Drop Cloth Family Kitchen - Walton-on-Thames

Catherine and Dan’s mid-century home has all the proportions of its era - but like many properties of its time, the layout wasn’t quite right for modern family life. With two young children and a busy household, Catherine and Dan needed more from their kitchen. They had a clear brief: create a family friendly kitchen space that’s open, welcoming, and practical. A classic style bespoke kitchen designed for contemporary living.

What followed was a thoughtful internal refurbishment that has completely reworked the flow and feel of their home.

Reconfiguring the Space

The original kitchen was functional but closed-off. There was a separate dining area, and the layout made entertaining, and even day-to-day family life, feel disjointed. There was no need for an extension; instead the plan was to knock through and open up the back of the house, combining kitchen, dining, and family life into one fluid, welcoming space.

Bespoke kitchen

The new bespoke kitchen cabinetry is painted in Farrow & Ball's Drop Cloth - a warm, soft neutral that provides a calm, understated backdrop for the everyday bustle of family life.

The island, painted in the richer Pigeon, adds just the right depth of colour and acts as a natural gathering point. It’s here that the kids perch for breakfast, friends linger over drinks, and they cook dinner whilst chatting about events of the day.

Functionality was key, so storage was high on the list. With rooms leading off the kitchen, we were able to introduce additional cabinetry and clever storage features in adjacent spaces - giving the main kitchen space to breathe. This meant the kitchen could remain open and uncluttered, even with all the demands of a young family.

A standout feature is the walk-in pantry, which not only houses dry goods but also accommodates the freezer. Painted in Pigeon, it's the dream solution: everything to hand, but tucked neatly out of the way.

We were also able to include a breakfast dresser with a single bifold door. By allowing the bifold to open to one side, the opposite side remains visually clear - helping to integrate the dresser more seamlessly into the kitchen. This small detail makes a big difference to the sense of flow, especially as you move from the kitchen through to the drinks area.

Built for Entertaining

Catherine and Dan, were keen to create a space that worked just as well for entertaining as it did for weekday dinners.

The drinks cabinet, fitted with reeded glass doors, adds a layer of subtle texture and elegance - offering a glimpse of the glassware inside while keeping things visually calm. Below, a built-in wine fridge means chilled bottles are always at the ready when guests arrive. It’s a small touch, but one that makes a big difference to how the space is enjoyed.

The Siemens induction hob and built-in extractor, along with matching ovens and integrated fridge and freezer, offer sleek performance without distracting from the design. Everything is built in and beautifully integrated - streamlined, practical, and built to last.

And it’s the little details that bring the whole scheme to life: a classic table with painted legs, bench seating with woven throws, pots of fresh herbs on the sill. All these touches come together to create a space that feels genuinely lived-in and loved.

The End Result

The finished kitchen is a calm, contemporary space that reflects the personality and needs of its owners. For Catherine and Dan, it’s transformed how they use their home. Meals, conversations, family time - it all happens here now.

In many ways, this project captures what so many homeowners are looking for today: spaces that feel generous, with a focus on comfort, practicality, and timeless design.

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At Charter Walk, we create beautifully bespoke kitchens that balance timeless design with everyday practicality. Every detail is thoughtfully considered to reflect your personal style and complement the way you live.

Our showrooms in Haslemere and Eashing, near Godalming, showcase our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design. We specialise in handcrafted, luxury kitchens for homes across Surrey, West Sussex, Hampshire, and South London.