A return to craft: traditional kitchens for modern Riviera homes

At SEIJAKU, we believe true luxury lies in the quiet confidence of timeless design – kitchens built with intention, painted by hand, and made to last. While the French Riviera is known for sleek villas and airy minimalism, we see a growing desire for something more grounded. A return to tactile materials, to slower living, and to spaces that hold emotion as much as function.

That’s where traditional kitchens come in – not as relics of the past, but as meaningful, modern choices. When crafted properly, they don’t compete with contemporary life – they enhance it. And when finished in Little Greene’s richly pigmented, heritage-inspired colours, they bring a sense of depth, character, and longevity.

This is more than a paint choice. It’s a mindset. A collaboration between values, vision, and materials that tell a story. I’m sharing one of my favourite traditional kitchen projects – nestled in the nature-rich suburbs of Surrey, UK. Created for a family who valued quality and tranquility, this kitchen represents everything we stand for at SEIJAKU.

Bespoke by nature: kitchen highlights and details

In-frame kitchens follow a slower rhythm, but that doesn’t mean they lack innovation. Some feature charming range cookers and exposed cast iron or fireclay sinks that evoke countryside warmth. Others integrate sleek induction or teppanyaki hobs, minimalist sinks, and streamlined appliances – proving tradition can sit beautifully alongside high-end contemporary choices.

The central island in this kitchen became the focal point. Engineered with a concealed internal metal structure, it appears to float while offering exceptional durability. Every drawer was designed with a purpose: from breakfast prep and serving to cooking support. A dedicated drawer near the sink holds spare cutlery and table-setting essentials, creating flow between kitchen tasks and mealtime moments.

The pantry, too, was built with purpose. I always begin by understanding what truly needs to live there – beyond spices, to include breakfast appliances, integrated sockets, and pull-out platforms for heavier items. This particular pantry includes a custom bread drawer, a solid chopping block, and compartments tailored to the family’s daily rituals.

One standout feature was adapting the cabinetry around a fixed structural column. Instead of hiding it, we embraced it – transforming it into a feature that includes wine storage and smart side-access shelving.

When designing a kitchen of this scale, efficiency matters. That’s why I incorporated a boiling water tap near the range cooker. It serves two purposes: quick tea and coffee prep via a dedicated drawer in the island, and instant access for cooking – saving time and eliminating the need to carry heavy pots across the kitchen. Subtle choices like these create kitchens that work as beautifully as they look.

Built to endure: bespoke storage and timeless materials

Traditional kitchens like this are made to last – not just in structure, but in spirit. Solid wood carcasses are paired with hand-fitted, framed cabinetry, built using continuous runs rather than modular shortcuts. Joints are dovetailed, not screwed. Doors are traditionally hung on high-quality butt or piano hinges – a detail that offers smoother movement and a longer lifespan than modern clip-on options.

Other signature elements of truly bespoke traditional joinery include refined beading around cabinet frames or doors, chamfered or bullnose stone worktops, and precisely crafted shadow gaps that subtly elevate the visual rhythm of the space. Sometimes, it’s as simple as the purity of a beautifully proportioned Shaker door. Cornices, pilasters, and recessed plinths can be custom-detailed to suit the home’s architecture – striking a considered balance between period elegance and contemporary restraint.

I design every drawer to size – depth, height, and function. Whether it’s a hidden inner drawer or an insert for delicate coffee sets and teapots, each element is purposeful. Nothing off-the-shelf. No compromises.

Heritage in colour: our collaboration with Little Greene

The soul of a traditional kitchen is in its colour. Little Greene’s heritage paints go beyond trend – their pigments are drawn from historical archives and natural landscapes. These tones have real depth and integrity. Whether it’s a chalky sea-inspired blue or an olive-toned green, the shades bring a quiet depth to the cabinetry. Painted by hand, they create a soft, tactile finish that reflects the light and the moment.

This is why I value our collaboration with Little Greene. Their paints offer innovation – no need for primer – and can be used for both traditional brush painting and modern spray finishes. Their new showroom at 11 Rue de la Liberté in Nice allows us to explore the palette in person with clients, even in English.

In this project, we chose soft blue tones – first delivered primed, then hand-painted on-site by specialists painter. Why hand-paint? Because it lasts! You can change the colour without changing the kitchen. And because the in-frame cabinetry will stand the test of time.

Tradition reimagined for modern coastal life

A traditional kitchen in a contemporary home creates something quietly powerful. In minimalist spaces, it adds warmth. In bold architecture, it brings balance.

This project was set in a modern black-framed extension added to a traditional cottage – a seamless flow of old and new. The kitchen was topped with contemporary stone, fitted with modern lighting, and finished with carefully chosen handles that softened the look.

We design with architectural elements in mind – connecting materials, colours, and values to create a kitchen that’s truly yours.

Here on the French Riviera, just like in the English countryside, people are reconnecting with the value of quality and slower living. Traditional kitchens – created with intention, designed for modern life – offer a new kind of luxury. One that lasts.

Let’s design one together!

For more behing the scenes on this kitchen, visit my instagram.

Jurgita