Your homes
A timeless kitchen transformation
A kitchen transformation by Katharine Paravicini
At Marlborough Tiles, we are privileged to collaborate with some of the most talented interior designers, each with an eye for timeless elegance and artisanal craftsmanship. One such designer is Katharine Paravicini, whose recent kitchen project beautifully incorporated our hand painted Delft Corner wall tiles. We spoke to her about the inspiration behind the project, her approach to interiors, and why she chooses Marlborough Tiles time and time again.
Hi Katharine! Please tell us a bit about yourself and your approach to interior design...
I began my career at House & Garden magazine before training at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, where I had a classical training in interior design.
Twelve years ago, I established my own design studio, and today I work on only a handful of projects at a time, ensuring every detail is carefully considered. My approach is always to create homes that feel timeless, beautifully layered, and entirely unique to my clients.
Wonderful, thanks. Can you tell us a little about the kitchen design from this project?
Absolutely! The kitchen was newly installed and designed by myself, working with a wonderful local joiner who brought the vision to life. The work surfaces are quartz, with a warm oak worktop on the island to add contrast and natural texture. The flooring is a beautiful stone from Artorius Faber, which lends a timeless elegance to the space.
The colour palette is stunning. Could you share details about the paint choices you made and other key finishes?
Thank you! The kitchen units are painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Light Blue’, while the larder cupboard is finished in Edward Bulmer’s ‘Pompadour’—both hues that feel rich, characterful, and in harmony with the overall scheme. The cabinetry is completed with handles and knobs from Optimum Brasses, adding a refined, period-appropriate touch.
The space features a beautiful mix of materials and textures. Where are the finishing touches, such as the stools and lighting, from?
The stools are from Heal’s, and the wall lights are from Howe. The main pendant light is a classic piece from Vaughan, and the tap is from Perrin & Rowe—always a go-to for timeless kitchen fittings.
The lamp is one of my favourite details: an antique glass demijohn that I had wired as a lamp, adding a unique, personal element to the space.
Katharine included hand painted Delft corner tiles behind the Everhot range cooker - specifically our 13x13 crackle glaze Antique White tiles, with Floral Corner motifs painted in a bespoke green colour.
We might be biased, but we think the Delft Corner tiles look stunning, centre stage behind the range cooker. What led you to choose them for this kitchen?
I wanted the tiles to have that handmade quality that would feel completely in keeping with the house’s character. They needed to be a point of interest behind the Everhot cooker, but without overwhelming the space.
The Delft Corners were perfect—they have a quiet elegance, and the colour we chose ties in beautifully with both the kitchen units and the fabric at the windows, which was actually the starting point for the entire design.
What was your favourite part of the project?
This was such a rewarding transformation, with wonderful clients and a brilliant team of builders! The kitchen was originally two dark, pokey rooms, but by reconfiguring the space, we created a large, light-filled family kitchen that is full of colour and joy.
It’s now the heart of the home, complete with a fireplace at the dining end, making it beautifully cosy in the winter months. A dream space for the family to gather.
We're thrilled that you’ve worked with Marlborough Tiles on several projects. What is it that draws you to our collections each time?
I always try to source locally to the project wherever possible, and I love that Marlborough Tiles are made here in the UK rather than being shipped miles and miles for a project - this fits in with my whole ethos as a designer. Beyond that, the collections are simply stunning—I love the hand-glazed and hand painted ranges. I think the Delft Corners might be my favourites!
Finally, can you tell us anything about the exciting projects you have in the pipeline for the rest of 2025?
Yes! I’m currently working on a townhouse in Oxford, a beautiful country house in Hampshire, and a family home in London, with a few other exciting projects on the horizon. It’s always a joy to help bring my clients’ visions to life.
This beautifully designed kitchen is a perfect example of how handcrafted tiles can elevate a space, adding history, texture, and artistry. We’re thrilled to have played a small part in Katharine’s vision, and we look forward to seeing what she creates next.
A big thanks to Katharine for taking the time to sit down with us for this article - you can find out more about her and her projects on her website, www.katharineparavicini.co.uk and on Instagram at @katharineparaviciniltd.
For more inspiration, explore our Delft Corner collection here.
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