The client wanted the essence of a classic country kitchen but stripped back for modern living. They didn’t want the clutter often associated with the farmhouse look; they wanted calm, clean lines, and light. Because this is a holiday home, creating a true ‘home-from-home’ meant it couldn’t compromise on practicality. We achieved this while discreetly integrating all the functional storage a busy household needs.
We anchored the room with a substantial island topped with extra-thick bleached oak. This introduces a tactile warmth you just don’t get from solid worktops, turning the prep area into a social hub. For the hard-working perimeter surfaces around the Aga, we switched to a durable grey stone to handle the heat and spills. We wrapped the walls in tongue-and-groove paneling behind the mantel, adding architectural texture without over-complicating the palette.
We treat handles like the jewellery of the kitchen. Here, we chose antique brass hardware that feel substantial in the hand. Note the long, elegant drop handles on the tall cabinets versus the neat knobs on the drawers. These choices aren’t accidental; they break up the large expanse of the panelled walls and add a quiet, historic character that grounds the modern, stripped-back layout.
The result is a light-filled sanctuary that easily transitions from quiet morning coffees to welcoming friends for long weekend lunches. Designed thoughtfully for entertaining without ever feeling cluttered, it is a space that is effortless to live in, beautiful to look at, and tailor-made for making holiday memories.
We wanted the kitchen to feel like a warm embrace after a day out in the elements. By pairing soft, creamy hand-painted cabinetry with substantial timber worktops, we’ve created a space that feels earthy and grounded. It’s a design that prioritises durability and comfort, making it the perfect sanctuary for a slow-paced holiday retreat.
The island is the tactile heart of the room. We chose a thick, natural timber surface to bring a sense of organic warmth and history to the centre of the kitchen. The cornsilk oak creates a lovely contrast with the antique-finished cabinetry and offers a sturdy, inviting surface that’s perfect for everything from rolling out pastry to gathering around for a morning coffee.
In many coastal holiday homes, the traditional hearth is replaced by a central Aga, keeping the kitchen at the heart of the home. It provides immediate warmth and anchors the space both visually and functionally. Perfect for a retreat, it allows dishes to slow-cook while you relax, while its gentle, ambient heat creates a welcoming atmosphere during cooler months.
The secret is in the quality of the finishes. While the materials are rugged enough for coastal life, the precision of the hand-painted joinery and the weight of the hardware provide that unmistakable sense of luxury. It’s less like a standard fitted kitchen and more a collection of bespoke furniture pieces, designed to age beautifully and handles the bustle of retreat living with ease.
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