Homeowners Tash Ross and Tom Ross turned a cramped two‑metre side‑return extension into a bright yellow kitchen that now serves as the family’s central hub in Peckham Rye.
The original space was a tight galley with a tiny garden window and a rotting side door that opened onto a mossy alley.
Working with architects Lara and George of Studio Elephant, the couple added a 2 × 5 m side‑return extension. The architects noted it was the smallest project they had tackled, yet the final room feels notably larger. The new layout places a wooden island at the centre, with the sink built into it, while a traditional gas hob and a Smeg oven line the wall. A tall yellow cupboard hides the washing machine and dryer, keeping the room tidy.
Colour, texture and a cosy window seat
Choosing a bold yellow palette was a deliberate move, according to Tash. “I knew I wanted it yellow and bright, but Tom was unsure,” she said. The decision was reinforced when tiles from Ca’ Pietra, featuring pink and red tones, were selected for the backsplash behind the oven. The combination of yellow, pink, and red initially raised eyebrows, yet the colors harmonise under natural light.
Warm wood finishes, fluted glass door fronts, and a window seat with bench seating add texture and a reading nook. The bench, originally mocked by Tom, now hosts Tash with a book nearly every afternoon. Two scatter cushions in the Ottoline “Madame Ziggle” fabric—picked up at a sample sale—provide a pop of pattern without risking spills on the children’s benches.
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Olive & Barr supplied the cabinetry, and Fabco glazing was chosen for its ability to match the RAL colour of the downpipe to the warm stone shade of the windows. The lead time was longer than with other glaziers, but the result integrates seamlessly with the overall aesthetic.
Beyond the visual impact, the pantry offers practical storage for jars, tins, herbs, and spices, a feature the couple described as a “dream”. The island’s limited clearance—less than the typical recommendation—has not proved problematic; the family simply walks the opposite way when the dishwasher is loaded.
Family life reshaped by the new layout
Today, the Ross family—joined by their 11‑year‑old cocker spaniel Humphrey—enjoys a space that supports both daily meals and playdates.
Visitors frequently comment on the room’s spacious feel, despite its modest size. Tash describes the kitchen as “bright, warm, and happy,” noting that the amount of natural light in the morning makes the yellow walls glow.
