Inside a Victorian kitchen renovation
After years spent photographing some of the country’s most beautifully designed homes, interiors photographer Sarah Griggs knew exactly what she wanted from her own kitchen - timeless design, thoughtful craftsmanship and a layout that genuinely worked for busy family life.
Set within a narrow Victorian terrace, the renovation has quietly gained attention online, centred around a freestanding prep table that delivers the practicality of an island without overwhelming the room. Carefully considered details bring the scheme together - from the polished nickel Perrin & Rowe brassware, chosen to add warmth and contrast against aged brass hardware, to the Shaws of Darwen sink, which anchors the kitchen with a timeless, handcrafted feel.
In this Q&A, Sarah shares the museum joinery and Spanish plates that inspired the design, why she opted to mix metal finishes, and why calm, enduring interiors remain her guiding approach, rather than following trends.
Did your experience photographing so many beautiful homes impact your kitchen renovation?
“Definitely, I see so many beautiful kitchens up close and I am a stickler for detail and practicality, so I feel very lucky to walk round so many amazing designs which fuse style, craftsmanship and everyday ease.”
What was the starting point for the design - was there a particular product, material or that inspired the space?
“This was a relatively small renovation, so the electrics and plumbing remained in the same positions, with the addition of a prep table. We live in a narrow Victorian terrace (just four metres wide), and I was desperate for the practicality of an island without overwhelming the space. The freestanding prep table feels far lighter and more spacious than a traditional island with cabinetry extending to the floor.
I had a very clear vision of how I wanted the prep table to look, so I found a bespoke joinery company, Square Foot Joinery, and began drawing the design. Over the last 18 years, I’ve spent a great deal of time in museums around Cambridge with my children, and I’ve always been drawn to the old joinery used to house fossil specimens. The craftsmanship is extraordinary - pieces that are hundreds of years old yet still function beautifully. It may sound unusual, but that sense of enduring craftsmanship has inspired this space, and I think it always will.”
How did you plan the layout of the kitchen to balance practicality and aesthetics?
“The kitchen isn’t very big and has to work hard for a family of six, so function was incredibly important. Central to the design was a built-in pantry, which houses small appliances, cookbooks and sundries. We also have a built-in tall fridge and freezer, induction hob for ease and double oven. We did consider a range cooker, as I have photographed so many beautiful ones over the years, but we are all tall and thought we would constantly be bending down. In that instance, practicality won over aesthetics.”
How does the kitchen connect to the rest of the house?
“I see so many stunning kitchens in my line of work and absolutely love photographing colour, but in my own home I want a sense of calm. We have a very busy household of six and a dog (!) so life is often quite loud and chaotic. Keeping the palette earthy and understated felt important, and that sense of calm runs throughout the house.”
What drew you to the fixtures and fittings you chose?
“I love the way unlacquered brass naturally patinas, so I chose a mixture of styles for the cabinetry and prep table. I have always been drawn to the classic Perrin and Rowe bridge mixer and opted for the Ionian Mixer and Rinse alongside a Mini Instant Hot Tap. I deliberately wanted the taps to contrast with the rest of the hardware, so selected the nickel finish, which has a beautiful warm tone.”
How important was craftsmanship when designing the space?
“I think craftsmanship is incredibly important. If you want pieces to last a lifetime, the items you use every day need to be thoughtfully made and well considered.”
Do you have a favourite detail or design moment in the kitchen?
“I bought some old Spanish plates years ago and kept them boxed away for the right moment. I must have taken them out at least 30 times while choosing the colours and finishes for the kitchen. They now hang above the banquette, and I feel they tie the earthy palette together beautifully.”
Are there any unexpected materials or finishes that people might overlook but make a big impact?
“I love mixing metal finishes. The polished Perrin & Rowe nickel taps, which have a subtle warm hue, work beautifully alongside the aged brass hardware on the cabinetry and prep table, adding warmth and contrast. The antique Persian rug also brings another layer of texture and softness underfoot when standing for long periods.”
What small styling tricks make a kitchen photograph beautifully?
“I could talk about this for hours. I think styling a home is something that evolves naturally over time - you’re never really finished, as your family grows and your possessions change with you. It’s also deeply personal, and I think you should surround yourself with things that bring you joy. When photographing your own kitchen, draw on the things you already have and genuinely use. Everyday objects can be incredibly beautiful.”
Has the kitchen changed how you cook, entertain, or spend time at home?
“Yes, because I added the prep table, which left a small space for a dining table and upholstered bench. But I don’t regret it – the prep table has made cooking and entertaining far more functional with clearly defined spaces in the room. Mealtimes are celebrated in my family. My late grandma used to feed 20 of us every week from her tiny flat (only two people could fit in the kitchen at once) which I have the best memories of.
To me, the kitchen really is the bustling heart of the home.”
How would you describe your personal kitchen style in three words?
“Timeless, elegant, functional.”
What advice would you give someone designing a kitchen they’ll love for years?
“Nail the layout. Think carefully about where everything will go and make sure the things you use most regularly are within easy reach. Try to avoid trends and focus instead on what you’re naturally drawn to.”
