Deep within the rolling hills of the North Downs, a historic country hall has been quietly transformed into a space where timeless English elegance meets professional culinary design. At the heart of this transformation is the kitchen, a room that is as much a visual statement as it is a working hub. Here, Officine Gullo takes centre stage, in collaboration with the esteemed deVOL Kitchens, creating a space that blends artisanal excellence with functionality.
“The kitchen is not just a room — it’s the soul of the home,” says a representative from Officine Gullo. Every element of this North Downs kitchen has been conceived with precision and purpose. The centerpiece is a custom-made Officine Gullo Island and Hood, a sculptural installation that defines the space while offering professional-grade cooking capabilities.
Finished in deep Obsidian Matte with satin nickel trims and burnished brass corner accents, the island spans an impressive 248 cm, combining elegance with scale. Its high-thickness stainless steel structure houses a suite of top-tier equipment, including a professional oven, electric fry top, four burners, a coup de feu, and a warming cabinet. This ensures the kitchen can handle everything from everyday cooking to sophisticated entertaining with equal ease.
Yet, the design is more than just professional functionality. It’s a marriage of form and artistry. Every detail — from the choice of materials to the integration of appliances — has been carefully considered to create a space that feels both luxurious and approachable. The island’s sculptural presence, paired with the hood’s refined lines, makes the kitchen feel like a gallery for craftsmanship, where every surface and finish contributes to the room’s visual poetry.
This kitchen demonstrates how thoughtful design can elevate a historic home without compromising its character. Officine Gullo and deVOL Kitchens have managed to preserve the charm and authenticity of the North Downs country hall while introducing a modern, professional edge. The result is a space that is at once practical, beautiful, and undeniably inspiring — a true reflection of the home’s personality and the owners’ love of design.
In a house defined by heritage and elegance, the kitchen now stands as both a functional centrepiece and a sculptural statement, proving that artisanal excellence and everyday usability can coexist seamlessly.
Credits
Images: Supplied
Interior Design: Linda Boronkay
