Stickybeak of the Week: Farmhouse Style With Upcycled Appeal
Rustic simplicity gets a cool twist with brass and copper accents used in a creative way
When designer Matt Fern met the couple who commissioned this kitchen, he knew he wasn’t dealing with average customers. Having already designed and built their own house, they knew exactly what they wanted and had some very imaginative ideas. “It was clear from the start that they were up for having some fun with the space and the materials they used. They wanted to create something that was a bit out of the ordinary,” Fern says. Forget eye-wateringly expensive benchtops – this couple opted for simple scaffolding planks. And instead of sleek chrome taps, they upcycled some designed for garden use. Materials were key in this project, and copper and brass both feature heavily. “It was important that it wasn’t fussy or too polished. They wanted a rustic farmhouse look with the emphasis on functionality.”
“People are often reluctant to go for open cabinets, saying they’re just not tidy enough, but this couple embraced the idea which was really refreshing,” Fern says. “They’re a good way to show your personality, whether you display decorative pieces or more functional items such as colanders and crockery.”
Most of the open cupboards are on the far wall, so they can be seen from the dining table. “It’s an unashamed reflection of a working farmhouse kitchen, with all the pans on display where they are close at hand,” Fern says.
Kitchen and copper pans: deVOL
Most of the open cupboards are on the far wall, so they can be seen from the dining table. “It’s an unashamed reflection of a working farmhouse kitchen, with all the pans on display where they are close at hand,” Fern says.
Kitchen and copper pans: deVOL
The textured floor is grey limestone which is very hard-wearing and low maintenance once it has been sealed. “These tiles can also be used outside, if they want to extend them onto a patio area,” Fern says.
Worn Grey Limestone floor tiles: Floors of Stone
Worn Grey Limestone floor tiles: Floors of Stone
The kitchen isn’t overlooked, but the couple sometimes pull the blinds to give the space a cosier feeling.
The room is a social space so it was important to have enough storage to be able to keep the benchtops uncluttered. Exposed copper pipes, industrial brass tap fittings and scaffold-board benchtops were all key parts of the design.
A run of closed cupboards includes the integrated dishwasher. “The drawer cabinet and a single cupboard are useful for storing those oddments of crockery we all have,” Fern says. An open cabinet next to the oven makes a connection to the other units.
“Copper and brass both age beautifully. They have similar warm tones that really complement each other,” Fern says.
Cost was a key factor in the choice of benchtops. “Stone would have come in over budget and timber tops always work well with this ‘Pantry Blue’ colour,” Fern says. “In a few years, the oiled wood will age nicely and have a similar patina to the dining table.”
A simple wooden table and matching stools are the perfect utilitarian additions. The owners bought them when they were on holiday in Hungary and had them shipped back to the UK.
“The enamel and brass pendant lights were chosen by the customer. They work really well in the room and complement the handles and taps beautifully,” Fern says.
Enamel pendant: Harriman & Co;
brass pendant: French Connection
Enamel pendant: Harriman & Co;
brass pendant: French Connection
The antique bench (under the window), was picked up at the deVOL showroom in Leicestershire. “We source all kinds of quirky items from antiques to retro vintage products from all over the world. Customers love wandering around our showrooms and picking up lots of lovely bits and pieces for their new kitchens,” Fern says.
Despite its vintage appeal, this kitchen certainly isn’t stuck in the past. “The owners chose modern, functional appliances that suit their way of cooking, including a stainless-steel cooker with an induction hob,” Fern says.
“Innovative ideas, such as reinventing these garden taps, don’t have to cost the earth,” Fern says. “This was never intended to be a highly polished kitchen with chrome taps and shiny granite surfaces – that just wouldn’t have been a reflection of their taste. This design echoes the stone house that it’s in.”
Who lives here: A couple
Location: Leicestershire, UK
Property: A newly built oak-framed house.
Size: 4.9 x 2.7 metres
Cost: Just over AU$8,600
Designer: Matt Fern of deVOL
“This kitchen is a great example of what you can achieve with a smaller budget,” Fern says. With the cost of the rest of their home already spiralling and plenty of tradesmen already on site, the owners asked deVOL just to supply the cabinets.
The deVOL Real Shaker design in masculine ‘Pantry Blue’ features cup handles and plenty of open shelving. “It’s a classic Victorian staff kitchen in many ways – the open shelving, butler’s sink and scaffold-board benchtops are all simple, functional features of an honest, hard-working space,” Fern says.