Country Kitchen with Porcelain Splashback and Window Splashback Design Ideas

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, with every element, from hand-built cabinetry and traditional In-Frame construction to hand-applied paint finishes, created specifically for this home. The result is a kitchen that feels considered, authentic, and entirely at ease within its setting. The original kitchen footprint formed the L-shaped section of the room, which the client was keen to retain as one half of the new design, particularly as the AGA was already positioned there, and this was 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. It came together so beautifully! Each of our bespoke features brings personality and practicality to the space, including a secret door concealed within the cabinetry leading down to the cellar, and a new extension housing a “reading nook”. This approach allowed our Classic In-Frame Shaker style to come into its own across the different parts of the kitchen, and was hand-painted in a palette of colours. The bespoke cabinetry was built In-Frame with plain flat fronts and a central beaded panel, introducing a softer, more traditional aesthetic that complements the property’s age. Each cabinet was handcrafted using traditional In-Frame construction, with solid frames assembled by hand and finished with carefully detailed beaded panels. Our work allows for refined proportions and longevity, while giving the furniture a depth and character that cannot be achieved with mass-produced cabinetry. This style was the perfect choice for a countryside home, bringing a timeless, homely, cottage-inspired feel that sits comfortably within the building’s heritage while still providing the practicality required for modern living. Elements of tongue-and-groove panelling and recessed plinths complete the design’s look. Building on this foundation, our bespoke In-Frame furniture with a softer look continues into the newer part of the kitchen, where the space has been opened up by knocking through the existing wall and extending the living area for a more connected layout. At the centre of this part sits an island where it’s built to form a social space. It sits in front of a single run of cabinetry, providing balance and allowing the island to take prominence. By carrying the In-Frame shaker style throughout, the furniture seamlessly links the original kitchen with the newer space for a cohesive design that feels entirely at home. 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. Three colours form the foundation of the kitchen’s design, all from Little Greene, and are 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, offers a beautiful alternative to white and brings softness to the space. Linen Wash, a broken, pared-down natural linen tone, introduces 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. 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. Designed with functionality in mind, the generous worktop offers an expansive preparation area, while the storage below has been carefully considered to balance practicality with character. Beneath the Carrara Misterio quartz worktop, open shelving provides space for baskets, with discreet cupboards tucked below for convenient, everyday storage. Handcrafted solid wood brackets introduce a sense of craftsmanship and add a refined, luxurious detail to the island’s design. These details were designed specifically for this island, reinforcing the furniture-led approach. On one side, a burnished brass towel rail with additional hooks offers a practical yet decorative feature, perfect for hanging linens and baskets. Together, these details give the island a warm, authentic country feel. Wrapped around the central wall in our soft In-Frame beaded Shaker style, a bespoke dresser becomes a standout feature within the kitchen. 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. Below, a combination of drawers and cupboards provides generous storage for dinner-party essentials, balancing beauty with everyday practicality. Dark-stained oak open shelving with tongue-and-groove panelling introduces warmth and texture, echoing the detailing found within the cosy dining corner and reinforcing continuity across the space. Sitting alongside a concealed door leading to the cellar, this piece seamlessly blends craftsmanship and ingenuity. Discreet, well-integrated secret doors such as this are increasingly becoming a staple in modern homes, allowing practical elements to be hidden within beautifully handmade furniture. In this kitchen, the concealed door was designed as part of the furniture from the onset, allowing it to disappear seamlessly into the cabinetry while maintaining the visual rhythm of the In-Frame design. Two sinks were carefully positioned to support the kitchen’s flow. In the original L-shaped area, a Shaw’s of Darwen sink takes pride of place beside the AGA, paired with a Perrin & Rowe Phoenician monobloc tap in aged brass to create a classic, timeless setting. In the newer part of the kitchen, a second Shaw’s of Darwen sink is complemented by a Perrin & Rowe Ionian mixer tap, also in aged brass, providing additional practicality while maintaining consistency across the space. 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. Adding to the appliance setup is the Fisher & Paykel integrated fridge-freezer, housed in its own dedicated cabinetry section, thoughtfully wrapped around the wall near the concealed door leading to the cellar. This approach allows each appliance to sit naturally within the furniture layout, reinforcing the sense of cohesion between craftsmanship, functionality, and the home’s character. 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. 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.

Design ideas for a small country l-shaped kitchen pantry in Other with an undermount sink, pink cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, coloured appliances, linoleum floors, a peninsula and grey benchtop.

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The abundance of natural light in this modern split-level extension allowed us to use a really bold colour for the handmade Shaker style kitchen units which were sprayed and lacquered in Farrow & Ball Hague Blue. The brass handles from Rowen & Wren create a lovely contrast with the deep blue colour of the units. #KitchenIdeas #ShakerstyleKitchens

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Open plan kitchen design with highlight windows above and stunning reclaimed timber used for the kitchen joinery of our Hemp House project
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Vista più dettagliata della cucina progettata e realizzata su misura in larice bio.
Inspiration for a mid-sized country u-shaped open plan kitchen in Turin with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, black appliances, distressed cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback and medium hardwood floors.

Cucina in abete vecchio spazzolato, in cui si alternano toni del legno, della pietra e il bianco. Illuminazione orientabile.
Photo of a large country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Turin with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and a peninsula.

Open plan kitchen design with highlight windows above and stunning reclaimed timber used for the kitchen joinery of our Hemp House project
Mid-sized country open plan kitchen in Melbourne with a double-bowl sink, green cabinets, white splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, with island and vaulted.

Photo of a large country u-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, porcelain splashback, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Auch im ehemaligen Wohnzimmer wurden die alten Dielenböden freigelegt. Hier befindet sich nun die neue Küche. Neue Elektrik und Heizkörper, sowie Fenster mit elektrischen Rollläden installiert. Die Küche besticht durch einen modernen Landhausstil. Die Fliesen im Fliesenspiegel wurden im Flur nochmals mit aufgegriffen, so dass hier ein ganzheitliches Bild entstanden ist. Eine rustikale, mobile Kücheninsel wird dem Layout noch hinzugefügt. Weitere Bilder folgen nach kompletter Fertigstellung, da hier noch Malerarbeiten zu leisten sind und die Installation der Lampen aussteht.

Inspiration for a small country l-shaped kitchen pantry in Other with an undermount sink, pink cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, coloured appliances, linoleum floors, a peninsula, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

J Sobis
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Cocina con muebles en verde aguamarina y encimeras Neolith Montblanc en blanco, con isla, techo a dos aguas con vigas vistas, mesa de madera para 5 comensales y cerramiento acristalado para separar un segundo salón del chalet

The simple floor Plan is inspired by the traditional Irish cottage with a double pitched 45 degree roof. The entrance and bathroom are at the centre while the Living Room / Kitchen and Bedroom are full width at ends. Photo by Denis O'Farrell

Joan Morera
Design ideas for a small country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, no island and beige floor.

Bespoke fitted kitchen. Scottish sourced solid ash fronting, doors and olive ash pannels. The units are made from ash veneered MDF. This keeps the cost down massively and does not effect the visual look of the insides of the cupboards. This custom kitchen was designed to make the most use out of the space available. The 'g' shape allowed for a breakfast bar to be a devider to the kitchen whilst keeping the room open to the dining and living area. The panels are all book matched olive ash. custom wine rack and breakfast bar brackets. Solid walnut counter top finished with danish oil. This oil is easily touched up and keeps the natural look and feel of the timber that can be masked by some other finishes. It is recommended to re apply once a year, which is a small job involving rubbing a rag along the countertop (takes 5 minutes). Worth it for the lovely natural finish.

The customer wanted to make a feature of the steel support beam in the centre of the kitchen and its position was also where they wanted a centre island to be constructed. Our solution was use a contrasting 40mm oak stave worksurface that we seamlessly shaped around the vertical support beam. The beam gives the kitchen a cool industrial look which is complimented by the client’s choice of stainless steel range cooker and brushed steel and copper pendant lights. The centre island also incorporates a breakfast bar while the wood worksurface compliments the stripped pine floor in the adjoining room. #ShakerKitchens #KitchenDesignIdeas #IndustrialStyleKitchens