For the Love of Kitchens

For the Love of Kitchens is a testament to the age-old adage: the kitchen is the heart of the home. This charming and visually delightful series from Discovery+ launched in 2021 and follows the talented team from deVOL Kitchens, a renowned kitchen design and manufacturing company based in the United Kingdom. The show elegantly weaves the artisanal craftsmanship, innovative design, and heartfelt passion that the deVOL team pours into every bespoke kitchen project.

Nestled in the quaint English countryside of Leicestershire, the deVOL workshops give birth to some of the most breathtakingly beautiful and functional kitchens that uniquely reflect the history, architecture, and personal style of their owners. The show spotlights the company's creative director, Helen Parker, and her team of skilled designers, artisans, and craftsmen, including carpenters, painters, and ceramicists. The series takes viewers on an intimate journey through the design process, from inception to completion, as these artisans turn clients' dreams into reality.

Each episode typically centers around a new client and their distinctive kitchen space. The clients hail from diverse locations and backgrounds, which means the deVOL team must take a personalized approach to meet the specific needs and desires of each homeowner. The variety of projects showcased in For the Love of Kitchens reflects a range of styles, from classic English country to sleek modern minimalism, each kitchen being an homage to both the clients' preferences and the historical context of the building.

A defining aspect of the series is its attention to detail. The viewers are given a peek into the meticulous process of design choice, from selecting the perfect shade of paint to the exact brass knob that complements the cabinetry. It illustrates the philosophy that the finest details are what transform a functional space into a piece of living art, an essential principle of the deVOL brand.

Craftsmanship and materiality are also celebrated throughout the show. The team at deVOL prides itself on their use of quality materials, such as sustainably sourced timbers, natural stones, and crafted metals, which are consistently highlighted and explained in the episodes. The hands-on work in the workshop, the use of traditional methods, and the sheer dedication to maintaining high standards of craftsmanship are essential elements that the series captures so well.

One of the series' most endearing qualities is its heartwarming storytelling. The narratives are not only about kitchen renovations but are interwoven with the personal stories of the clients. These anecdotes and the significance of the kitchen within each family's life add an emotional depth and relatability to the show. Whether it's a young family needing an updated and practical space or a couple restoring a historic property with a desire to honor its past, each story is unique and engaging.

For the Love of Kitchens also offers inspiration and educational value. Homeowners, design enthusiasts, and professionals alike can glean insights into the principles of elegant design, the importance of form following function, and the potential to create a coherent aesthetic that marries old with new. The show demystifies the design process and makes it accessible, proving that good design is not about extravagance, but rather about the clarity of vision and thoughtfulness in execution.

As the series progresses, it also reveals the growth and dynamics within the deVOL team itself. The camaraderie and collaboration between the designers, the challenges they face, the solutions they devise, and the pride they take in their work make the audience invested in the team's journey. The nurturing leadership of Helen Parker imparts a sense of purpose and joy in the work they do, which in turn, makes for a genuinely heartwarming viewing experience.

The visual presentation of For the Love of Kitchens is another notable aspect— the lush cinematography captures the quintessentially English settings inside and out, from the rolling hills and pastoral landscapes to the historical nuances of the buildings in which these kitchens are set. The transformations are showcased with before-and-after visuals that highlight the incredible impact that thoughtful design can have on a space.

For viewers looking for a relaxing and aesthetically pleasing escape, For the Love of Kitchens is an invitation into a world where beauty, function, and passion merge in the creation of dream kitchens. It's a celebration of the philosophy that every design tells a story and that a kitchen, more than any other room, has the power to tell the story of the home and the people who live in it.