Installation & Trades

Fitting a Kitchen in a Victorian or Edwardian London Home

Uneven floors, chimney breasts and narrow galleys — and how to deal with them.

11 August 2026 · 2 min read

Many of the kitchens we fit in Kensington, Chiswick, Ealing and Richmond are in Victorian and Edwardian houses. These homes have character — and plenty of surprises. Here is what to expect.

Floors that are not level

Original timber floors often slope by several centimetres across a room. Units must be levelled individually with adjustable legs and packing, and plinths scribed to follow the floor so the line looks straight.

Walls that are not square

Lath-and-plaster and old brick walls are rarely flat. Filler panels and careful scribing close the gaps, and wall units are fixed with fixings suited to the wall construction.

Chimney breasts

A chimney breast can become a feature — a range cooker in the recess or alcove units either side. We check the structure before fixing anything to it.

Narrow galley kitchens

Galley kitchens in terraced houses need clever planning: slimmer units, corner solutions and appliance choices that leave enough space to open doors.

Old services

Older properties may have outdated wiring, lead or galvanised pipework. We check the services during the survey so any upgrade is in the quote from the start, not a surprise mid-job.

Keeping period character

Shaker and in-frame style kitchens, wooden worktops and traditional tiles suit period homes beautifully, but contemporary handleless kitchens can work just as well with the right detailing.

Renovating a period home? Book a free survey with kitchen fitters who know London houses.

Frequently asked questions

Can a modern kitchen look right in a Victorian house?

Yes. Many period homes have contemporary handleless kitchens; the key is good proportions, quality materials and careful detailing around original features.

Is it worth knocking through to the dining room?

It often creates a much better kitchen-diner, but it may involve structural work and building regulations. We can advise and work alongside your structural engineer.

What about old lead pipes?

If we find old lead or galvanised pipework, we recommend replacing the sections within the kitchen while the room is stripped out.

Do you work in conservation areas?

Internal kitchen work rarely needs planning permission, but listed buildings have extra rules. Check with your local council if your home is listed.

What Our Clients Say

From the very first survey to the final clean-up, the whole process was seamless. Our handleless kitchen in Kensington turned out exactly as we'd hoped - sleek, practical, and beautifully finished. Communication throughout was excellent, and every trade turned up exactly when they said they would.

Oliver & Sophia Bennett

We couldn't be happier with our new shaker kitchen in Richmond. The team managed everything - plumbing, electrics, plastering - without a single hiccup. The navy blue cabinetry looks stunning and the custom pantry unit has completely changed how we store things. Highly recommend.

James & Charlotte Davies

As someone who entertains often, I needed a kitchen that could keep up. Surchan Kitchen delivered a genuinely industrial-style space in Chelsea that's both striking and durable. The fixed price they quoted at the start was exactly what I paid - no surprises, no add-ons.

Alexander Wright

Our Marylebone kitchen installation was handled with real professionalism from start to finish. The oak finishes and marble worktops were fitted with incredible precision, and the team was respectful of our home throughout the whole project. We'd use them again without hesitation.

Liam & Maya Patel

I have a small flat in Notting Hill and honestly didn't think I'd get this much storage out of the space. The team was creative with the layout and every recommendation they made turned out to be the right one. Tidy, professional, and finished on schedule.

Emily Clarke

Renovating a period property in Mayfair comes with its own challenges, but Surchan Kitchen handled it brilliantly. The sage green cabinetry and the wine display unit are exactly what we envisioned. Every member of the team was courteous and clearly experienced.

Edward & Victoria Hastings

Our Chiswick kitchen is now the heart of the house. The terracotta and off-white combination was a bold choice but the team executed it perfectly. The extended dining table built into the island has become everyone's favourite spot. Great value and great communication.

Benjamin & Chloe Evans

With four kids at home, we needed something that could withstand daily chaos. The Ealing installation has held up brilliantly and looks just as good months later. The team clearly understood what a busy family kitchen actually needs, not just how it should look.

Thomas & Grace Robinson

Straightforward, honest, and well priced. My Hammersmith kitchen was completed on time with no unexpected costs. I appreciated how clearly everything was explained before work started, and the finish quality has genuinely exceeded what I paid for.

Daniel Harris

Surchan Kitchen transformed our outdated galley kitchen into something we're genuinely proud of. The survey process was thorough and the final quote matched exactly what we were told at the start. Couldn't recommend the team more.

Sophie Turner

We interviewed three companies before choosing Surchan Kitchen, and it was the right decision. Their attention to detail during the planning stage saved us from several layout mistakes we hadn't considered. The finished kitchen speaks for itself.

Rebecca & Mark Foster

Professional from day one. The old kitchen was removed and the new one installed within the timeframe we were given, and the finish is excellent. It's rare to find a company that does exactly what it says it will, but that's exactly what happened here.

Amelia Cooper