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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'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.

“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

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

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

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

Chopping boards and trays sit opposite the coffee station. They slot neatly into the cabinetry, leaving the counters free from clutter.

See Kitchen Accessories

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

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 Kitchen Panels

InSinkErator

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

See Waste Disposal Units

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 LAM9550 80cm Black Electric Induction Hob With Extractor

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 Butler Kitchen Sink

Highborn Classic Cup Cupboard Handle 92mm

“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.”