A Country Kitchen Steers Clear of Cutesiness
This elegant cooking-dining space in England offers timeless style that combines neutral shades with warm wood touches
“Classic country style — but not too twee” is how Jo Ashwin of Hill Farm Furniture describes this updated family kitchen in the East Midlands region of England. Featuring handcrafted recessed-panel cabinets and soothing neutral tones, the space is an illuminating example of a traditional design that doesn’t look fusty or fussy.
Central to the new kitchen is a large island packed with integrated storage and featuring a sitting area at one end.
When it came to challenges, the most awkward element of planning the kitchen was where to put the refrigerator. “It was built into an existing chimney [bump-out],” Ashwin says. “We placed some paneling on the front to disguise it so it just looked like tall units.” Next to the built-in fridge is a built-in microwave and oven.
Weathered oak stools: Cox & Cox. Find more backless wooden stools
When it came to challenges, the most awkward element of planning the kitchen was where to put the refrigerator. “It was built into an existing chimney [bump-out],” Ashwin says. “We placed some paneling on the front to disguise it so it just looked like tall units.” Next to the built-in fridge is a built-in microwave and oven.
Weathered oak stools: Cox & Cox. Find more backless wooden stools
The kitchen cabinets were built from scratch using Quebec yellow wood for the frames and tulipwood for the doors. The owners opted for door moldings, plinths and cornices in a Victorian style to reflect the period of their home, but it all feels modern thanks to the neutral colors.
Paint: Smoke (cabinets) and Elephant-Grey (island), Zoffany
Paint: Smoke (cabinets) and Elephant-Grey (island), Zoffany
The designers linked the kitchen and dining area by using the same flooring throughout. The limestone flooring also adds to the charming country look.
Umbrian limestone tiles: Floors of Stone
Umbrian limestone tiles: Floors of Stone
The American black walnut countertop on the island has rich tones that contrast beautifully with the pale painted cabinets. Using a different material for the island counter makes the island more of a focal point.
Your Guide to 15 Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials
Your Guide to 15 Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials
Built-in storage was another key requirement, and this pantry has plenty of room for packages and jars, with the wooden shelves inside looking as good as the exterior. “The larder was very important to our clients,” Ashwin says. “They wanted it to house all their food storage. It includes an integrated spice rack and bread drawers.”
Hidden details like this extend throughout the kitchen. “There are pullout tea trays on one end of the island, and a TV is hidden behind bifold doors,” Ashwin says.
Photo Flip: 80 Pretty and Practical Pantries
Hidden details like this extend throughout the kitchen. “There are pullout tea trays on one end of the island, and a TV is hidden behind bifold doors,” Ashwin says.
Photo Flip: 80 Pretty and Practical Pantries
“The dresser in the dining room houses all of the owners’ best glasses and crockery,” Ashwin says. “The center section is reserved for drinks. It’s mirror-backed with lights inside and has a pullout shelf for making drinks and cocktails.”
The drawers and cabinet underneath provide plenty of room for napkins and tableware.
The drawers and cabinet underneath provide plenty of room for napkins and tableware.
Here’s a view of the unit with the doors closed.
In a country kitchen, what else would you have but a traditional range? “The Aga was in the house when the owners moved in, but they had it reconditioned and re-enameled to change the color,” Ashwin says.
Metal cup handles on the drawers add to the country feel.
Metal cup handles on the drawers add to the country feel.
The little angled cupboard with a bifold door is a smart addition. “The owners saw it in our showroom and really liked the idea. It’s used to house everyday spices and oils, rather than having them sitting out, as there’s not much worktop space either side of the Aga,” Ashwin says.
A rail with hooks provides a place to hang utensils.
A rail with hooks provides a place to hang utensils.
There’s no waiting for the kettle to boil here; the prep sink on the island features a Quooker hot, cold and boiling water dispenser.
The Case for 2 Kitchen Sinks
The Case for 2 Kitchen Sinks
Metal pendant lights help define the island and add another traditional-style element to the kitchen.
Enna pendant lights: Moretti Luce via Broughtons of Leicester. Find more metal pendant lights
Enna pendant lights: Moretti Luce via Broughtons of Leicester. Find more metal pendant lights
The island includes a spot for cookbooks. An overhanging countertop means there’s plenty of room here for bar stools, which makes it the ideal place for family members to perch with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Subtle design details help bring this kitchen to life. One such detail is the high shelf lined with pretty knickknacks; another is the gray feature wall. These little touches combine to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The designers also helped the owners decorate this nearby powder room. The vanity mirrors the style of the cabinets in the kitchen and dining area, which helps create a unified feel across the ground floor.
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Read about other kitchen makeovers
Find kitchen and bath designers in your area
Who lives here: A family of five
Location: Rutland County, England
Size: 323 square feet (30 square meters)
Designer: Hill Farm Furniture
“Keep it light and airy” was the instruction when Hill Farm Furniture came on board to revamp the kitchen of this Victorian house. And the kitchen design and furniture company did just that. Featuring handcrafted wooden cabinets and classic flagstone flooring in pale tones, the space is bright and blends with the home’s period details.
The peaceful view of the back garden, which adds to the kitchen’s rustic air, resulted from careful rearranging of the downstairs layout. “While the previous kitchen wasn’t that old, the room was smaller and located in what is now the dining room,” says Ashwin, manager of Hill Farm Furniture. “The owners swapped the kitchen and dining rooms over, and took the connecting door away to make the space feel more open-plan.”
Cabinets: Hill Farm Furniture; countertops flanking sink: Lagoon, Silestone