Classic In-Frame Shaker 107 & Walk-in Pantry, Utility and Media Wall – Nazeing, Essex

Project Highlights

• Classic In-Frame Shaker cabinetry in a Nazeing country house renovation, blending heritage charm with modern open-plan living
• Two natural oak kitchen islands: a square working island with prep sink, and a larger rectangle with curved end providing bar seating for six
• Surrounding cabinetry hand-painted in Little Greene Rolling Fog, with a natural oak dresser tying into the home’s exposed wooden beams
• Cream classic AGA range cooker (a 30-year-old converted to all-electric) framed by an exposed brick wall as the central focal point
• Carrara Misterio quartz worktops throughout, with a hidden breakfast pantry behind bi-fold doors
• Perrin and Rowe Shell handles and contoured knobs in aged brass, plus Armac Martin Bar handles on the integrated cold storage run
• Coordinated walk-in pantry, utility room with stacked Miele laundry and Shaws butler sink, and bespoke media wall unit, all in matching Classic In-Frame Shaker

A Nazeing Country House Renovation

Nestled in the picturesque area of Nazeing, Essex, this stunning grand country house underwent an extensive renovation to become our client’s forever home. The goal was to blend timeless country charm with modern luxury, resulting in a kitchen at the centre that is as functional as it is breathtaking.

The area opened up to a kitchen, informal dining and living area, where the layout was carefully planned to enhance the flow between zones, making it a hub for cooking, socialising and living. Large glass doors connect the open-plan space with the grounds, bringing in a great deal of natural light and scenic views. Every corner is bright and airy, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Key design elements focus on natural oak, exposed wooden beams and two spacious kitchen islands for maximum practicality and a touch of grandeur. In true Shaker style, the kitchen is both beautiful and usable, and we also designed handmade cabinetry for additional rooms including a walk-in pantry, a utility and a media wall unit.

Dual Natural Oak Islands: Working and Socialising

What makes this hub of the home spectacular is the dual delight of the kitchen islands. Both built and designed in our beautiful natural oak, these two stunning islands serve multiple purposes for the space.

Working island: the smaller of the two and square in shape, dedicated to food preparation and equipped with a Franke built-in sink and Quooker Classic Fusion Square in patinated brass. Ample counter space and storage solutions include an integrated recycling bin.

Socialising island: larger and rectangular, with a beautiful curved end acting as an additional informal dining area. With space for six bar seats, it encourages family and guests to gather and socialise. It features a pop-up S-Box socket, bespoke cutlery and utensil drawers, deep pan drawers and curved end cabinetry.

Cream Classic AGA and an Exposed Brick Wall

Further elevating the design is the choice of range cooker and the exposed brick wall surrounding it. A cream classic AGA offers both traditional aesthetics and modern functionality, becoming the kitchen’s workhorse and the perfect choice for our client’s busy life.

A fun fact: this AGA is 30 years old and has been repurposed from all-gas to all-electric. It still looks brand new, keeping up with modern family life.

A quintessential country feature framed with bespoke cabinetry and an exposed brick wall, the AGA is the focal point of the cooking area. It is not only an appliance for cooking large family meals but also a range cooker that heats the space during the colder winter months.

Close by, on the other side of the prep island and in direct view of the AGA, is a freestanding cabinetry unit that houses integrated cold storage appliances (fridge and freezer) from Samsung, along with a built-in Liebherr wine storage cabinet.

Shaws Sink with Perrin and Rowe Ionian Aged Brass

Positioned in front of large windows and framed by exposed wooden beams, the sink area offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The many windows flood the kitchen with natural light, making everyday tasks like washing up a pleasure.

How this sink area was created:

• The Shaws double bowl sink brings a classic yet timeless charm. A spacious, deep basin that is practical for daily tasks and perfect for a family kitchen.
• The Perrin and Rowe Ionian mixer tap with rinse in aged brass combines traditional craftsmanship with modern convenience. The aged brass adds a luxurious vintage touch that complements the natural tones of a country kitchen.
• A Perrin and Rowe freestanding soap dispenser in aged brass completes the look, blending seamlessly with the mixer tap and keeping the sink area neat and uncluttered.

This sink run also includes two Miele fully integrated dishwashers and plenty of additional storage solutions to keep the kitchen organised.

Rolling Fog Cabinetry with a Natural Oak Dresser

The handmade cabinets are hand-painted in Little Greene Rolling Fog, a soft, muted tone that sits beautifully against the warmth of the natural oak and the country setting.

Further elevating the design with alternative storage is the natural oak dresser. It is the epitome of refined craftsmanship and classic style, designed to elevate the aesthetics of the home. The dresser combines warm tones with the light, airy feel provided by the glazed doors and the Carrara Misterio worktop.

With a bold structure, the upper section features glass-fronted cabinets, allowing our client to display their most treasured items. Below, the dresser provides concealed storage with a sturdy oak door and drawers, perfect for keeping linens or tableware neatly out of sight. In the middle is open shelving for everyday display.

Breakfast Pantry, Carrara Misterio and Aged Brass Hardware

Another feature that captures the eye is the beautifully crafted breakfast pantry, hand-painted in Rolling Fog by Little Greene. The pantry sits at one end of the kitchen, providing a dedicated space for all morning essentials behind bi-fold doors.

The soft, muted tones of Rolling Fog pair beautifully with the natural beauty of the woodwork. A Samsung built-in grill microwave is housed in the middle and a quartz cold shelf is the ideal place for small kitchen appliances and keeping breakfast items such as butter, cheese or fresh pastries cool during preparation.

Other features include the handles: Perrin and Rowe Shell in aged brass, Perrin and Rowe Large Contoured Knobs in aged brass, and Armac Martin Bar handles for the fridge, freezer and wine cabinet. The Carrara Misterio quartz worktops run throughout.

Walk-in Pantry Adjacent to the Kitchen

In a prime location, a light and airy walk-in pantry sits adjacent to the kitchen, enhancing the flow of the cooking and dining routines. A thoughtful L-shaped layout brings a space that helps our client quickly select ingredients, appliances and other essentials, and the spectacular views make it feel both luxurious and serene.

Our client opted for stylish storage jars to keep ingredients fresh and organised, and wicker baskets to add to the rustic charm. These natural materials contrast beautifully with the sleek Carrara Misterio quartz worktops and open shelving, adding depth and character to the pantry design.

Utility Room with Shaws Butler Sink and Stacked Miele

We have designed a truly exceptional utility space, flowing seamlessly from the In-Frame Shaker kitchen through a single door. It has been handcrafted with the same attention to detail as the kitchen itself and hand-painted in the soft, muted tones of Rolling Fog by Little Greene.

Efficiency is key, and the layout features the highly sought-after configuration of stacked appliances. The vertical pairing of the Miele washing machine and dryer maximises floor space, leaving more room for storage and workspace, all neatly built into bespoke cabinetry.

No utility room is complete without a Shaws butler sink, an iconic feature that combines timeless design with exceptional practicality. Paired with the Perrin and Rowe Ionian mixer tap in aged brass, the utility room exudes understated luxury. Handles and knobs were chosen from Perrin and Rowe Shell Handles in aged brass and Large Contoured Knobs in aged brass, and the Carrara Misterio quartz worktop continues through.

Bespoke Media Wall Beneath the Wooden Beams

A perfect blend of entertainment and cooking is another key element of this space. In the living part of the open-plan room, we designed and built a media wall unit beneath the solid and beautiful wooden beams.

Positioned so that it can be seen from the socialising island, this beautiful feature lets the family enjoy TV shows together while cooking, eating or socialising.

The media wall is framed with custom cabinetry that blends seamlessly with the rest of the space. The open shelving allows our client to display decorative items that fit in with the overall décor, while the lower cabinetry conceals other items. We hand-painted the unit in Rolling Fog by Little Greene, a neutral hue that is warm and grounding.

A Forever Home, Built for Generations

This Nazeing project is a celebration of timeless design and bespoke craftsmanship. From the dual natural oak islands and the cream AGA framed by exposed brickwork, to the walk-in pantry, utility and media wall, every room is connected by a single design language while remaining tailored to its purpose.

The result is a forever home where the kitchen sits at the heart, surrounded by spaces that feel both grand and lived-in.