Oval English Kitchen

Kit Kemp’s kitchen is a challenging oval space, formerly a 1920s drawing room.

At first glance at Kit Kemp’s kitchen I though ‘typical English’ with the  bottle green Aga cooker and a handsome beamed niche to set off the hood area. Then I thought the photo might be distorted because the cabinets appeared to curve. But no! The room is actually oval, just like you-kn0w-what on this side of the Atlantic. That’s because hotel designer Kit Kemp transformed what she calls “the best room in the house” – the 1920s oval drawing room facing her London garden – into a kitchen that she and her husband use just for themselves now that their nest is empty.

Earlier this week I reviewed Ms. Kemp’s new book A Living Space (Hardie Grant, $49.95). As a designer well known for bold color in her Firmdale Hotel designs, she went the other way at home, deciding to keep things light, white and traditional in her kitchen. Here, limed-oak cabinets and vertical wood planking follow the contours of the vintage curved walls.  In typical English style, the island boasts sturdy legs and a pot shelf. To the right of the stove, open storage allows for easy access to certain frequently used items. So homey and informal. There’s also an armoire/pantry cupboard and built-in oven to supplement the Aga. And what a wing chair, upholstered in vintage style tea towels with the stripes Kemp loves to use. With such a high ceiling, the room boasts important crown molding to help frame the kitchen.  And, hanging over the island, a Holly Hunt light fixture powered by pillar candles which to cast a romantic glow in this private space.

(Source: Elle Décor)

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