Who lives here?
Katie Sanderson lives here with her husband Nick and two children, Max, eight, and Minnie, five.
When Katie and her family moved from East Dulwich to Streatham Hill two years ago, they knew their new home had potential – but not quite for family life.
‘The couple who lived here before had been here for a long time,’ says Katie. ‘It was set up to suit a couple rather than a family – the kitchen was dragged away to the darkest corner at the back of the house.’ Meanwhile, the garden was breathing. ‘They were wonderful gardeners. We inherited this beautiful place, and I think that was the focus.’
‘Leaving space under the island makes it feel like a piece of furniture. It also adds to the feeling of light and space in the room as you can see the floor below.’
(Image credit: Herringbone House)
His first Christmas here was the catalyst for change. ‘We hosted 12 guests who felt the cramp,’ says Katie. ‘The kitchen didn’t work for us even though it was a huge room.’
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Katie envisioned a kitchen that was hidden rather than part of the flow of the home. ‘I wanted a kitchen that would work for entertaining and family life, but close to the light and close to the garden,’ she says. ‘So we brought him straight to the main room. It actually takes up more space now, but somehow it makes the room feel bigger.’
Then he turned to the kitchen, the cabinet and Furniture producers, Herringbone House. ‘I heard wonderful things from friends who recommended them,’ she says.
‘And because everything is solid wood, I knew it would be durable – something the kids would knock around without breaking. Also, everything is completely predictable, which was really important to me, because I had certain ideas.’
(Image credit: Herringbone House)
One of those ideas was shaped by his work. ‘I’m an upholsterer, so I wanted the island to be the right width for the roll of fabric,’ says Katie. That means it can double as a cutting table, which is brilliant.’
Also, hidden sockets are installed under the island, ideal for using a vacuum cleaner or a laptop.
(Image credit: Herringbone House)
‘Open shelves were essential – I needed a place to display my flea market and eBay finds without feeling cluttered.’
For the same rail, try Ellington hanging rail and S hooks, brass, £125, Neptune
(Image credit: Herringbone House)
Herringbone House designer Lucy helped transform those ideas into a cohesive plan. ‘She understood exactly what we wanted and added some great design suggestions I would never have thought of, including clever hinges and a tea towel hook,’ says Katie.
‘In fact, the first design was almost perfect – it’s all the small, considered details that make it amazing.’
(Image credit: Herringbone House)
‘ Lucy suggested Appliance garage – Our coffee machine, toaster and Air fryer There’s storage, with a plug built in and a bifold door to hide clutter when everything’s ready for use. It’s a great addition to the kitchen.’
(Image credit: Herringbone House)
This Pantry cupboard Packed with innovative storage options from door-mounted spice racks, deep drawers and adjustable shelves to sockets so the microwave can be hidden inside. An internal worktop creates space for breakfast preparation, keeping clutter to a minimum.
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(Image credit: Herringbone House)
The worktops are quartz but have a vein running through them, so make a good alternative to marble but are harder. This island is perfect for entertaining – we can put all the food on it.’
(Image credit: Herringbone House)
Installation was also seamless. ‘Nothing went wrong – literally nothing,’ she says. ‘They finished the installation a week early, which was lucky as I had booked a surprise 70th birthday party for my mum. They really push to finish that day.’
Now the kitchen feels like a quiet, characterful space and is completely theirs. ‘I love the color – it’s not quite sage, not quite blue, just this soft shade that goes with everything,’ says Katie. ‘And the brushed brass gives it a lovely lived-in quality. I wanted a durable, solid wood kitchen because I knew it would last a lifetime.’
We got the green from the cabinets to other areas around the house, because it’s such a nice shade.
(Image credit: Herringbone House)
Get the Look – Invest in key pieces inspired by Katie and Nick’s kitchen
Perfect for providing essential task lighting above the kitchen countertop, these lights are also repositionable.
Mira mango wood and iron gallery shelf
Love the open shelving in Katie and Nick’s kitchen? Hang a row of these along your kitchen wall to create a uniform look.
Inglesham Whitewash Oak Backless Bar Stool
Made from solid oak, adding a row of these stools will instantly transform a kitchen island into a breakfast bar.
