UK Kitchen Tour: A Timeless Design With a Clever Butler's Pantry
Simple Shaker-style cabinetry is an attractive backdrop to a beautiful view and a super-functional pantry
The owners of this beautiful farmhouse in Bath, UK, 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 choices to work in harmony with the view – and, of course, 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 cooker. “The owners wanted to keep the AGA in the same place,” says Higgins, “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: Farrow & Ball; island painted in Dove Tale: 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: Farrow & Ball; island painted in Dove Tale: Farrow & Ball
“The owners didn’t want a breakfast bar, as they already have comfy seating and a dining table in the room,” says Higgins. 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,” says Higgins. “The pale grey is ideal for the island, as it adds to the light feel of the space.”
Every centimetre 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,” says Higgins. “The pale grey is ideal for the island, as it adds to the light feel of the space.”
Every centimetre 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 that they swapped for a refurbished electric version, which is more efficient and doesn’t need a flue. Another oven is located to the right and can be used in summer when the AGA’s not in use.
Small oven and dishwasher: Neff
Small oven and dishwasher: Neff
Light-grey engineered stone benchtops in Bianco Concreto quartz were chosen for their durability. “The pale colour helps to reflect the light,” says Higgins.
An under-mounted farmhouse sink is ideal on the island, as it doesn’t take up too much space, while an Ionian tap in a pewter finish completes the look.
An under-mounted farmhouse sink is ideal on the island, as it doesn’t take up too much space, while an Ionian tap in a pewter finish completes the look.
The builder knocked a recess into the wall to house the family’s large fridge-freezer, which they had shipped to the UK 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. Higgins’ design team replaced this with the original oak dining-room door. To soften the edge and make better use of the space, the door was positioned on an angle.
The star of the kitchen is arguably the walk-in pantry, which was hidden behind a stud wall in the old kitchen. Higgins’ design team replaced this with the original oak dining-room door. To soften the edge and make better use of the space, the door was positioned on an angle.
The pantry’s big enough to walk inside, and Higgins 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,” says Higgins.
“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.”
Another striking feature is the lack of wall cabinets in this kitchen. “Wall units can feel a little claustrophobic, so we ensured there was enough storage everywhere else,” says Higgins.
The single oak shelf adds interest to the wall and is a handy place to display jugs and fresh herbs.
Your turn
What’s your favourite feature in this farmhouse kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
More
Keen to see another kitchen revamp? Don’t miss this Room of the Week: A ’70s Horror Kitchen Gets a Modern Makeover
The single oak shelf adds interest to the wall and is a handy place to display jugs and fresh herbs.
Your turn
What’s your favourite feature in this farmhouse kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
More
Keen to see another kitchen revamp? Don’t miss this Room of the Week: A ’70s Horror Kitchen Gets a Modern Makeover
Who lives here: A couple with two teenage sons
Location: Bath, UK
Room purpose: A kitchen in an old farmhouse
Size: The whole space is 7.3 x 6.4 metres, the kitchen is 3.2 x 4 metres, and the island measures 2.9 x 1.2 metres
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,” says Higgins. “The key task was to make the most of the light coming into the room.”