Modern kitchen with a 1950s retro twist
Kentish Town, London, NW5
Overview
Charles’ Kentish Town kitchen just wasn’t working for him. The layout was awkward, storage was limited, and the room felt disconnected from the rest of his home. He wanted a space that was calm, elegant, and practical—a kitchen designed for cooking and entertaining, built to last, and delivered without stress.
Their renovation journey
Charles came to Beams with a vision: a timeless, high-quality kitchen that felt part of his home’s character. We paired Charles with our designer Suzi, who led the design process, supported by the wider Beams team. From the start, Charles was given clear visuals, product choices, and floor plans so every decision felt easy to make. When Charles asked for changes, such as updating the wall and ceiling colours, we acted quickly, issuing change orders with no disruption. By handover, Charles had the kitchen he’d imagined—and a much smoother experience than past renovations.
1. Plan
The kitchen layout was reconfigured for flow and practicality. Zones for prep, cooking, and storage create efficiency. A central island adds workspace and doubles as a social spot. Integrated appliances, including an induction hob, fridge-freezer, and dishwasher, create a streamlined look. Bespoke cabinetry and pull-out storage ensure every inch of the footprint is used well. Lighting was designed to layer warmth and function, making the kitchen bright by day and inviting by night.
2. Design
The kitchen strikes a balance between timeless and modern. Neutral cabinetry forms a calming backdrop, while stone worktops and brass fixtures add depth and luxury. Timber elements bring warmth, and subtle tilework adds interest without clutter. Every detail was carefully chosen: from handles and hardware to lighting placement and splashback height. The result feels considered yet effortless, giving Charles a kitchen that’s both elegant and practical.
3. Build
The build was managed with precision, starting with a full strip-out, rewiring, and plumbing upgrades. Cabinetry and worktops were fitted with attention to detail, and all appliances were installed seamlessly. The project was tracked through milestone-based payments, a procurement tracker, and detailed site updates. By handover, every snag was resolved, and the kitchen was ready to enjoy.
The results
The layout
We worked with the L-shaped kitchen with a central island for food prep and casual dining. Integrated appliances for a clutter-free look. Added bespoke cabinetry with clever corner and pull-out storage. Designed lighting for both work and atmosphere.
The aesthetic
The kitchen feels calm, modern, and timeless. Stone worktops and brass fittings bring character, while soft neutral cabinetry and timber accents tie the design together. It’s a space that elevates the home, built for family life and entertaining alike.
Build support
Beams handled every step of this renovation. A design process led by Suzi, with clear visualisations and product recommendations. A detailed procurement tracker to coordinate all suppliers. A structured build plan with milestone payments for transparency. Fast, clear communication to resolve issues and keep things moving.
The result is a kitchen that works beautifully every day while reflecting Charles’ style. It shows how Beams’ thoughtful design and end-to-end management can turn even a stressful renovation into a calm, enjoyable experience.
Take the first step to having your dream home
If you're inspired by a kitchen like this and you’re ready to renovate, start the "Get your estimate" quiz to schedule a free planning call.