Libs Nicholls, the founder of homeware brand Domestic Science, has transformed her kitchen into a practical and stylish space using reclaimed and salvaged materials. With a keen eye for architectural salvage and a penchant for collecting unique pieces, Nicholls has created a kitchen that tells a story with every element.
Nicholls' journey began with a desire for a large, well-functioning kitchen that could accommodate family gatherings and her love for creative thinking. After years of making do with less-than-ideal spaces, she finally had the opportunity to create the kitchen of her dreams in her Cotswolds home, a 1910 building that was once a Co-op bakery.
Working with local architect Chris Davies and Kelmscott Studio, Nicholls reconfigured and extended the layout to create an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area. The design was inspired by her years of collecting salvaged finds, which she describes as a different kind of collecting compared to hoarding.
One of the key elements of the kitchen is the use of reclaimed materials. Nicholls sourced cream 1950s English Rose units, a corner unit from a Scout hut in Malvern, and zinc worktops to create a distinctive retro-industrial feel. She also added a touch of character by using old Dutch utilitarian tables to create a tongue-and-groove effect in the ceiling, connecting the interior and exterior spaces.
The kitchen floor is made from reclaimed pine planks, which Nicholls has been buying in bulk for years. She strategically laid them over underfloor heating, allowing them to acclimatize for nine months before finishing them with Osmo wax. This attention to detail and belief in giving materials a second life is a hallmark of Nicholls' design philosophy.
At the heart of the kitchen is a 9ft Victorian pine dresser base, which Nicholls specifically purchased for this space. It is topped with a mix of salvaged and new Carrara marble and paired with bespoke cabinetry. The dresser dictated the layout, including a double sink, dedicated recycling bins, a dishwasher, and a practical working area opposite the cooker.
Nicholls also incorporated long-forgotten finds, such as a heavy galvanised steel panel from a film props auction, which was transformed into a striking splashback. She also installed tin ceiling tiles behind the Everhot and reglazed Crittall pantry doors with ribbed glass, adding texture and a sense of history to the space.
The kitchen is a testament to Nicholls' resourcefulness and attention to detail. Every surface tells a story, and the space feels like it has evolved naturally rather than being simply installed. It is a deeply personal space that reflects Nicholls' love for reclaimed materials and her desire to create a functional and elegant kitchen.
Nicholls' kitchen transformation is a reminder that with creativity and a keen eye for salvage, one can create a space that is both beautiful and practical. Her attention to detail and belief in giving materials a second life make her kitchen a true labor of love.
