Set within a charming Victorian townhouse in London, this newly-renovated kitchen belongs to baker, cook and former The Great British Bake Off contestant Manon Lagrève.
Designed to support both family life and professional creativity, the project places Caesarstone’s 5212 Taj Royale surface at the heart of the design - demonstrating how the right worktop choice can define both the look and performance of a space.
Reimagining a characterful kitchen
Working within the constraints of an already extended Victorian property, the project focused on enhancing rather than reconfiguring the layout. Uneven floors, irregular walls and a stepped floor plan presented challenges, but also opportunities to create a space that feels considered and bespoke.
“We had a bit of a quirky space to deal with,” Manon explains. “We couldn’t extend further, so the goal was really about making the most of what we had - especially creating more work surface.”
This emphasis on work surface area would become a defining element of the design, informing both layout decisions and material choices from the outset.
Designing a kitchen around performance and aesthetics
To maximise the potential of the space, Manon partnered with Thomas James Bespoke. Their handcrafted approach allowed every element of the kitchen to be built around functionality, with cabinetry extending to the full ceiling height and clever storage integrated throughout.
However, while the joinery provides the framework, it is the surface that truly brings the kitchen together - visually and practically. As a professional baker, Manon’s kitchen is not only a place to cook but a working studio for recipe development and content creation. This placed particular importance on the durability, appearance and versatility of her surface choice.
“I see my kitchen as a studio,” she says. “It needed to be light, airy, and have enough surface space for filming and photography, as well as everyday cooking.”
The need for a surface that could perform under pressure—whilst still delivering on aesthetics - made Caesarstone a natural choice.
At the Heart of the Design: Caesarstone
At the centre of the design is Caesarstone’s Taj Royale surface, selected in part for its superior visual appeal. The choice of surface was a defining moment in the project, influencing the overall palette and atmosphere of the kitchen.
“I loved the softness of the veining and the warmth of the surface,” Manon explains. “I needed to be very conscious of this being used in food content creation as well as for cooking, and that's where Taj Royale really was just incredible.”
Used across both the worktops and splashback, the Caesarstone surface creates a seamless and cohesive look. Its application goes beyond standard installation, with curved edges and a sculptural, sweeping splashback adding a refined, design-led finish, reminiscent of a French bistro.
A Hardworking Surface for a High-Performance Kitchen
While aesthetics played a crucial role, performance was equally important. As someone who cooks and bakes daily - often with heavy cookware including large Le Creuset pans - Manon needed a surface that could withstand intensive use.
“I needed something that was super durable, that wouldn’t stain, and was resistant to weight,” she says. “I didn’t want to have to worry about chipping or cracking my surface.”
The added reassurance of Caesarstone's Lifetime Warranty provided further confidence that the surface would continue to perform for years to come, making it a long-term investment as well as a design statement.
Experiencing Caesarstone in person
A visit to the Caesarstone London studio played a key role in the decision-making process, allowing Manon to experience the material firsthand and work closely with the Caesarstone experts.
“It was amazing - I didn’t even realise they had a studio,” she says. “It’s so important to see the surface in real life because it can look completely different in photos.”
The ability to view full slabs alongside complementary elements such as cabinetry finishes, hardware and paint colours helped her confidently refine her design choices.
Manon added: “You could really visualise how everything would come together, which made such a difference.”
A balance of beauty and practicality
Beyond the surfaces, the kitchen has been carefully designed to support day-to-day life. Storage is maximised through bespoke solutions, including a breakfast cupboard, integrated appliance storage and a banquette bench with hidden appliance garage.
A statement library ladder provides access to upper cabinetry, while integrated appliances - including a Bertazzoni cooker and Neff appliances - ensure the space remains streamlined and uncluttered.
Despite its relatively compact footprint, the kitchen feels open, elegant and highly functional.
A considered approach to kitchen design
Reflecting on the project, Manon highlights the importance of prioritising worktop space and functionality over unnecessary features.
“We thought about adding an island, but I’m really glad we didn’t,” she says. “It was more important to keep the sense of space and height.”
She also emphasises the value of thoughtful storage and clean surfaces.
“Worktops can easily become cluttered, so having everything stored away makes the kitchen feel calmer and more enjoyable to use.”
A kitchen defined by its surface
This London townhouse kitchen demonstrates how a carefully chosen surface can shape an entire design. By placing Caesarstone at the centre of the project, Manon has created a space that is not only visually striking but also highly practical - supporting both her professional work and family life.
Elegant, durable and designed to perform, it’s a kitchen where beauty truly meets substance.
Caesarstone available from £2,000 incl. VAT
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