Keeping the property’s original and distinctive features in the beautiful Essex countryside, the kitchen stands at the centre of the home where the function is met with a warm and inviting charm that blends seamlessly with its surroundings.
Our clients had set their minds on creating an awe-inspiring challenge of breathing new life into their historic property, where this extensive restoration project would soon include a stunning Handmade Kitchen Company classic English kitchen at its heart. They wanted something that would take them on culinary adventures and allow them to host lively gatherings.
After looking through our portfolio of projects, our clients found one particular kitchen they wanted to make happen in their home, so we copied elements of the design but made it their own. This is our Classic Shaker with a cock beaded front frame with mouldings.
The past was certainly preserved and to this day, the focus remains on achieving a delicate balance that pays homage to the past while incorporating contemporary sensibilities to transform it into a forever family home.
A larger, more open family space was created which enabled the client to tailor the whole room to their requirements. The colour choices throughout the whole project were a combination of Slaked Lime Deep No.150 and Basalt No.221, both from Little Greene.
Taking our attention to the kitchen first, we hand-painted the kitchen cabinets and cooker surround in Slaked Lime Deep. This colour is the deep variation of one of the most loved off-white paint shades. This slightly deeper hue brings warmth when used as a neutral backdrop.
The kitchen island was designed to be the focal point and was hand-painted in Basalt. This timeless blue-black is a distinctive colour which is easier on the eye, and where natural light hits it, it will draw out its charismatic blue undertones.
The interplay between the two-tone colour combination and the elegant Calacatta Valencia Quartz worktops, combined with the contrasting walnut wood features, creates a seamless balance, bridging the past with the comforts of the present.
Due to the space, an L-shaped layout was designed, with a kitchen that was practical and built with zones for cooking and entertaining. The strategic positioning of the kitchen island brings the entire space together. It was carefully planned with size and positioning in mind and had adequate space around it. On the end of the island is a bespoke pedestal table that offers comfy social seating.
A culinary centrepiece is in a prime location in the kitchen, it’s exactly where the existing cooker used to be and sits opposite the island. This Lacanche 1405mm Range Cooker is complete with a 5 ring Induction hob and double oven. Sitting beneath a bespoke chimney breast mantle and a Westin Prime extraction fan, what an excellent cooking station to have. You will also find our bespoke cabinetry packed with clever storage solutions that frame the Lacanche and an antiqued silver mirror splashback.
No classic English country kitchen is complete without a Shaws of Darwen Sink. Representing enduring quality and a tribute to the shaker kitchen’s heritage, this iconic handcrafted fireclay sink is strategically placed beneath one of the beautiful windows. It not only enhances the kitchen’s charm but also provides practicality, complemented by an aged brass Perrin & Rowe Ionian lever handle tap and a Quooker Classic Fusion in patinated brass.
A thoughtful design brings order to the kitchen, and the storage available throughout this project helped our clients create organisation and a sense of calm.
Amongst the cleverly incorporated storage solutions are spacious cabinets, bespoke drawers with cutlery inserts and pantry cupboards with bi-fold doors. Streamlining daily routines in the cooking zone are deep drawers and bespoke chopping boards. All storage has been efficiently maximised without sacrificing the style.
This handcrafted drinks dresser features seamless organisation where it balances practicality with an enhanced visual appeal. It bridges the dining and cooking space, promoting inclusivity and togetherness.
At the front are fluted glass-fronted cabinets and solid wood bi-fold doors that open up to a Walnut Veneer interior and LED lighting on all shelves. The timeless blue-black paint colour continues onto the bespoke drinks dresser and the Armac Martin Queslett pulls and knobs in burnished brass add a charming touch.
Tapping into the heritage of a pantry, this walk-in larder we created for our client is impressive and matches the kitchen’s design. It certainly elevates the kitchen experience with bespoke artisan shelves and open drawers. What else has been added to the space, is a Liebherr side-by-side built-in fridge freezer and a Liebherr full-height integrated wine cooler in black.
It really does remind us of a traditional pantry that would be seen in the nineteenth century but with a modern twist.
Other features include – a Calacatta Valencia quartz worktop, bespoke serving trays and hand-painted in Slaked Lime Deep, Little Greene.
We believe every corner in your home deserves the touch of exquisite craftsmanship and that is why we design utility rooms that beautifully coexist with the kitchen and accommodate the family’s everyday functions.
Again, working in a room that has kept the original features we provided ample storage that would be home for detergents, laundry baskets, clothes airers, and more. The functional storage is cleverly concealed behind our beautiful Classic Shaker-style doors. The bulky appliances are seen at eye level with specially designed drawers below to hold the laundry basket when using the dryer or washing machine. Although the appliances look beautiful amongst our cabinetry, the classic and durable Shaws 600 Butler sink is a charming piece to the functioning of this room. With the Basalt paint colour and Calacatta Valencia Quartz worktops, the utility room beautifully coexists with the kitchen.
Other features include – Perrin & Rowe Aged Brass Armstrong single lever tap with pull-down rinse, Armac Martin Queslett pulls and knobs in burnished brass LED lighting under the wall cupboard.
Also, found in the utility is a bench seat with space for hanging coats and storage above and below.
A unique feature was introduced to where the media wall lies, a unique glass lantern roof. This part of the home was an extension and offers a bright airy open-plan space where the outside is seen from an impressive space.
Continuing the beautiful walnut look, the backdrop and shelves of this delightful media wall unit make it a truly individual look. We hand-painted the whole unit in Little Greene Slaked Lime Deep.
The closed storage below has been designed to store board games and special serveware ready for those entertaining evenings. The solid wooden doors have been finished with Armac Martin Queslett knobs which are a nod to the heritage of this property and a continuous flow of the handles found throughout the home. Finishing off the unit is a painted wooden top and an angled skirting plinth with a traditional cornice.
Connecting each area is this full-stave black American walnut dining table with a 38mm top. The curated details evoke a sense of history and heritage. With it being a great size, it offers the perfect place for our clients to hold gatherings and special occasions with the ones they love the most.
A table that boasts both functionality and undeniable beauty!
If you’re looking for some home inspiration, our brochure is available to download. You will come across a large selection of our beautiful bespoke handmade kitchens, featured in many parts of the UK.
We look forward to hearing from you and your design ideas so we can get started on your dream kitchen.
Additional media of this kitchen project
