A Georgian Masterpiece

When food blogger Mandy Miller-Simmonds (known as @simplyfoodbymandy on Instagram) embarked on renovating her Georgian townhouse in Tunbridge Wells, she knew the kitchen would be the heart of her home. As a mother of two and an avid cook, it was essential that her kitchen wasn’t just stylish but also practical for everyday use and content creation. From the rich avocado cabinetry from Tom Howley to the sleek Miele appliances, Mandy’s kitchen is a perfect blend of heritage charm and modern functionality. In this Q&A, Mandy shares her renovation journey, her must-have kitchen features, and the role Miele appliances play in making every meal, and every moment, seamless. Whether you're planning your dream kitchen or simply looking for inspiration, Mandy’s insights will help guide you in creating a space that suits both your lifestyle and home.

Q: Tell us a bit about your home and renovation journey.

A: I live in a beautiful Georgian townhouse in Tunbridge Wells with my two sons, Toby and Charlie. When I began renovating, my goal was to turn the existing dining room and kitchen into one open-plan space. It was really important for me to have a large island with plenty of seating, as this would be the main dining area. My cabinetry is dark avocado by Tom Howley, so I wanted to contrast it with stunning light work surfaces. I chose Statturio Maximus, which is a clean off-white with a striking yet subtle grey vein. It adds a sophisticated pop without overpowering the room.

Q: Why did you choose an induction hob with a downward extractor?

A: I always knew I wanted an induction hob for the island, and when I discovered the large Miele induction hob with a downward extractor, I literally fell in love. It integrates perfectly into the island, making cooking both functional and social. The induction hob is not only incredibly efficient but also super easy to control. I’ve noticed that a lot of top chefs are moving from gas to induction now, and I can definitely see why. Miele induction hobs are known for their precision, efficiency, and sleek design. The downward extractor ensures a clear, open view while cooking—perfect for an island layout where social interaction is key.

Q: As a food blogger, what role does the look and functionality of your kitchen play?

A: I’m constantly filming in my kitchen, so the design had to look flawless on camera while also being practical. The high ceilings in my Georgian home, thanks to architect Decimus Burton, were ideal for creating a grand yet functional kitchen space. The layout flows beautifully, with two Miele ovens at chest height in dark cabinetry that complements the kitchen design. The brass hardware adds richness and a classy finish. The whole setup feels cohesive, and the appliances don’t just look good—they’re high-performing, too.

Q: Can you tell us more about your Miele appliances?

A: I opted for two Miele fan ovens in black, which blend seamlessly with the dark cabinetry. Because the fan distributes the heat around the oven compartment straight away, it allows you to use a lower temperature than you would with the conventional heat function. Use this function if you are baking on multiple shelves at the same time. This function is suitable for roasting meat, fish and poultry that needs to be well browned as well as sirloin joints and fillet.

I also have a steam oven and sous vide drawer, which have been game-changers for cooking. Additionally, my integrated fridge and separate no frost freezer with ice maker are brilliant. The wine conditioning unit was something I’d wanted for years—an absolute treat – it keeps both white and red wine at the optimum temperature. The Miele warming drawer is another favourite, not only for keeping plates warm but also allowing me to slow-cook stews and casseroles. It’s perfect for those busy days when I have to pop out for the school run—dinner is ready when we get back!

Miele’s steam ovens retain nutrients while ensuring dishes are cooked to perfection. The warming drawer does more than just keep plates warm—it also serves as a slow-cooking solution for busy families.

Finally, I never thought I would get excited about a dishwasher but I could never have any other brand after this! My model has an auto-dosing function, which means that it automatically uses just the right amount of detergent depending on how dirty the dishes are. This can save up to 30% of detergent per year and ensures everything comes out sparkling!

Q: What advice would you give to someone designing a new kitchen?

A: My number one piece of advice is to embrace your home’s unique characteristics. My Georgian home has grand proportions, so I made sure to reflect that in my design choices. It’s crucial to think about what you like and what will genuinely work in your space. I recommend going to different showrooms, checking out online inspiration, and creating a mood board. Think about textures—mix materials like wood, stone, and metal to create depth and interest. But most importantly, stick to your vision. Don’t be swayed by other people’s opinions; trust your instincts.

Another important tip is to research your appliances thoroughly to make sure they’re the perfect fit for the way you cook and your lifestyle. When you invest in a kitchen, it’s essential that your appliances perform as well as they look. One way to do this is by attending a Miele Discovery Class. I found it incredibly helpful! You get to see the products up close, watch a live cookery demonstration, and even enjoy a lunch prepared with Miele appliances. It gave me the confidence that I was making the right choices for me and my home.