Main Character Bookshop

The Design

What a dream project! Elly’s sister came to us with a simple idea for her new romance bookshop she was opening in Spitalfields market. She wanted it to feel warm, welcoming, and easy to spend time in, with a look loosely inspired by Oliver Bonas. Nothing too polished, just thoughtful details, soft colours, and a space that feels welcoming for all.

Alongside that, there was a very practical brief: plenty of storage, and plenty of it hidden in plain sight. Shelving for books, of course, but also clever joinery to keep everything else tucked away and the shop feeling calm and uncluttered. We’ve been building bookshelves for a long time, but this was our first commercial venture and bringing her ideas to life was a absolute pleasure

One of the most challenging decisions was determining the size of the island and how it would influence the overall flow of the space. The clients were keen to create a generous focal point for cooking and gathering, while still allowing room for a comfortable sofa area and ensuring there was a natural, easy walkway through the kitchen.

“The hardest decision while designing the kitchen was the island size and how it would impact the room. We wanted enough space to have a sofa on the other side and also a generous walkway, so it was important to make sure nothing felt compromised.”

Another particularly difficult choice was selecting the stone for the worktops. With so many beautiful options available, finding the perfect material to complement the cabinetry and overall aesthetic took time and careful thought.

Now complete, the kitchen has become the heart of the home, a space designed for gathering, cooking and spending time together. The island naturally draws people in, with a breakfast bar that offers a relaxed place to sit, work or chat while meals are being prepared.

Living, Utility, Boot Room, Pantry and Dressing Room

We were lucky enough to get to work on multiple rooms in the house, the clients have excellent design style and we made sure this style was reflected in a seamless flow across the space.

The Details: Colours, Handles & Bespoke Details

The client chose a bespoke paint colour for the cabinetry in the project, from a beautiful soft green through to a warm white, which flows perfectly together. The kitchen and boot room are in our Westminster range, while the living room is in Grosvenor. The handles are beautiful in Burnished Brass. We used a beautiful marble in the kitchen and F&P appliances.

“I love how much space we now have to cook and entertain. The breakfast bar means someone can sit with a coffee or talk while someone else cooks, which makes the whole space feel really social.”

The renovation has fundamentally changed how the clients use their home. What was once a house in need of transformation has become a warm, inviting environment where entertaining and socialising now sit at the centre of everyday life.

We loved working on this beautiful project together with the family and wish them a lifetime of happiness in their new home.