Strictly Come Dancing star, talent show judge and TV presenter Oti Mabuse shares her brand-new Ilfracombe Beaded kitchen from Howdens, the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, at her family home in Berkshire.

While preparing for her new baby and managing the bustle of family life, Oti Mabuse knew it was time to transform the kitchen in her Grade 2 listed farmhouse. Oti wanted a space for making soulful food in the heart of the home and the functionality needed for a growing family 

To bring her ideas to life, Oti enlisted carpenter and joiner Gavin Tutton, and Howdens’ kitchen designer, Emma Dolman, who helped create a timeless kitchen that celebrates the family's love of South African and Romanian cooking while supporting the demands of busy family life. 

For Oti and her family, kitchen dancing sessions are a must-have. She wanted as much floor space as possible and a safe space for children, so she swapped a kitchen island for wall-mounted storage, opting for cabinets all the way up to the ceiling. Oti chose Ilfracombe Beaded in-frame shaker cabinetry in Truffle and Sandstone with pops of antique brass in the sink and handles.   

 The Ilfracombe Beaded design brings decorative heritage style with its beaded edge detailing of the true in-frame shaker cabinetry. The 20mm door features a classic five-piece timber shaker construction, with a beaded design frame that surrounds the cabinet fronts. Gavin worked vertically using a tall fridge, freezer, and drawer storage to work with the high ceilings of the kitchen.

Oti wanted to be rid of the awkward access of the old design – like the fridge opening into the hallway. Gavin added pocket doors and tall storage without encroaching on high-traffic areas. Testing new recipes requires all sorts of utensils, so baking tray holders, chopping boards, and spinning storage fit neatly in every inch of cupboard space, plus a bespoke spice rack.

Oti Mabuse said; “We loved working with Gavin, he has brought our dream kitchen to life. He suggested solutions we hadn’t even thought of to guide us to the best design decision for Marius, me, and our growing family. I love the pocket doors and the InSinkErator. The brilliant space works for all our cooking appliances. It’s such a good system that finally makes sense for us.”

Howdens’ kitchen designer, Emma Dolman, said; “Oti was a dream client to design for, with a clear vision for a kitchen that would work beautifully for her family while making the most of every inch of space. As a passionate cook, dedicated storage was a priority, so we created a practical spice storage shelf that keeps ingredients organised, visible and within easy reach when preparing meals. Combined with the spacious larder and other clever storage solutions, the kitchen is perfectly tailored to Oti’s love of cooking. The Ilfracombe Beaded design beautifully complements the home’s farmhouse character, creating a space that is both stylish and highly functional."

The delicate bronze veins in the Howdens Bronze Rivers Quartz Worktop add subtle warmth to the kitchen for a natural and understated look, which was extended seamlessly within the larder. Gavin suggested an InSinkErator food waste disposer to help the family manage food waste, and it fits neatly underneath the sink. The aged brass Quooker tap and large BLANCO Etagon sink were carefully chosen to complement the character of the 200-year-old farmhouse.

The larder features a quartz worktop, internal dovetail timber drawers, and pocket doors to maximise storage, and provide a place to prepare meals without encroaching on valuable floor space. Oake & Gray flooring gives maximum dance space and allows for a great atmosphere.  

To achieve a more streamlined look for the appliances, Gavin suggested a Lamona venting induction hob and transformed the space normally reserved for an extractor fan, into convenient spice jar storage, with attention to every detail and achieving a cohesive complete kitchen look.

Howdens is back this autumn with TradeFest: Better than a Sale 2026, its biggest kitchen event of the year. TradeFest brings incredible local deals, events and competitions to depots all over the UK, meaning now is the best time to choose a new kitchen.

Visitors to Grand Designs Live 2025 can find out more about the incredible TradeFest kitchen deals, as well as experiencing beautiful designs up close, and enjoying expert advice in person as Howdens presents the Kitchen Theatre Hub. The Hub will feature expert-led discussions, sessions with presenter and interiors expert Kevin McCloud, and more.

Howdens offers a wide range of kitchen and bedroom collections, from best on budget to premium Classic Timber Kitchens with 24 paint-to-order options, along with joinery, doors, and flooring.  Kitchens feature rigid cabinets and are manufactured in their factories and are backed by a 25-year cabinet guarantee. All products are available from stock at over 850 depots across the UK and Republic of Ireland, ensuring availability when needed. Howdens is also the exclusive supplier of Lamona appliances, Oake & Gray flooring, and Fuller & Forge ironmongery, providing a complete solution for any project.

Homeowners can get started by booking a free design appointment online, and local depots can help in finding a tradesperson if needed.

Find out more at howdens.com