Kitchen of the Week: A Cotswolds Kitchen Gets a Dash of Rustic Charm
This charming farmhouse kitchen is bursting with light and pared-back sophistication, but it’s a far cry from its former incarnation...
The owners of this 19th century farmhouse had lived here for a number of years before they embarked on an ambitious renovation project two years ago. ‘The entire house was being remodelled, but I was tasked with completely transforming the kitchen and utility room, which were previously very dark and rather poky. The only source of light came from a couple of very small, traditional farmhouse windows,’ recalls designer Stephen Graver. ‘The owners have three young sons and two dogs, so they needed a functional but beautiful space that would accommodate their growing family.’
Stephen answered the owners’ desire for a rustic yet contemporary scheme by introducing plenty of texture and gleaming marble surfaces in a colour palette of soft cream and white. ‘We also opened up the back wall – adding a run of French windows – to create an extra source of light and improve the sense of flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces,’ he explains. Generous concealed storage and sleek fixtures and fittings provide a nod to minimalist design, while the reclaimed limestone floor and stone fireplace – found in France – pull the look back, adding a dash of rustic charm with plenty of character.
Room at a Glance
Who lives here A family with three boys
Location Malmesbury, Wiltshire
Date built Mid 19th century
Designer Stephen Graver at Stephen Graver Ltd
Size 50 sq m
Stephen answered the owners’ desire for a rustic yet contemporary scheme by introducing plenty of texture and gleaming marble surfaces in a colour palette of soft cream and white. ‘We also opened up the back wall – adding a run of French windows – to create an extra source of light and improve the sense of flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces,’ he explains. Generous concealed storage and sleek fixtures and fittings provide a nod to minimalist design, while the reclaimed limestone floor and stone fireplace – found in France – pull the look back, adding a dash of rustic charm with plenty of character.
Room at a Glance
Who lives here A family with three boys
Location Malmesbury, Wiltshire
Date built Mid 19th century
Designer Stephen Graver at Stephen Graver Ltd
Size 50 sq m
An electric Everhot stove was a more practical choice than an Aga – and the owners preferred the look of it, too – while the square hood adds a contemporary feel, preventing the scheme from becoming too twee.
For the splashback wall, two book-matched pieces of Carrara marble were used to create a glamorous but simple look. ‘It’s a very beautiful effect, but it doesn’t shout,’ says Stephen.
Everhot 150, Everhot. Cooker hood, Atag.
For the splashback wall, two book-matched pieces of Carrara marble were used to create a glamorous but simple look. ‘It’s a very beautiful effect, but it doesn’t shout,’ says Stephen.
Everhot 150, Everhot. Cooker hood, Atag.
Two large, stainless steel fridge-freezers are practical additions with an industrial-style edge. ‘The rustic and contemporary elements are very subtle, which is why sleek fridge-freezers work so well,’ explains Stephen. ‘The different style elements work together very harmoniously.’
Fridge-freezer, Sub-Zero & Wolf.
Fridge-freezer, Sub-Zero & Wolf.
‘This space really is the heart of the home, so it was important to accommodate the family’s pet dogs as well,’ explains Stephen. For this purpose, a spacious recess was incorporated into the design of the double-width island. ‘There are glamorous touches in the kitchen,’ he says, ‘but essentially, it’s a very relaxed space.’
To emphasise this, stainless steel Tolix bar stools subtly reference the industrial-style fridge-freezers, while a farmhouse-style cabinet – an old piece belonging to the owners – was transformed into a TV cabinet. ‘Everything they want or need is at their fingertips, but it can all be stowed away to create a sense of calm when necessary,’ he explains.
Tolix bar stools, John Lewis.
Read advice on choosing the perfect kitchen worktop
To emphasise this, stainless steel Tolix bar stools subtly reference the industrial-style fridge-freezers, while a farmhouse-style cabinet – an old piece belonging to the owners – was transformed into a TV cabinet. ‘Everything they want or need is at their fingertips, but it can all be stowed away to create a sense of calm when necessary,’ he explains.
Tolix bar stools, John Lewis.
Read advice on choosing the perfect kitchen worktop
Bespoke cabinetry in hard-wearing tulip wood was made in Stephen’s workshop and painted in creamy white to soften the look.
‘We added vertical strips of planking to echo the timber cupboards elsewhere in the room,’ explains Stephen. ‘It gives the room quite a cosy feel, and adds a hint of shabby chic charm.’
Cabinetry painted in SC487 from Paint & Paper Library.
Discover more ways to use wood for a pared-back, modern rustic look
‘We added vertical strips of planking to echo the timber cupboards elsewhere in the room,’ explains Stephen. ‘It gives the room quite a cosy feel, and adds a hint of shabby chic charm.’
Cabinetry painted in SC487 from Paint & Paper Library.
Discover more ways to use wood for a pared-back, modern rustic look
Structural beams were replaced with new oak ones and given a pale wash to complement the neutral palette.
‘The farmhouse dining table was found by the owners. They scoured markets and antiques shops all over Europe to find pieces for their home,’ says Stephen. ‘It was worth it, though – the dining table fits in perfectly.’
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‘The farmhouse dining table was found by the owners. They scoured markets and antiques shops all over Europe to find pieces for their home,’ says Stephen. ‘It was worth it, though – the dining table fits in perfectly.’
TELL US…
What do you like about this kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Stephen answered this request with subtle panels concealing big cupboards along one side of the wall, which blend in with the base units. ‘It’s all very discreet, but inside there’s floor-to-ceiling storage space, another sink and hot-water tap, a tea and coffee station, and a second oven. It’s extremely functional without looking too busy.’
Reclaimed limestone floor tiles were imported from France and are key to maintaining the farmhouse feel. ‘It’s an old building, and while the rest of the kitchen has a slightly minimalist feel to it, the floor adds depth and rustic charm to the otherwise pared-back scheme,’ says Stephen.
The homely look was continued into the dining area with the addition of a stone fireplace and surround (also from a French reclamation yard), while the island was designed with practicality in mind. ‘They’re a busy family, but they still wanted this space to look stylish,’ explains Stephen. ‘We incorporated even more storage into one side of the island as well as two dishwashers, but the honed Carrara marble worktop adds a luxurious note.’
Ceramic butler’s sink, Shaws. Chrome bridge tap, Perrin & Rowe.
Check out 10 reasons to work a kitchen island into your scheme