When it comes to stunning, custom designs for kitchens and baths by deVOL, what can you say beyond Hello, Lovely! We have been singing their praises here since the dawn of blogging even before the planet discovered their set apart goodness in the TV hit For the Love of Kitchens. Whether you plan to remodel a kitchen, build from scratch, or add a few refreshes, this will inspire. But can inspiration from a kitchen in an English castle even be realistic? Who knows? Also, check out this kitchen Pinterest board for design ideas along with THIS one for more country English vibes. Bespoke Kitchen Designs: English Country Beauties uncovers favorite deVOL beauties.
Bespoke Kitchen Designs (English Country Beauties!)
Is there anything so timeless and heartwarming as a handcrafted custom kitchen with English countryside charm?
What springs to mind foremost for me is how natural materials are crafted to last a lifetime and beyond. We tend to be rather short-sighted here across the pond.
Also, the way old and new are intermingled…isn’t it lovely? This captures the deliciousness:
All the fine artistry, integrity, and commitment to quality is so inspiring! And do you love the qualities of elegant simplicity and understatement? I love how a deVOL kitchen is classic enough to be imagined in a country house apartment or a castle!
deVOL Kitchens
In the early days of this blog, it wasn’t possible to snag the wares and designs of deVOL in the USA. But now? They have a presence in America too. It is possible to see their work in person at deVOL’s Bond Street, New York showroom.
House of Hackney Castle Trematon
I highly recommend the episode of For the Love of Kitchens where deVOL collaborates with the brilliant designers/owners of Castle Trematon.
You’ll discover how this castle kitchen was both preserved and reimagined for modern living with timelessly elegant style.
The wallcoverings, rich green and blue color story, and lovely atmospheric mood are all clues as to who lives here.
They are the creatives behind House of Hackney. I find their kitchen design project completely inspiring since we need not own a castle or unlimited budget to benefit from their choices.
Bespoke Kitchen Designs: deVOL Cotes Mill Showroom
Let’s be inspired by a closer look at deVOL’s Shaker Kitchen in a 16th Century water mill showroom at Cotes Mill (near Loughborough in the UK). Four floors of showroom displays feature their lovely designs and finely crafted kitchen “furniture” or what Americans call cabinetry.
Simplicity of Shaker & Country English Style
Notice how the pale cabinet color (and quartz counters) create a feeling of spaciousness in spite of the lack of natural light from windows.
Let’s face it. We tend to emphasize the importance of natural light for an uplifting mood in a kitchen. Yet not all kitchens are blessed with high ceilings or abundant sunlight.
Texture, Character & Working With the Bones
Another reality for the average homeowner? Not all kitchens are blessed with standard windows, straight walls, or a perfectly pristine envelope.
As you can see from all of this inspiration from English kitchens, imperfect can be beautiful. deVOL says “with careful, simple choices you can create a beautifully fitted and modern feeling kitchen that is sympathetic to the rest of the room.”
Modern Layering of Vintage Elements
When I spied this vintage cabinet with shelves of amber glass candles from deVOL, I gasped.
What is cozier and more luxurious than a devoted candle cupboard as lovely as this? We may not be able to add a wine cellar to our homes, but can we locate or build a vintage style cabinet to hold a stash of favorite candles?
Ambient Artisan Lighting
They are high quality and made by hand so who says they don’t make them like they used to?
I can only imagine how a beautiful pendant like this frilly cranberry example (above) could transform the feel of a moody corner in any number of places within a cozy home.
Iimagine the fantasy of multiple pendants!
Unlaquered Brass Taps
There’s simply nothing quite like the patina developing across time and with frequent use!
Living finishes for livable luxury everyday is such underrated territory in American kitchen design versus European. While I wasn’t able to incorporate one of deVOL’s brilliant kitchen faucets this time around, I hope to someday invest in one.
Cheerful Painted Interior of Glazed Cupboards
I love how a contrasting color inside a cabinet elevates the look and makes it all the more unique.
This can also be achieved with whimsical patterns and handpainted designs!
What an heirloom piece destined to become a stunning backdrop for memories made!
Modern Functionality & Old World Charm
Of this kitchen in their showroom, deVOL explains, “The sink run is a combination of our standard Shaker base cabinets and includes a single bin…The original old window sill behind the sink is a little lower than our standard cabinets but, using Silestone upstands, it keeps the run neat and the work surface contained and easy to keep clean.”
Ever heard the term “upstand?” Americans generally call any surface rising from the countertop material to protect the wall a “backsplash.” The British call their backsplashes “splashbacks” and their countertop “worktop.” They further distinguish between upstands and splashbacks.
Here’s another example of “upstands” in a kitchen where there is no further splashback.
I love how English country kitchens defy design rules we typically regard as set in stone in the USA. Not crazy about a tiled backsplash? Skip it:
In our kitchen renovation at the Georgian, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to extend backsplash tile to the ceiling. Even though this look is less common in America, I tiled higher than the standard 18 inches.
Go higher, go lower, skip it, decide later…the point is we need not feel hemmed in by what we assume are kitchen design rules. Less ordinary can be beautiful!
Old World Elements: Kitchen Fireplaces
I recently viewed an episode of Jean Stoffer’s “The Established Home” where she created a kitchen in a former living room. Since the space came with a gorgeous original fireplace, the kitchen design grew from the presence of that element. While it isn’t typical to see fireplaces in kitchens these days, what a great way to add a sense of age and integrity.
If you happen to be building new and are the type who sees the kitchen as living space, could one be included in the plan?
Bold & Quirky Bespoke Kitchen Designs
What a moody green vibe!
We are often shy with our kitchen color stories, knowing the expenses involved as well as concerns about resale. I suppose it’s why it is so thrilling to see a homeowner celebrate their favorite color or choose finishes designed to be mood lifting, whimsical, and energizing.
Millwork & Refined Details
You can’t miss the fine craftsmanship of English country bespoke kitchen design.
There’s a real sense these kitchens will stand the test of time with their natural materials and superb craftsmanship. So many American kitchens could benefit from such an approach that turns away from what is disposable, trendy, and mediocre.
Elegant Stone Work Surfaces in a Magnificent Bespoke Kitchen by deVOL
deVOL now offers amazing furniture including tables like this:
and wood stools like these:
Luxurious Bespoke English Kitchen With Steel Windows
We tend to think of English country kitchens as humble and leaning toward rustic, yet plenty of examples defy such parameters.
While the deVOL cupboards are understated, they glimmer luxuriously in a lofty space with high end everything.
Sculleries & Small Serene English Country Kitchen Wonder
I admire the look of small and serene. Who doesn’t just sigh at the sight of a mini “dirty kitchen” or thoughtfully designed scullery?
For ideas for classic and timeless kitchens, visit this kitchen design inspiration, and to see a new country French kitchen with Old World style, check out this romantic kitchen.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Adding English Country Style to Your Kitchen
If a brand new kitchen design from deVOL is not a possibility, maybe one of their tables, lights, tiles, or faucets is?
Because even upgrading a faucet at the sink may add oodles of English country charm and daily wonder:
Here’s the exact faucet in my own kitchen in a classic Edwardian style:
It would also make sense in an English country kitchen, and here’s one with a much friendlier price tag than mine:
Tap Images on Mood Board to Go to Buying Info!
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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Hi Michelle,
These are truly Dream Kitchens.
So much inspiration to be found here. *sigh*
You mentioned your fireclay sink, is that a Shaw sink? How has it performed. That is my dream sink.
Thank you,
Sarah
Author
They are so stunning and built for several lifetimes! Yes – my sink in our present home is the Hyannis from Nantucket Sinks, and I have no complaints. Constant use. This is my second fireclay farm sink, and in our former home I chose Signature Hardware’s Rainier sink.