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            Back to Kitchen Makeovers

            A Classic Timber Kitchen Makeover With Emma Willis

            When Emma Willis set out to create a new kitchen, she wanted a heritage look that worked for busy family life. She was instantly drawn to the true in-frame style and design details of the Ilfracombe kitchen, part of our Classic Timber Kitchens Collection. Emma loved how it blends the principles of traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality. Inspired by classic timber kitchens in antique rose and charcoal, she partnered with her kitchen designer, Emma Dolman, and trusted fitter, Bobby to craft a welcoming space where meals, morning coffees, and time with friends and family come together.

            About Emma

            Emma Willis is a well-known broadcaster and TV personality, who is best known for presenting The Voice UK, Big Brother, and Love is Blind: UK. She shares her home with her husband, Busted’s Matt Willis, and their three children.

            Design Goals

            Emma Willis' new Howdens kitchen

            Emma's Ambition

            Emma was looking for a classic kitchen design that reflected both her home's character and her personal style, while delivering the functionality she needed. Working with Bobby, she set out to create a welcoming space where her family could socialise, cook, and enjoy quality time.
            Emma's new kitchen, with pink island and black cabinetry

            Finished Floor Plan

            Emma chose Ilfracombe in bold charcoal, complemented by antique rose to bring a touch of her personality to the space. Bobby incorporated discreet pantry storage solutions to maintain organisation, while a curved island serves as a functional centerpiece and an inviting gathering spot for family and friends.
            Cheryl in her Frome kitchen

            “Having an experienced fitter like Bobby on board meant we could really customise our kitchen. He even fitted a secret pantry door for a truly hidden entrance.”

             

            Ilfracombe

            Emma chose Ilfracombe for its authentic woodgrain, painted surface, and solid-timber frame. Without compromising practicality, the decorative raised edge and true, in-frame design add classic charm.

            SEE ILFRACOMBE KITCHENS
            Emma posing in front of her secret pantry space

            Secret Pantry

            Emma’s designer created this pantry, which is hidden behind cabinet doors. Here, Emma can store dry goods and ingredients out of sight.
            A black, Lamona induction hob with inbuilt extractor

            Lamona Appliances

            As part of a suite of Lamona appliances, Emma chose this induction hob with integrated extractor for the clean, uninterrupted sight lines.
            See Lamona
            Two timber and white worktops

            Mix & Match Worktops

            To blend the social and cooking spaces, Emma’s designer paired a timber counter with a marble quartz surface with ogee edging.
            See Worktops
            Solid timber internal drawers

            Heritage Drawers

            To add character, Emma chose timber drawers with dovetail joints for a handcrafted look that’s built to last.
            See Solid Wood Drawers
            Timber accessories inside a pink, in-frame kitchen

            Timber Accessories

            Chopping boards and trays sit opposite the coffee station. They slot neatly into the cabinetry, leaving the counters free from clutter.
            See Kitchen Accessories
            Emma examining her new timber larder

            Custom Larder

            A custom larder is a standout feature that keeps counters clutter-free thanks to drawers, door balconies, and a quartz worktop.
            See Larder Cabinets
            ASS_25668590_4_3

            Bespoke Wall Unit

            This eye-grabbing cabinet was made with fluted glass and panels finished in the same pink tone as the island, for a cohesive look.
            See end panels
            Emma using her Insinkerator waste disposal unit

            InSinkErator

            With foxes raiding her outdoor bin, Emma loves her InSinkErator for whisking away scraps, especially after busy family dinners.
            See Waste Disposal Units
            ASS_25668591_4_3

            Coffee Station

            Matt’s must-have coffee station sits under bespoke shelving with an accompanying fridge and trays, ready to be served to visitors.
            See Kitchen Shelves

            Get Emma's Look

            A charcoal shaker kitchen from Ilfracombe, in an island layout with breakfast bar. It has white counters and stone flooring.
            Ilfracombe Charcoal
            A pink shaker kitchen, in an antique rose shade from the Ilfracombe collection. It has dark oak herringbone flooring.
            Ilfracombe Antique Rose
            Silestone White Marble Effect Quartz Worktop Swatch
            Bespoke Silestone White Marble Quartz Worktop
            Lamona 800mm integrated extractor hob
            Lamona LAM9550 80cm Black Electric Induction Hob With Extractor
            Lamona Monodial Black Oven
            Lamona LAM3712 Built In Black Single Multifunction Oven
            Integrated Extra Wide 70/30 Frost Free Fridge Freezer750FF Propped
            Lamona LAM6390 Integrated 70/30 White Extra Wide Fridge Freezer
            Ceramic Fluted Winterburn Butler 600 Single Bowl Sink
            Holkham Single Bowl No Drainer Undermount Ceramic Fluted White Butler Kitchen Sink
            HighbornClassic Cup Cupboard Handle 92mm
            Highborn Classic Cup Cupboard Handle 92mm
            Cheryl with her tradesmen

            “I am absolutely ecstatic with the end result, not only does it look beautiful, but I know the care and attention and detail the tradespeople put into it, so massive thank you to Howdens and massive thank you to Bobby and his team for doing such an exquisite job.”

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            Ready To Get Started?

            • A mist blue, shaker Ilfracombe kitchen in an island layout. It has stone-effect flooring, marble effect breakfast bar.

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