In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman tours Olive & Barr’s “Barn” showroom in Tenbury Wells to unpack a London-townhouse-inspired scheme. She explores how period details (tall skirtings, dado rail, coving) pair with a bold, colour-drenched palette, Farrow & Ball Pitch Black across cabinetry, walls and ceiling, balanced by bottle-green metro tiles, a fluted Belfast sink, and a brass-topped “baguette table.” It’s a masterclass in timeless kitchen design that still feels modern, with smart choices you can borrow for a kitchen renovation or kitchen remodel of any size.

Key Takeaways

Colour drenching can enlarge perception, even in a small kitchen. Dark, single-hue rooms blur edges so corners recede visually; used thoughtfully, this creates drama and a cocooning effect without shrinking the space. Great for galley layouts when paired with layered lighting.

Period features + in-frame cabinetry = effortless elegance. Tall skirting, architraves, dado and coving anchor a timeless look; the in-frame style sits naturally in townhouse architecture yet suits modern cooking and kitchen organisation.

Material mix that ages beautifully. A living-finish brass worktop and aged-brass hardware develop patina over time, perfect for a “forever” kitchen upgrade. Match taps and wastes for a cohesive detail.

Plan symmetry where you can. A wall-to-wall run with a centred fluted Belfast sink, bin and dishwasher adjacency, dresser cabinets and a continuous shelf delivers beautiful balance and practical workflow for everyday cooking.

Best Moments

“Colour drenching creates depth and drama—corners blur, the room reads larger, not smaller.”

“A living brass surface ages with you—it’s the beauty of a working kitchen, not a showroom set.”

“Keep the sink central with bin and dishwasher flanking it—functionality first, elegance follows.”

“If an island compromises flow, choose a peninsula and never look back.”

About the Host

Faye Newman is a freelance Kitchen Designer with eight years of experience in the industry. With a background in furniture design and a passion for creating spaces that reflect the essence of the home, Faye brings a unique perspective to kitchen design. Her dedication to client satisfaction and love for her craft shines through in every project she undertakes.

Connect with Faye Newman Design:

Visit: www.fayenewmandesign.com for kitchen inspiration and design resources.

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