Poor England. For eons, the island has suffered the world's scorn for its dubious culinary reputation. And yet, the very same culture that serves up mushy peas, spotted dick, and bangers and mash, has the market cornered on stunning yet simple kitchens. This kitchen, with its pale pink walls, emerald green tiles, and teal cabinetry, is the jaw-dropping new showplace of DeVOL Kitchens in the design district of London. Let's take a gander, shall we?

The cupboards are painted DeVOL Kitchen's "Clerkenwell Blue". The tiles are theirs as well, inspired by the nearly-extinct green tiles installed in the London Underground by its architect, Leslie Green. The ceiling is painted "Breakfast Room Green" by Farrow and Ball. The pink walls were created by mixing three different paints. The painter layered the colors one on top of the other and then used sponges and dry brushes to achieve the texture and to create a faux-plaster effect. Not sure about you, but I am ready for more color in my home, especially pigments that are a little more complex and "dirty". Also, as a teen of the 1980s, I am a total sucker for pink and green. My inner Molly Ringwald leapt for joy when she saw these photos. 

The kitchen strikes that tricky balance between elegant and homey that we all know is the secret to the best interiors. The wood-burning stove, the old spindle chairs and oak stools, the rough-hewn floor and beams. Even the rustic yet delicate handmade ceramic light fixtures are gorgeous in their simplicity.

Certain elements seem impractical - I'm talking to you, brass pot rack, with your pretty looks but your greedy use of wall space. Also, open shelving is a trend that will come and go because it requires vigilance to tidiness and dusting. But these design-y gimmicks are the specialty salts of a 2017 kitchen. They're fun, they breathe fresh life into old recipes, and without them, where's the zest in cooking?

The quality of the cabinetry just jumps off the page. It's the first thing we notice, though we may not realize it. DeVOL should be applauded for its design-led manufacturing. The company was founded in 1989 by two design students who specialized in repairing and refurbishing antique furniture. From there, they began to build custom kitchen furniture and things took off. DeVOL now employs over 150 people. They design and manufacture ceramic kitchenware, tiles, pendant lights, sinks, and most recently, stools. Oh, and they also design spaces for the peacocks and chickens who live on their manufacturing site. Of course they do.  

Can you get a DeVOL kitchen in the U.S? Aye! Here's a new DeVOL kitchen in Brooklyn. Peruse their beautiful website here. If any of you do choose to use DeVOL, please call me. I shall bring a steak and kidney pie and a nice bottle of claret and we will watch old reruns of Upstairs Downstairs. Blimey, that's heaven!

Photos via Devol Kitchens

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