Classic In-Frame Plain Front Beaded Shaker Kitchen 115 – Much Hadham, Hertfordshire

Project Highlights

• Classic In-Frame Shaker cabinetry with plain front beaded panel detail, hand-painted in Little Greene Invisible Green, Joanna and Linen Wash
• Individually made furniture designed specifically for a historic Much Hadham property
• Retained electric AGA in Dartmouth Blue, paired with a new ILVE Milano 600m for year-round cooking
• Central island with Carrara Misterio quartz worktops, seating for four and handcrafted solid wood brackets
• Bespoke dresser with glass-fronted cabinets for displaying the client’s glass collection
• Concealed cellar door seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry
• Triangular glazed extension with reading nook and built-in window seat overlooking open countryside

A Historic Hertfordshire Property

From the moment you enter this historic Much Hadham property, you are surrounded by open countryside, the warmth of a homely feel and craftsmanship that takes centre stage. This bespoke kitchen has been carefully designed and handcrafted to respect the home’s character while elevating how the space is used today.

Framed by a striking triangular glazed extension, the kitchen connects seamlessly to the wider open-plan living area. The original kitchen footprint formed the L-shaped section of the room, which the client was keen to retain particularly as the AGA was already positioned there, much loved as part of the family’s daily life.

As with many period homes, the property did not lend itself to one large open-plan kitchen, so the design focused on creating distinct yet connecting areas within the existing space, allowing each zone to feel purposeful while still flowing naturally together.

Classic In-Frame with Plain Front Beaded Panel

Each cabinet was handcrafted using traditional In-Frame construction, with solid frames assembled by hand and finished with plain flat fronts and a central beaded panel. This style introduces a softer, more traditional aesthetic that complements the property’s age while still providing the practicality required for modern living.

Our work allows for refined proportions and longevity, giving the furniture a depth and character that cannot be achieved with mass-produced cabinetry. Elements of tongue-and-groove panelling and recessed plinths complete the look, perfect for a countryside home with a timeless, homely, cottage-inspired feel that sits comfortably within the building’s heritage.

Three Little Greene Paint Colours

Three colours form the foundation of the kitchen’s design, all from Little Greene, hand-painted onto the cabinetry:

• Invisible Green: a deep green connecting the kitchen to nature and the surrounding countryside.
• Joanna: a pale taupe with a warm base, offering a beautiful alternative to white and bringing softness to the space.
• Linen Wash: a broken, pared-down natural linen tone, introducing a calm and understated warmth.

All cabinetry was hand-painted on site in multiple stages, allowing the finish to settle naturally into the grain and detailing of the furniture. This process creates a softer, more layered appearance that enhances the handcrafted nature of the kitchen and adds to its sense of age and authenticity.

The Island, Dresser & Concealed Cellar Door

Positioned within the newer part of the kitchen, the central island becomes the heart of the space, effortlessly supporting both everyday living and relaxed entertaining. From casual breakfasts to evening gatherings, the island provides seating for four, encouraging the kitchen to be used as a social hub throughout the day.

Beneath the Carrara Misterio quartz worktop, open shelving provides space for baskets, with discreet cupboards tucked below. Handcrafted solid wood brackets introduce a refined, luxurious detail to the island’s design.

Wrapped around the central wall, a bespoke dresser becomes a standout feature. Designed as an elegant display for the client’s glass collection, the upper cabinets feature glass-fronted doors that add lightness and refinement to the furniture. Sitting alongside this is a concealed door leading to the cellar, designed as part of the furniture from the outset so it disappears seamlessly into the cabinetry while maintaining the visual rhythm of the In-Frame design.

Hendel & Hendel Greenwich Handles in Waxed Burnished Brass

The finishing details of the kitchen were carefully considered to complement the cabinetry’s character. Hendel & Hendel Greenwich handles in waxed burnished brass were selected throughout, using a mix of knobs and cup handles to bring subtle variation across the furniture.

Finishing the cabinetry with a warm metallic tone reinforces the homely, traditional feel of the space. On one side of the island, a burnished brass towel rail with additional hooks offers a practical yet decorative feature, perfect for hanging linens and baskets.

The Retained AGA & New ILVE Milano

The kitchen brings together existing and new appliances, carefully integrated into bespoke cabinetry to suit how the space is used throughout the year.

Our client was keen to retain the electric AGA in Dartmouth Blue, which remains proudly positioned within the original L-shaped section. As the AGA is turned off during the warmer months, a new ILVE Milano 600m oven was introduced within the newer run of cabinetry, ensuring the kitchen remains fully functional year-round while balancing traditional and contemporary cooking solutions.

Above the ILVE, a Westin Prime extractor is seamlessly integrated into the in-frame furniture, maintaining the clean, considered aesthetics. The Fisher & Paykel integrated fridge-freezer is housed in its own dedicated cabinetry section, thoughtfully wrapped around the wall near the concealed door leading to the cellar.

The Reading Nook & Window Seat

This cosy area incorporates storage on either side of the bi-fold window and a generous window seat, designed to double as dining bench seating when a large table is needed for family gatherings such as Thanksgiving. The reading nook naturally connects the open-plan living space to the garden beyond, creating a calm and inviting corner.

The wide window seat draws you towards the light, offering uninterrupted views across the generous grounds and the surrounding English countryside. The open shelving within the nook is set against dark-stained oak and tongue-and-groove panelling, with matching base shelves, introducing that much-loved warmth and texture.

A Truly Bespoke Approach

Every element within this kitchen has been carefully designed and crafted to suit the way the clients live, from hidden doors and tailored storage to handcrafted details and considered layout. This is what truly bespoke design is about: handcrafted furniture, designed from the inside out, shaped around the home, the people who live there, and the way the space is used every day.

With almost limitless possibilities in materials, finishes, and features, each decision is made with purpose. This kitchen is a true reflection of the refined detailing, craftsmanship and individuality we offer our clients, with no two projects ever being the same.