A Grand deVOL Shaker Kitchen in a Late 19th-Century Home

Tucked away in the quiet hamlet of Daws Heath stands a home long known by locals as “the big house.” In this late 19th-century house, we can find one of deVOL Kitchens’ latest projects, a grand family kitchen with Shaker cabinetry.

This vast room once housed a swimming pool, something almost unimaginable to see today. Now, it has been transformed into a multi-functional living space that flows effortlessly between zones. There’s a main kitchen area, of course, but also a dedicated coffee bar, a utility space, and smaller pockets for everyday rituals.

Rather than feeling overwhelming, the room has been carefully broken down into intimate, purposeful areas. Each section feels considered, distinct, yet still part of a harmonious whole.

photography by deVOL Kitchens

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At the core of this kitchen project are deVOL’s Shaker cabinets. This kitchen shows how versatile these cupboards are, each one creating its own personality and function depending on its use.

What truly brings this space to life is the layering. Alongside the new kitchen elements sits an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, curious objects, and meaningful finds. Nothing feels overly styled or forced; it’s a space that has clearly evolved over time.

The kitchen also includes many of deVOL’s accessories, such as the Aged Brass Hanging Rails on the side of the kitchen island and The Clothes Horse made from strong lacquered cedar wood, joined in the traditional way with woven fabric hinges and aged bronze studs.

A brass hanging rail is also fitted to the ceiling, creating a storage space for pots and pans.

Next to the butler sink, a deVOL Haberdasher’s Hanging Rack is fitted against the wall.

The kitchen is nicely tucked under the lower ceiling with arched windows overlooking the garden. Moving into the space with high ceilings, a large rustic dining table becomes the central meeting point in the house.