4 min readWhile we certainly have an appreciation for the American approach to interior design, we'll be the first to admit that the English simply do it better in certain spaces—namely, the kitchen. If you've ever had the pleasure of visiting a kitchen in an English home, you already know that there's something so uniquely cozy and inviting about the way it's designed. The fact that function is often the priority and the kitchen still manages to radiate warmth is just the English cherry (morello, anyone?) on top.
So, we chatted with a few London-based designers to get the scoop on how to get the beloved British look in other countries. Ahead, five Brits share a few tips and some undeniably English design elements to incorporate into any space, anywhere. Keep reading to learn all about these unexpected details that will make your kitchen feel just a touch more sophisticated.
Lightly Saturated Palettes
The funny thing about English design is that there are quite a few palettes that feel quintessential to the region. Perhaps that's because English kitchens have been in existence for a lot longer than American ones.
One such palette that conjures up elegant, charismatic design without going overboard is a saturated, earthy tone, like this sunny shade of yellow. James Arkoulis, cofounder of Howark Design, notes, "The rich, egg-yolk yellow walls lend the space a warm glow, whatever the weather."
On cold, dark evenings as well as on sunny, warm mornings, this kitchen's walls drape the space in a cozy intimacy that makes it the best place to hang out.
Color Repetition
Monochrome can get a bit exhausting, especially in a room where you spend a lot of time, but there's a way to do it that feels like just enough, and Phoebe Hollond, founder of London-based Studio Hollond, has figured it out.
"To create a space that feels both vibrant and quintessentially English, I used this shade of green as the main thread throughout the kitchen," she notes. In other words, she chose a color she appreciated and found ways to highlight it throughout the space without overwhelming it.
She adds, "By repeating the color across the cabinetry trim, the marble, and the tile backsplash, the shade takes center stage without completely taking over. The tile, in particular, allows the color to breathe, thanks to the rhythmic pattern." There's a cohesion that introduces fluidity and pops of color, and it's actually pretty easy to do.
Strategically Placed Skylights
Even on overcast days, a skylight can add brightness to a cook space that regular windows just can’t capture. This is an especially important design feature in regions where it tends to rain a lot, like the U.K.
"The skylight was a really intentional move in this kitchen. In many English homes, particularly Victorian and Edwardian terraces, you're often dealing with long, narrow footprints where the center of the plan can feel quite dark," explains London-based designer Alex Dauley. "Skylights have historically been a clever architectural response to that, and they're something I've always appreciated about British residential design."
Here, Dauley's use of a skylight worked double-duty: "We used the skylight not just to bring natural light deep into the room but to turn that necessity into a defining architectural feature," she explains. "By framing it with warm timber and aligning it with the cabinetry and lighting, it becomes part of the room’s design language rather than just a functional opening in the ceiling."
Open, Organized Shelving
There's a fine line between displaying your favorite things and creating clutter, and Holly Vaughan, director of Hampshire-based Vaughan Design & Development, is definitely on the right side of that divide, as evidenced by this treasure-filled floating shelf.
"The open shelving displaying our clients' collection of pottery and glassware is a unique piece that spans the whole length of this cabinet run," she says. The key to getting it right is not overcrowding it with jumbled tchotchkes for the sake of filling the space.
What's more, one of the most beautiful details is inspired by the whole shelving setup. "We sourced a vintage plate rack, and then custom-built the shelves surrounding it with matching detailing. This is the perfect way to display favorite trinkets and crockery, and adds a special touch to this kitchen sink area."
Lots of Wood Detailing
When we think of England and its splendid interiors, images of wood-paneled libraries come to mind. Let us not forget that wood is also quite popular in English kitchens!
Just ask London-based Peter Mikic, who used plenty of Brazilian walnut to conceal pretty much every major appliance in the space. "We kept the overall design clean and minimal, so nothing is left exposed," he notes.
Personality-Packed Wallpaper
Kitchens may be highly functional, but there's no reason they must be devoid of happiness. After all, it's our personal belief that people tend to focus better when they're feeling happy, and Megan Robson, founder of Scottish Kit & Co., agrees.
"I've always loved rooms that feel joyful the moment you step into them, and wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to create that feeling," she explains. "Kitchens and utility spaces can sometimes lean very practical, but I think they're actually perfect places to be a little braver with pattern."
In this particular kitchen, she used a punchy pattern by Sanderson to bring the garden vibes indoors. "The boot room (the English version of a mudroom) sits right at the threshold between outside and inside, so the wallpaper echoes that transition—it almost feels as though the greenery is creeping in from the garden walls," Robson adds.
