1930's Kitchen Renovation

More About This 1930s Kitchen Renovation in Twickenham: A Modern Interpretation of an Iconic Design Era

The 1930s marked a pivotal moment in domestic design. Kitchens were evolving from purely functional back-of-house rooms into cheerful, modern spaces influenced by the glamour of Art Deco design. Pastel tones, glossy cabinetry, chrome details and geometric motifs all became part of a new design vocabulary that valued efficiency, optimism and style. Built-in storage replaced freestanding units, linoleum patterns brightened the floors, and emerging materials like stainless steel and enamel helped kitchens feel clean, bright and uplifting.

This renovation in Twickenham draws inspiration from that transformative era - not by recreating it literally, but by capturing the spirit that made 1930s kitchens so distinctive: their sense of innovation, their playfulness with colour, and their commitment to making everyday living feel a little bit special. The result is a kitchen that honours the history of the house while feeling beautifully suited to contemporary family life.

A Contemporary Concept Inspired by the Golden Age of Travel

Our design concept for this kitchen centred on the aesthetic of early modern travel - the sophisticated interiors of luxury train carriages and cruise liners that defined the decade. These spaces combined functionality with flair, incorporating flush panelling, confident geometry and streamlined silhouettes that still feel modern today.

Drawing from this “golden age of movement,” the interior design references the language of the period in subtle, elegant ways. A geometric wallpaper brings a gentle industrial rhythm to the room; sculptural furniture echoes the artisanal shapes of mid-century designers; and burnished chrome accents give a nod to the polished details found in 1930s lighting and fittings. Each decision connects back to the era while still allowing the home to feel calm, bright and contemporary.

A Light, Functional Kitchen Designed for Real Living

The original kitchen layout was practical but visually heavy. The challenge was to increase storage without weighing down the room. Removing the wall-mounted cupboards above the cooker gives the space breathing room. To balance this, a freestanding dresser was positioned near the dining table, with plenty of extra storage space. The cabinetry was designed with gentle profiles and soft tones to retain the clarity and simplicity that define both Scandinavian interiors and early Modernist kitchens.

Bringing Together Mid-Century and Scandinavian Style

1930s design already had hints of what would later become mid-century modern. To reflect that lineage, the furniture takes subtle cues from mid-century forms: sculptural black bar stools introduce a touch of artisanal industrial character and complement the geometric wallpaper, while the dining chairs and pendant lighting embody the Scandinavian simplicity so loved by the client.

These influences harmonise through the material palette. A warm natural oak herringbone parquet floor connects the kitchen with the dining and living areas, creating a cohesive foundation.

A Soft Colour Palette Anchored in 1930s Character

The colour scheme is rooted in the gentle optimism of the 1930s, where pastel hues were used to brighten spaces during challenging times. Here, a soft Scandi-inspired palette keeps the design calm and light, with Farrow & Ball James White on the walls and a pale grey on the cabinetry. To introduce depth and ground the room, the base units and dresser were painted in Oval Room Blue, a shade with both historical resonance and contemporary appeal.

Polished chrome and glass wall lights subtly echo the fittings used in 1930s transport design, reminding us of the project’s conceptual anchor in the era of luxury trains and ocean liners.

Opening the Space to the Garden With a Modern Take on Crittall Design

Large aluminium sliding doors now lead directly onto the garden, flooding the space with natural light and visually extending the kitchen into the garden. Their frames are a contemporary interpretation of the original Crittall windows that feature in so many Twickenham homes built in the 1930s. This detail provides architectural continuity while delivering the brightness and openness expected in modern renovations.

Work With a Specialist in 1930s Home Renovation in Twickenham

1930s houses have a unique design language that responds incredibly well to thoughtful renovation. Whether you’re planning a new kitchen, reconfiguring your ground floor or updating your entire home, we specialise in creating interiors that respect the character of the period and are perfect for modern lifestyles.

If you’re looking for an interior designer who understands both the architectural heritage and the possibilities of 1930s homes, we’d love to help you bring your project to life.