Bespoke Georgian Kitchens
What Defines the Georgian Kitchen Style?
At Papilio Kitchens, we create timeless, practical, bespoke Georgian kitchens. Designed and handcrafted in Somerset, our bespoke period kitchen designs can be found in homes all over the UK and beyond. Our Georgian kitchens emphasise symmetry, cornicing, panel proportions and sensitivity to listed properties.
The Georgian Kitchen style blends quiet grandeur with a commitment to high-quality materials and exceptional detailing. This period design is defined by elegant features such as adorned hardware, panelled cabinetry, marble, solid timber, brass, and ceramic elements. Today, these kitchens deliver liveable warmth without losing their timeless elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Georgian and Shaker style kitchens?
Shaker kitchens tend to be sharper and more minimal, while Georgian kitchens should exude elegance with adornment.
What are the best colours to choose for a Georgian kitchen design?
Georgian kitchens suit muted tones over bold and bright ones. Most colours can work, but the key is finding the right hue.
Can a Georgian kitchen work in a smaller home?
- Absolutely, but symmetry and balance are crucial to avoid overcrowding. Clever lighting can help create the illusion of more space.
Recent Georgian Kitchen Projects
Materials and Cabinet Construction
Bespoke Georgian kitchens showcase artisanry and exceptional materials, ensuring excellence in cabinet construction. Our master cabinetmakers craft each Papilio kitchen in the traditional way, deploying time-honoured skills and techniques. Every element is made by hand in the West Country, combining state-of-the-art machinery with traditional methods passed down through generations. With extensive experience, our Georgian kitchens remain true to the classic aesthetic while benefiting from modern construction. We pay close attention to detail and pride ourselves on the finishes, worktop details, and hardware we manufacture and select. Georgian kitchens may embrace Shaker-style detailing with a modern twist, including inset doors, panelling, and beaded accents, all achieved by our expert cabinetmakers.
Worktops, Hardware and Detailing
Worktops, hardware and detailing are essential visual and practical components of Georgian kitchens. Bad decisions can throw off the overall look, so we always consider the property’s architectural style. To achieve the quiet grandeur so intrinsic to the style, we often use high-end materials for worktops, such as marble and limestone. Some of our favourite hardware companies include Armac Martin, Studio Ore and Waterworks. These manufacturers are just a few from our trusted list, chosen for their quality, craftsmanship, and heritage.
The Georgian Manor House Kitchen in Somerset is an excellent example of a modern, bespoke kitchen within a Grade I-listed Georgian manor house near Bristol in Southwest England. For this project, we collaborated closely with the family and their architect, carefully considering the property’s unique features—including high ceilings and large sash windows—and the requirements associated with listed building status. Our design successfully balances modernity with tradition, highlighting the beauty of the Georgian manor house.
Storage and Practical Planning
To achieve a Georgian kitchen design, practical planning is essential to create functional storage. Historically, Georgian kitchens were purely utilitarian, staff-run basement rooms designed for functionality rather than display. Today, kitchen islands replace large prep tables, and pantries are a wish-list consideration rather than an essential room to keep food from spoiling, yet these historic aspects remain in high demand hundreds of years on.
The Bath Kitchen is a fine example of bespoke Georgian kitchen design. The grand old home, dating back to the 19th century, needed a modern take on the period kitchen. We designed classic panelled cabinetry painted in muted dark hues so that the cabinets’ architectural perfection would highlight their quality. The interiors of the cabinets are embellished in Italian walnut veneers, complementing the parquet floor, which runs throughout much of the ground floor. Our bespoke Georgian kitchen design included a social breakfast bar, and a peninsula was introduced with subtly rounded corner posts to soften the flow to work in unison. We also designed a scullery that was functional and accessible, but hidden during dinner parties and social gatherings. Disguised as kitchen cabinets, the doors, in the open position, nestled neatly into a recess, creating a panelled door lining that gives the appearance of no doors at all.
Kitchen Islands and Layout Options
In Georgian kitchen design, the bespoke designer can be playful and clever. Depending on the room’s size, various layouts can be used. There are no set rules, but the balance of spatial flow is crucial. A designer must achieve a quiet, orderly calm, alongside beauty and functionality.
For our Georgian Townhouse Kitchen in Bath project, we designed a unique, multifunctional bespoke kitchen island. The sophisticated Georgian townhouse kitchen needed contemporary elements to highlight the original features and incorporate a much-needed dining space within a multifunctional central kitchen island. We created the Georgian kitchen design to include an island with curved lines and low angles to maximise functionality, comfort, and storage. We incorporated a banquette seating area to provide much-needed dining space, featuring brown leather and a custom-made walnut dining table. The island features casters for easy movement around the space when entertaining, while the unit offers ample storage finished with Armac Martin hardware. The overall design cleverly uses space to create a sophisticated yet adaptable kitchen in Bath.
Book a Consultation
We would love to design your new Georgian kitchen. Enjoy the benefits of expert guidance, personalised design, and lasting quality. Contact us to discuss your vision and book a consultation with our knowledgeable designers.
