Gloucester Project: A Bespoke Kitchen Renovation in Kensington

The Gloucester project in Kensington showcases how timeless craftsmanship meets modern family living. Designed in collaboration with architect Charlotte Lilford, HUX reimagined the kitchen of this five-bedroom townhouse with bespoke cabinetry, elegant finishes, and clever storage designed to suit the lifestyle of a young family.

Client Brief

This bespoke kitchen was designed and installed as part of a complete house renovation of a five-bedroom terraced property in Kensington for a family with young children. The clients wanted a kitchen that was both practical and timeless, while introducing playful elements of colour, texture, and modern detailing. HUX partnered with London-based French architect Charlotte Lilford to relocate the kitchen into the old dining area on the lower ground floor.

Cabinetry & Finishes

The Gloucester kitchen showcases how traditional joinery can be elevated with contemporary detailing. The cabinetry is built in a timeless beaded door style, but with a modern update: the beading runs continuously across multiple drawer fronts, creating a sleek and cohesive appearance. The externals are finished in Little Greene Hollyhock, a soft satin spray paint that introduces elegance and warmth to the room. This gentle tone contrasts beautifully with the dramatic veining of the porcelain worktops, striking a balance between subtle refinement and bold statement.

Internally, the cabinets are just as thoughtfully executed. Light oak-effect carcasses are paired with solid oak dovetail drawer boxes and custom organisers, reinforcing durability and craftsmanship at every level. The attention to these hidden details ensures that the joinery is not only beautiful on the outside but also practical, functional, and enduring in everyday use.

Details & Accents

What sets this kitchen apart are the luxury accents and finishing details. Floating shelves finished in gold liquid metal flank the extractor, bringing warmth and visual interest to the upper cabinetry. These shelves are complemented by bespoke Dowsing & Reynolds Skyscraper pull handles in a matching gold tone, unifying the space with a sense of understated glamour.

The integration of premium materials, from the porcelain worktops to the oak interiors and metallic highlights, speaks to HUX’s philosophy of combining durability with elegance. By combining hand-finished joinery techniques with advanced processes like liquid metal finishing, the kitchen captures both timeless craftsmanship and modern innovation. Every material was chosen not just for aesthetics, but for how it enriches the client’s daily living experience.

Standout Features of the Gloucester Kitchen

The kitchen was designed with a focus on elegance, durability, and family functionality, bringing together bespoke craftsmanship with modern practicality. Every detail was carefully considered to maximise storage, enhance daily living, and create a truly luxury bespoke kitchen that works as beautifully as it looks.

At the centre of the space sits a 3.5m bespoke kitchen island, designed not only as a focal point but also as a hub of functionality. The island offers storage on both sides, a waterfall worktop detail that showcases the dark grey veining of the porcelain surface, and discreetly integrated sockets that maintain the clean, seamless finish. The lowered section with seating also makes it perfect for casual dining or family gatherings.

For storage, the design goes above and beyond. A hidden walk-in larder provides generous capacity for everyday essentials, while a double larder cabinet features a built-in microwave, a stone worktop, and integrated LED shelf lighting. Together, they offer a practical yet beautifully finished storage solution, ensuring that this bespoke London kitchen remains clutter-free and easy to use.

The kitchen is equipped with a premium range of appliances, carefully selected for both performance and aesthetic fit. These include a Swiss Cave wine cooler, Quooker boiling water tap, an exposed 110cm Rangemaster range cooker, two integrated Fisher & Paykel dishwashers, as well as built-in fridges and a separate freezer—meeting the needs of a busy family who love to cook and entertain.

Lighting was a key part of the design, with warm white LED strips placed on floating shelves and inside the tall larder, adding both atmosphere and practicality. These small details enhance the ambience while ensuring easy visibility for everyday use. Additional functionality is provided by Evoline R-Dock sockets built into the island and end panels, offering convenience without disrupting the clean lines of the cabinetry.

Outcome

The Gloucester project demonstrates how a luxury kitchen renovation in Kensington can be both family-friendly and beautifully designed. The blend of soft paint finishes, natural textures, and metallic highlights creates a kitchen that feels fresh, practical, and timeless, perfect for modern family living while retaining an elegant sense of style.

Explore how HUX can bring exceptional craftsmanship and creativity to your renovation project. Browse our portfolio for more inspiration and get in touch to discuss your bespoke joinery needs.