
When closed, the textured glass adds depth and character. When opened, LED lighting illuminates glass shelving, while cabinetry beneath offers practical storage. It is a striking focal point that elevates entertaining and brings personality beyond the kitchen itself.
Together, these spaces create a home tailored to the whole family. From baking and coffee rituals to evening hosting, every element was considered, crafted and designed to enhance daily life.
THE BAR DRESSER
Beyond the kitchen, the dining room features a bespoke bar dresser designed to make a statement. Crafted with bifold doors in fluted glass, this piece balances drama with discretion.
When closed, the textured glass adds depth and character. When opened, LED lighting illuminates glass shelving, while cabinetry beneath offers practical storage. It is a striking focal point that elevates entertaining and brings personality beyond the kitchen itself.
Together, these spaces create a home tailored to the whole family. From baking and coffee rituals to evening hosting, every element was considered, crafted and designed to enhance daily life.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS PROJECT
OAK SPICE RACKS
Crafted in solid oak, these bespoke spice racks bring order and warmth in equal measure. Designed to keep everyday ingredients within easy reach, they turn practical storage into a considered feature. The natural grain introduces texture against painted cabinetry, while the open design makes cooking feel fluid and intuitive. Everything visible, everything accessible, everything exactly where it should be
TONGUE AND GROOVE PANELLING
Tongue and groove panelling adds quiet architectural character, layering depth into the space without overpowering it. Painted to match the surrounding cabinetry, it creates cohesion while subtly introducing texture. In the pantry, it forms a charming backdrop that feels both traditional and purposeful, reinforcing the sense that every surface has been thoughtfully finished.
QUOOKER BOILING WATER TAP
The Quooker boiling water tap streamlines daily rituals, delivering instant boiling water directly from the sink. From early morning coffees to evening cooking, it removes the need for a kettle and frees up worktop space. Practical, efficient and elegantly integrated, it enhances workflow while maintaining a clean, uncluttered aesthetic.
BESPOKE BIFOLD BAR
This bespoke bifold bar is designed to surprise and impress in equal measure. Fluted glass doors open to reveal illuminated shelving and tailored storage beneath, transforming from refined cabinetry to an inviting entertaining hub in moments. When closed, it sits discreetly within the room. When opened, it becomes a centrepiece, ready for evenings that stretch long past dinner.
