Heart of the City
Renovating a Regency House
A Kitchen in Perfect Harmony
Hidden inside a Grade II listed Regency home in the heart of historic Norwich, this kitchen is a quiet triumph of elegance, restraint, and thoughtful design. With roots in the early 19th century, the property already exuded a sense of greatness – lofty ceilings, Georgian shutters, and an alluring walled garden just beyond the rear door. We wanted to create a kitchen that honoured that beauty, while gently modernising the space to reflect the lifestyle and aesthetic of its new owners.
This wasn’t a renovation for the sake of change, but rather a sensitive evolution. The original kitchen leaned heavily into the property’s traditional features: warm golden timber cabinetry, ornate cornicing, black drop handles, and tiled splashbacks. But the new owners were ready for a fresh chapter – one that celebrated the home’s historic character without competing with it.
A Softer Take on Regency Grandeur
The goal from the outset was to let the architecture breathe. Gone are the heavier timber tones and darker corners; in their place, a refined palette of calming neutrals. The cabinetry – a sleek, matte slab door in soft Sand – offers a minimalist counterpoint to the ornate bones of the building. Instead of handles, we introduced brushed gold recessed trims, creating a gentle thread of warmth that runs continuously throughout the space. The light-veined Dekton worktops added subtle movement, while offering a contemporary surface that’s practical enough for daily life. Every finish was chosen to feel intentional, never overpowering.
At the heart of the cooking area, the bronze mirror splashback creates a gentle sense of depth. In a space where symmetry and perspective are already in abundance, this simple touch invites even more softness and dimension.
Designed for Calm, Built for Character
While the cabinetry is modest, the space is anything but plain. The surrounding elements – a dusty green wall colour, original window shutters, and characterful display shelves – bring depth and personality. These aren’t shelves for show: they’re dotted with the client’s treasured teapots, decorative cups, and favourite ornaments, now beautifully lit by integrated shelf lighting that casts a soft glow.
Below, warm LED strip lights run discreetly within the handle trim channels, providing a subtle wash of light that grounds the kitchen in the evenings. It’s these quiet layers – small but considered – that help this space feel elegant without being flashy.
This is a kitchen that feels calm, quietly refined, and perfectly in step with its setting. A fresh chapter, in a house full of history.
From the home owner:
“You need luck once in a while. Gerald Giles was that stroke of serendipity. Great support throughout: truly collaborative, infinitely patient. We’ve owned too many kitchens to mention but this is the absolute best. We love it.” – Mr and Mrs N.
Kitchen choices:
Sand EasyTouch Doors • Gold Handleless Trims • Entzo Dekton Worktops • Brushed Steel Shelves
Come and step inside…
Behind these Georgian doors lies a kitchen that feels both timeless and new – a serene balance of historic character and modern simplicity. Tucked inside a Grade II listed Regency home in the heart of Norwich, this space is a quiet triumph of elegance and restraint.