The Tooting Project

The Design

Some homes evolve gradually and others are entirely reimagined. This London property sits firmly in the latter, having been taken back to its bare bones before being rebuilt with care, patience, and a clear sense of purpose. Purchased just before the uncertainty of Covid, the house became a long-term project rather than a quick transformation. Yet, in many ways, that pause proved invaluable.

“We gutted everything. The only original features that remained were basically the two walls connecting to our neighbours. What we wanted was simple. A home that felt warm, cosy, and completely bespoke to us.”

With time on their side, our clients visited multiple kitchen companies, but luckily for us, ultimately decided to use Herringbone.

“We chose Herringbone because we liked you had an actual store that we can see the quality of product, so very much we knew what we are getting and I personally liked that everything was British made. We found there were a lot of kitchen companies with no show rooms or generic showrooms that felt like it was mass produced. To be able to touch and see the final product is incredibly important to us. The design process with Luke was great. He made us think outside our initial design plan, and worked through functionality and how the kitchen will be used to design this current layout. It meant we didn’t had to compromise on what we wanted and the design/style still looked great. We felt because he brought a new perspective, and very different to all other quotes/design we received, we could work with Herringbone to create something that looked great, but also fits our everyday needs. Finally, the craftsmanship is excellent… we’re very happy with it, and that’s what matters most.”

From the outset, this was never going to be a purely functional renovation. The ambition was to create a home that reflected not only how the clients lived, but how they wanted to feel within the space. Originally, the plan had been to opt for a more standard, made-to-measure kitchen. But with time on their side, the brief evolved.

“With the delays, a bespoke kitchen became really important. It was the one area we were willing to flex the budget if it ticked all of our boxes.”

That shift in thinking marked a turning point, transforming the kitchen from a practical necessity into the heart of the home.

A three-year design process allowed for clarity, but there are always design challenges and compromises made in every space. Working within a smaller footprint, every detail had to be carefully considered.

“We originally wanted an island, but it meant compromising on things we really wanted, like storage or a large range cooker. Fitting a bespoke kitchen into a small space was challenging, especially as we wanted materials that would age well.”

The transformation has been significant. Designed to evolve with the seasons, the kitchen now connects seamlessly to the garden, offering a sense of calm away from the city.

“Before, it was purely functional… now we spend so much time there, cooking, eating, even working from home.”

At the heart of the design is a feature that always draws attention. Inspired by a showroom visit, the bar was elevated with an aged gold mural backdrop.

“Our favourite part is my husband’s whisky bar and integrated wine fridge, it’s always a talking point. It took some convincing, we didn’t want it to feel too over the top. But it works beautifully.”

The Details: Colours, Handles & Bespoke Details

The client chose a bespoke paint colours for their cabinetry in the project, which work perfectly together! The handles are beautiful in Dark Brushed Brass. We used Callacata Brasile worktop and Miele and LaCanche appliances.

Now, with a growing family, the home is ready for its next chapter, a space designed not just to look beautiful, but to be truly lived in.

We wish the family a lifetime of happiness in their new home!