Last Updated on August 22, 2025 by SampleBoard

If there’s one kitchen that captures the heart of English design while embracing contemporary functionality, it’s the Camberwell Kitchen by deVOL.

Nestled below street level in a Georgian townhouse in London’s vibrant Camberwell neighborhood, this space is a masterclass in how to blend tradition, style, and substance.

But beyond its beauty lies something even more valuable: the Camberwell Kitchen is achievable.

With thoughtful design choices, smart storage solutions, and subtle styling, you can recreate this elevated yet grounded kitchen in your own home.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes the Camberwell Kitchen so special and how you can get the look—from layout to lighting and color to cabinetry.

The Setting: A Basement Kitchen With Historic Charm

Step down into the basement of this 1830s Georgian home, and you’ll feel instantly transported.

The arched street-level window bathes the kitchen in natural light, softening what could easily feel like a darker, forgotten space.

But in true deVOL fashion, every element has been curated to make the room not just livable—but deeply lovable.

In Georgian times, kitchens were often tucked away below stairs, functional yet elegant, and the Camberwell Kitchen pays homage to this layout while embracing modern needs.

Color Palette: Calm Neutrals With Historic Depth

The first thing that strikes you in the Camberwell Kitchen is its buttery, off-white walls paired with muted yellow cabinetry and a rich brownish-purple contrast—a shade evocative of old-world kitchens and earthy luxury. These soft, calm tones bring a grounded, timeless energy to the space.

How to Get the Look:

• Base color: Start with a warm neutral—think clotted cream or a pale, buttery yellow. Brands like Farrow & Ball or Benjamin Moore offer heritage-inspired palettes perfect for this.
• Accent tones: Add contrast with deeper, dusty colors—plum, ochre, or mushroom browns add depth while staying elegant.
• Walls and paneling: Tongue and groove paneling painted in muted tones (like baked clay or brick red) elevates the look and adds texture.
  These subtle shades may feel understated, but that’s where their power lies—they allow the craftsmanship and materials to shine.

Cabinetry: Classic English Meets Practical Function

DeVOL’s Classic English cabinets anchor the kitchen with traditional joinery, wide drawer fronts, and solid craftsmanship. A mix of cabinets and drawers—particularly the L-shaped base run—creates a highly functional kitchen without looking too modern.
In the center, a freestanding prep table with symmetrical drawers adds workspace and visual balance. And of course, the tall pantry unit housing the fridge and freezer keeps clutter tucked away and lines clean.

How to Get the Look:

• Choose timeless cabinetry styles: Shaker or Classic English profiles with inset doors and exposed hinges keep the design rooted in tradition.
• Stick to symmetry: Uniform drawer fronts in a central island or prep table create calm and cohesion.
• Use natural materials: Wide-board oak for base units and honed Carrara marble for countertops offer warmth and understated luxury.
  Don't overcomplicate the cabinetry. Keep it classic, durable, and in tune with the rest of your home’s style.

Countertops and Surfaces: Earthy and Elegant

The countertop choices in the Camberwell Kitchen are a masterclass in material contrast. The main prep and cooking area features honed Carrara marble—cool, veined, and softly polished—while the pantry area uses honed black granite for contrast and durability.

How to Get the Look:

• Choose honed finishes for a matte, lived-in feel over glossy, modern ones.
• Mix materials subtly—use one stone for the main run and another for pantry or utility areas.
• Balance cool and warm tones—marble’s soft gray veins pair beautifully with creamy cabinetry and warm wood tones.
  These surfaces add both tactile and visual appeal without overpowering the design.

The Walk-In Pantry: Compact and Charming

One of the most charming features of this kitchen is the walk-in pantry, a space often overlooked in modern homes. Featuring Shaker base cabinets, slim open shelving, and tongue and groove walls painted in a rich browny-red, this pantry is as atmospheric as it is practical.

How to Get the Look:

• Use freestanding or semi-fitted cabinetry—including skirted base units—to maintain flexibility and character.
• Incorporate slim floating shelves for storage without bulk.
• Add pantry-specific color—this could be a deeper tone than your main kitchen to create a cozy, heritage vibe.
• Use a mix of enclosed and open storage for both concealment and display.
  If space allows, even a small walk-in pantry can be a visual highlight and a storage lifesaver.

Finishing Touches: The deVOL Difference

This kitchen is made memorable by the details—those small but significant choices that pull everything together. Think aged brass faucets, bespoke handles, soft linen curtains, and handcrafted lighting.

Notable Finishing Elements:

• Mini Creamware Wall Lights: Provide soft ambient lighting with vintage charm.
• Heirloom Gaselier Light: A statement piece over the prep table that nods to the past without feeling dated.
• Café Curtains on a brass rail: Wispy linen brings privacy and softness without blocking light.
• Creedy Stools: Low-profile, artisan-crafted stools for perch seating without visual clutter.
• Aged Brass Hardware: From faucets to handles and hanging rails, this metal finish ties the room together and warms up cooler tones.

How to Get the Look:

• Source authentic or reproduction lighting from specialist makers or vintage stores.
• Choose natural textiles for curtains and seat cushions—think unbleached linen or cotton.
• Stick to one or two hardware finishes, and let them patina over time.
• Avoid mass-produced “trendy” accessories; instead, choose pieces with soul and substance.

Layout and Flow: Function Meets Elegance

Despite its modest size, the Camberwell Kitchen boasts a layout that maximizes flow and usability:

• The L-shaped base runs efficiently and houses the cooking and washing zones.
• The freestanding prep table creates a central workspace without making the room feel boxed in.
• A separate pantry and tall cabinet remove visual clutter and allow the main space to breathe.

Layout Tips for Recreating the Look:

• Leave enough clearance around the island or table—at least 36 inches is ideal for comfortable movement.
• Place the sink and stove on the same run to streamline the wet zone.
• Tuck bulky appliances into tall storage so cabinet lines stay clean.
• Let natural circulation dictate the layout, especially if you’re in a galley or basement kitchen.
  This approach keeps the kitchen flowing and easy to use while preserving its old-world charm.

Final Thoughts: Why the Camberwell Kitchen Works

The Camberwell Kitchen isn’t flashy, but that’s precisely its strength. It’s rooted in tradition, grounded in craftsmanship, and tailored with care.

Every detail—from the layered colors to the careful lighting—works in harmony to create a kitchen that feels effortless yet refined.

And best of all? It’s not out of reach. Whether you're working with a townhouse basement or a suburban remodel, many of the design principles from this project can be scaled and translated to suit your home.

To get the look:

• Embrace a muted, historic color palette.
• Invest in well-made, classic cabinetry.
• Mix natural materials like oak, marble, and brass.
• Layer in thoughtful, artisan finishes and vintage-inspired lighting.
  With a little planning and inspiration from deVOL, creating an authentic and timeless kitchen of your own is completely within reach.

Looking for more kitchen inspiration? Explore other deVOL kitchens or follow our renovation series for detailed breakdowns of iconic interiors and how to recreate them in real life.