Tucked into a compact footprint and framed by original tiles laid in 1914, the kitchen of expats Linda and Ory Eshel is proof that small spaces can still feel generous, welcoming and full of character. For the Eshels, who have lived across three continents in homes both historical and contemporary, the brief was to create a room that felt practical enough for everyday life, yet warm enough to reflect a love of travel, history and family heritage.
Installed in 2020 in their home on the outskirts of Paris, the Henley kitchen in Saffron has now been lived in and loved for five years, and if anything, the family appreciate it even more today. ‘The existing kitchen no longer worked for the way we lived’ says Linda, citing that storage was limited, the layout inefficient and the room lacked a sense of ease. Because the kitchen itself was relatively small, every detail had to work harder, balancing beauty with functionality in equal measure.
Working closely with designer Pierre Pensec and the team at the Neptune Paris store, the couple reimagined the room entirely. ‘Their guidance proved invaluable in planning a layout that could maximise every inch of available space’ explains Linda. Bespoke cabinetry made a transformative difference, fitting seamlessly into awkward dimensions and creating storage solutions tailored precisely to the couple’s needs. ‘From the earliest design stages through to installation, the process felt collaborative and considered, with the finished kitchen exceeding our expectations,’ adds Linda.
One of the most important aspects of the design was finding harmony between old and new. The original floor tiles from 1914 became the starting point for the entire scheme, grounding the room in its history while allowing the cabinetry and appliances to bring more contemporary functionality to the space.
The choice of Saffron cabinetry was drawn from one of the tones within the original tiles, which immediately connected the old elements of the room with the new. Initially, there had been concerns that such a rich shade might overwhelm a smaller kitchen, but once the cabinetry was installed and the walls painted, it became clear it was exactly the right decision. ‘Even during the grey winter months, the room feels uplifting and full of light,’ adds Ory.
Alongside the colour palette, it is the thoughtful details that make the kitchen work day to day. The pantry cupboard provides invaluable storage while keeping essentials organised and easily accessible. A countertop bi-fold cabinet cleverly conceals smaller appliances out of sight, maintaining a clear worktop, while allowing them to slide forward when needed. Even the narrow pull-out bottle drawer has become one of the room’s most appreciated features, proving how much impact smart storage can have within a smaller space.
At the heart of the kitchen sits an American enamel table from the 1920s. ‘It was one of our non-negotiables with the design and we use it as an island. It’s practical but we also love that it’s a piece that has history and feel it anchors the room.’
Today, the kitchen is used far beyond cooking. During lockdown, its abundance of natural light transformed it into a home office, as a space that brought joy even during long working days spent indoors. Now, it continues to act as the centre of family life. Cooking together has become a way to share time, conversation and catch up on the day. Linda says, ‘even though it is a small space, our kitchen somehow accommodates multiple cooks at once, provided everyone moves in harmony!’
By carefully reconfiguring the layout, improving flow and tailoring storage to suit everyday living, it’s a kitchen that not only works beautifully, but feels deeply connected to the people who use it.
