Classic In-Frame Square Double Step Beaded Shaker Kitchen 116 – Much Hadham, Hertfordshire

Set within the beautiful scenery of Much Hadham, this project came to us through a family friend and formed part of an exciting building works transformation. Surrounded by idyllic rolling landscapes and the character of this charming Hertfordshire village, the brief was to create a kitchen that felt entirely bespoke to both the home and its setting.

Our Classic In-Frame Shaker, featuring a square double-step bead, takes centre stage, layered with handcrafted detailing and a perfectly balanced palette of greens and soft neutrals inspired by the countryside.

The layout has been carefully designed to work seamlessly within the newly reconfigured space, ensuring the kitchen feels open, fresh and completely at ease.

From bespoke pantry cabinetry to thoughtful storage solutions and innovative features, every detail has been considered so that everything truly has its place.

We reimagined the layout to make the most of the generous space. By introducing a central island, the kitchen has been completely transformed, creating a natural hub for cooking, gathering, and everyday family life. Hand-painted in a contrasting tone, the island becomes the focal point of the room, allowing the main cabinetry to frame it beautifully on either side.

The island incorporates a circular pedestal breakfast bar table alongside beautifully integrated serving trays and practical chopping boards. These bespoke touches make everyday tasks effortless while encouraging relaxed moments around the island, whether for morning coffee, casual dining or preparing meals together.

This truly bespoke kitchen works beautifully in this renovated home because it allows the design to respond directly to the architecture and lifestyle of the people living there. From the carefully harmonised cupboards and tailored pantry storage to the precise alignment of panels, cornices and frames, the cabinetry has been designed to feel balanced and purposeful throughout the space.

It has instantly become an integral part of the home’s character, combining traditional joinery, our craftsmanship and modern living to create a space that feels both enduring and personal.

Our Classic In-Frame Shaker with the square double-step bead was chosen as the perfect foundation for the design, allowing our client to place their own refined interpretation on the iconic Shaker style. While Shaker kitchens are celebrated for their timeless simplicity, the addition of the double-step bead introduces a subtle layer of detail that elevates the cabinetry with quiet sophistication. This approach keeps the clean proportions and enduring character of the Shaker aesthetic while adding a more tailored, decorative edge, creating a classic and personal space.

Along the working side of the island, a recessed plinth provides a practical stance for cooking and preparation, and the rest of the cabinetry is finished with skirting-style plinths, echoing the feel of fitted furniture and adding a more traditional touch to the home.

Inside the cabinetry, the craftsmanship continues with solid oak dovetail drawers and an oak veneer interior, ensuring the same level of quality is present behind the doors as well as on display. All hinges are soft-close, making the kitchen feel smooth and refined in everyday use. Each cabinet door and drawer is finished with Hendel & Hendel Hampton handles in dull nickel. We used a thoughtful mix of knobs and cup handles in varying sizes for visual interest.

The colour palette plays a key role in defining the atmosphere of the kitchen. Two carefully selected shades bring the desired depth and balance needed for the space:

• Little Greene Rolling Fog – hand-painted onto the main cabinetry, softening the room with its beautifully warm neutral tone.
• F&B Studio Green – hand-painted on the island, bringing a deep, rich tone that introduces contrast and anchors the design within the open space.

Together, these colours create a harmonious palette that’s both calm and characterful, allowing the darker island to stand proudly as the focal point while the lighter cabinetry keeps the overall space feeling bright and welcoming.

Form and function come together tastefully at the sink area, where a delicate yet highly practical workspace has been carefully integrated within the cabinetry. Designed with symmetry on either side, the layout creates a sense of balance and calm, allowing the sink area to sit comfortably within the wider kitchen design.

At its centre, the Abode Provincial large double bowl ceramic sink provides a generous space for everyday use. This is paired with an Abode Oxbury bridge mixer tap in brushed nickel and the Abode Fenton handspray, combining traditional character with modern practicality. Alongside this, the addition of the Quooker Pro3 Classic Nordic stainless steel tap introduces instant boiling water at the touch of a button.

This well-equipped area is filled with elements to ensure a working space for preparation, cleaning and everyday family life.

The appliances are carefully integrated throughout the layout to support a smooth and efficient workflow. Two NEFF Slide & Hide pyrolytic multifunction single ovens are arranged vertically within the cabinetry at eye-level, creating a practical cooking zone that is both accessible and neatly framed within the design. Opposite the NEFF Flex Induction hob paired with a downdraft extractor, proudly sits on the island, allowing cooking to take place at the centre of the room.

This simple arrangement encourages interaction and keeps the space open while preparing meals.

Completing the appliance layout, the fridge-freezer is seamlessly built into the surrounding cabinetry, accompanied by full-height pull-out larder systems that provide generous, organised storage.

This whole kitchen is filled with eye-catching details. A wide range of bespoke storage solutions has been integrated throughout, including spice racks, cutlery trays, utensil trays, oak serving trays and chopping boards.

The worktops are finished in Heartley Grey quartz in a 30mm thickness, continuing as a splashback behind the sink. It also forms the circular top of the pedestal breakfast table that joins seamlessly to the island.

Lighting plays an important role in elevating the design, with LED lighting integrated beneath the wall cupboards and inside the breakfast pantry, adding warmth and making everyday tasks easier. On the island, an S-Box pop-up socket has been conveniently installed, providing a practical spot for device charging and powering small appliances such as a smoothie maker.

The pantries themselves have been carefully tailored to suit the client’s lifestyle. From a fully organised breakfast pantry to dedicated storage for an air fryer and even a beer machine that slides out on its own shelf.

Completing the kitchen is one of our favourite features: a secret door leading to the utility room. Cleverly combined within the run of the cabinet, the door blends seamlessly into the design so it reads as part of the furniture rather than a separate entrance.

This kitchen perfectly reflects the beauty of truly bespoke design. Every detail has been designed to suit how our clients live with their young family. The result is an effortless space, where craftsmanship, practicality and personal style work in harmony. It is a kitchen designed not only to look beautiful, but to be enjoyed every day as the heart of the home.

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.

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We look forward to hearing from you and your design ideas so we can get started on your dream kitchen.