At first glance, it would be easy to categorise this design as a modern homage to Marie Antoinette. With its soft colour palette and delicate detailing, the nod to 18th Century elegance is evident – and fitting, given the home’s Georgian heritage. However, to view this kitchen through a single stylistic lens would be reductive to the broader narrative.
Having recently interviewed interior designer Lyn Goddard, of HSI Designs, I was stunned to gain a deeper insight into the deliberate intricacies that shaped this extraordinary space.
This is no pastel pastiche. Instead, it’s a curated celebration of global influence – a grand tour expressed through craftsmanship.
From the delicacy of French pâtisserie to the decorative flair of Oriental Chinoiserie, every detail in the regeneration of this Georgian rectory has been carefully considered and intentionally layered.
The result is a space that doesn’t just serve its function, but one that tells a story – a detailed narrative of taste, travel, and the art of timeless design, epitomising the very meaning of bespoke design.
Nowadays, the term bespoke is used all too lightly. But this kitchen, imagined with conviction and brought to life with precision, demonstrates what true bespoke craftsmanship looks like.
It’s a space that respects tradition, reinterprets history, and refuses to conform to homogenised trends.
“I didn’t want a pastiche,” explains Lyn. “Instead, I began thinking: how can I relate this kitchen to the rest of the house without making it scream?” It was never about mimicking the past, but borrowing from it with intent. That journey led her to the Georgians’ own fascination with Chinoiserie – a European interpretation of the East, filled with stylised motifs and elegant ornamentation. “It felt relevant,” she reflects, “but still connected to the rest of the house.” Chinoiserie is modern in its own way, yet also steeped in heritage.
That thread weaves through the details: faux bamboo turnings and beadings hand-painted in Bulmer’s ‘Eau de Nil’, a colour famously adored by Marie Antoinette – both delicate and appetising. “It was designed to evoke pâtisserie,” Lyn explains. “Those pale greens and soft blues were chosen to whet the appetite – it’s like walking into an ice cream parlour.”
Despite its romance, the kitchen’s layout is rigorously practical. Lyn opted for a galley-style layout to maximise efficiency, with a central island to anchor the space for entertaining. “I love the look of freestanding furniture,” she says, “but it isn’t practical. There’s nowhere for anything to hide – appliances, crockery, clutter. I needed something functional.”
She came to Chamber Furniture with a clear brief: “This is the furniture I’m referencing – let’s do this.” Working closely with our team, the vision was translated into finely crafted cabinetry, complete with intricately turned faux bamboo detailing – no easy feat. “Wrapping cylindrical timber onto a right angle is incredibly difficult,” she notes. “But the Georgians loved curved, carved finishes – and that mattered to me.”
Given the period nature of the property, there wasn’t a single right angle in the room. “So why should the kitchen pretend otherwise?” The result is a design that celebrates the building’s architecture, rather than masking it.
In true continental spirit, materials were chosen for their narrative as much as their beauty. The marble worktops – reminiscent of those found in Italian palazzos or French town squares – provide a sense of permanence. Deep, trough-style butler sinks nod to equestrian culture, scaled to accommodate hefty AGA trays, while also reminiscent of horse-watering stations in European towns.
Even the wash station has purpose beyond aesthetics. A subtle lip raises the marble just enough to create a functional zone where food can be prepped and swept into the sink – a nod to old-world laundry stations, reimagined for a modern cook.
Handles were chosen for their confectionary charm: reeded brass pulls that recall piped meringue, and cupboard knobs reminiscent of chocolate walnuts. It’s this sense of childhood nostalgia, whimsy, and cultural layering that makes the space feel at once sophisticated yet playful.
Lighting posed a unique challenge – the entire house is devoid of spotlights. So, Lyn turned to an antique dealer, sourcing 17th Century Portuguese altar mirrors that once sat in churches. Converted into pendant lights, they now cast a soft, golden glow across the space, replicating the warmth of candlelight that would have been depended on in the Georgian days.
The lights travelled from Portugal to France, then England – just like the stories that inspired them. This global journey mirrors the evolution of the kitchen itself: an eclectic mix of provenance, adapted for contemporary life.
Beyond its artistry, the kitchen was designed for real life. A separate pantry and wine area allows for the client’s partner to enjoy tastings with friends, while the kitchen island becomes a convivial hub. “It’s a bit old-fashioned,” Lyn laughs, “but I liked the idea of the men tasting wine while the ladies natter at the island.”
That adjacent nook has a life of its own – a wine bar by night, a coffee spot by morning.
From the Moschino bar stools to the ornate plaster shell salvaged from an Italian palazzo, every decision reflects bold confidence. Nothing is accidental. The client was tenacious in her vision, bold in her choices, and trusted Chamber Furniture to deliver the craftsmanship her ideas deserved.
“To be able to go somewhere like Chamber Furniture, where they can create exactly what I wanted – that’s the point. I knew what I wanted, and they did exactly that.”
“Having had the same owners for 25 years – it functions just aswell as it looks.”
Every Chamber Furniture project begins with a conversation.
If you’re considering a bespoke kitchen that seamlessly unites craftsmanship, heritage, and your unique vision, get in touch today. Our team would be delighted to discuss how we can bring your ideas to life with precision and artistry.
