Kitchen Tour: A Timeless Design With a Clever Walk-in Pantry
Simple, Shaker-style cabinetry is an attractive backdrop to a beautiful view and a super-functional pantry
The owners of this beautiful farmhouse called in Matt Higgins of Sustainable Kitchens to design a cooking area to complement the rest of the large, open-plan space. The classic yet contemporary cabinets and understated palette were the perfect choice to work in harmony with the view – and the walk-in pantry was a fantastic bonus.
The layout of the kitchen centred on an existing corner pantry and the placement of an Aga. “The owners wanted to keep the Aga in the same place,” Matt says, “so it made sense to position the island to separate the rest of the space.”
The large island has storage on both sides. Opposite the dining room are drawers, which give the unit a softer feel and make it look more like a sideboard. The drawers are ideal for storing crockery next to the eating area.
Wall cabinets painted in Railings; island painted in Dove Tale, both Farrow & Ball.
The large island has storage on both sides. Opposite the dining room are drawers, which give the unit a softer feel and make it look more like a sideboard. The drawers are ideal for storing crockery next to the eating area.
Wall cabinets painted in Railings; island painted in Dove Tale, both Farrow & Ball.
“The owners didn’t want a breakfast bar, as they already have comfy seating and a dining table in the room,” Matt says. A couple of bar stools at the end of the island provide a perch when needed.
Satin nickel cabinet knobs, Willow & Stone. Bar stools, Cox & Cox.
Satin nickel cabinet knobs, Willow & Stone. Bar stools, Cox & Cox.
The modern, Shaker-style cabinets tie in with the style of the building while keeping the look contemporary.
“The owners chose a blue-black shade for the perimeter units, which ties in with the dark-framed windows,” Matt says. “The pale grey is ideal for the island, as it adds to the light feel of the space.”
Every inch has been thought through. In front of the structural column (next to the small oven), for instance, the team built a shallow cupboard where the owners can store mugs and cups.
“The owners chose a blue-black shade for the perimeter units, which ties in with the dark-framed windows,” Matt says. “The pale grey is ideal for the island, as it adds to the light feel of the space.”
Every inch has been thought through. In front of the structural column (next to the small oven), for instance, the team built a shallow cupboard where the owners can store mugs and cups.
The owners had a reclaimed Aga, which they swapped for a refurbished electric version, as it’s more efficient and doesn’t need a flue. Another oven is located to the right and can be used in the summer when the Aga’s turned off.
Small oven; dishwasher, both Neff.
Small oven; dishwasher, both Neff.
Very light grey engineered stone worktops were chosen for their durability. “The pale colour helps to reflect the light,” Matt says.
An under-mounted Belfast sink is ideal on the island, as it doesn’t take up too much worktop space.
Bianco Concreto quartz worktops, Arenastone. Classic inset 600 Belfast sink, Shaws. Ionian tap in pewter finish, Perrin & Rowe.
An under-mounted Belfast sink is ideal on the island, as it doesn’t take up too much worktop space.
Bianco Concreto quartz worktops, Arenastone. Classic inset 600 Belfast sink, Shaws. Ionian tap in pewter finish, Perrin & Rowe.
The builder knocked a recess into the wall to house the family’s large fridge-freezer, which they’d brought back after living in Australia. Matt’s team constructed a timber frame around it.
The star of the kitchen is arguably the walk-in pantry, which was hidden behind a stud wall in the old kitchen. Matt replaced this with the original oak dining room door and positioned it on an angle to soften the edge and make better use of the space.
Find out how a kitchen designer can keep your project on schedule and on budget.
The star of the kitchen is arguably the walk-in pantry, which was hidden behind a stud wall in the old kitchen. Matt replaced this with the original oak dining room door and positioned it on an angle to soften the edge and make better use of the space.
Find out how a kitchen designer can keep your project on schedule and on budget.
The pantry’s big enough to walk inside, and Matt incorporated a shelf where small appliances, such as a toaster and mixer, are plugged in to be used in situ. “The shelf is reminiscent of a marble stone, so it gives the feel of a traditional Victorian pantry,” Matt says.
“The owner loves that she can prep food in here,” he adds. “We worked closely with her to ensure the measurements were right to fit in appliances, baskets and bins to her requirements.”
“The owner loves that she can prep food in here,” he adds. “We worked closely with her to ensure the measurements were right to fit in appliances, baskets and bins to her requirements.”
There are no wall cabinets in the kitchen. “Wall units can feel a little claustrophobic, so we ensured there was enough storage everywhere else,” Matt explains.
The single oak shelf adds interest to the wall and is a handy place to display jugs and pots of herbs.
Tell us…
What’s your favourite feature in this farmhouse kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
The single oak shelf adds interest to the wall and is a handy place to display jugs and pots of herbs.
Tell us…
What’s your favourite feature in this farmhouse kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Who lives here? A couple with two teenage sons
Location Bath
Property An old farmhouse
Room dimensions Whole space: 7.3 x 6.4m; kitchen: 3.2 x 4m; island: 2.9 x 1.2m
Designer Matt Higgins of Sustainable Kitchens
The kitchen and living space were the final areas that needed work in the old farmhouse. This involved knocking through two rooms and a dark conservatory to create an open-plan space with a view of the surrounding countryside.
“We were brought in at the start of the room’s renovation to help with the kitchen,” Matt says. “The key task was to make the most of the light coming into the room.”