Contemporary cottage
Bespoke fitted furniture in black timber for a 17th century Grade II listed contemporary Cotswolds cottage
When they approached us, the owners of this grade II listed home had clear aesthetic ideas for their kitchen and utility room.
Their Wisteria-clad detached Cotswold stone house was already picture-perfect, but they wanted a contemporary kitchen and utility room that would be dark, striking and the perfect backdrop to their art-filled, design-led life.
The brief was wholly focused on the practicality of how they live and their aesthetic preferences, leaving us to suggest the layout, flow, materials and functionality. It was an exciting creative collaboration with respect for the craftmanship, skills and vision of everyone involved from client to furniture maker.
In the utility room, we selected Shou Sugi Ban charred timber, due to its dark characterful colour and natural durability. Its rough textured surface mirrored the rugged appeal of the home’s original three-ledge doors but added a distinctly modern twist.
The kitchen’s unusual layout welcomed pantry-style storage with pocket doors, offering hidden worktop space perfect for impromptu drink-making while maintaining seamless interaction across the island.
A central kitchen island housing a tangerine orange Everhot range cooker was placed at a slight angle to maximise the space.
Modern living in harmony with history
Our process began with listening and observing, to make sure we fully understood the owner's ideas and desires. They wanted an edgy contemporary look that would reflect them and their lifestyle, whilst being respectful of the heritage of their 17th-century home.
The house itself was an eclectic blend of period features - beamed ceilings, inglenook fireplaces and Cotswold stone lintels - alongside modern art and bold colour schemes.
It was evident that the owners had a keen eye for detail and a passion for style, reflected in the areas they had already reconfigured and decorated. We knew the challenge was to create a 'contemporary Cotswolds' space that would hold its own among these elements and serve as an elegant yet striking backdrop to their vibrant lifestyle.
Traditional techniques, modern applications
Nigel unleashed his obsession with timber and material texture in the utility room, where he proposed using Shou Sugi Ban charred oak for its visual and practical qualities. This ancient Japanese technique preserves timber by charring its surface, enhancing its durability.
Once charred and cooled, each board was meticulously brushed, oiled, and cut to fit. Nearly every single board had to be scribed on site to fit around new sleek appliances, old ceiling beams, wonky walls and a characterful old wooden cloakroom door and doorframe. Two wall-mounted Miele ovens were integrated seamlessly, along with a state-of-the-art Samsung fridge freezer.
We chose to leave a rough textured finish on the timber to match the house’s historic ledge pine doors. Instead of handles, we added round finger holes with smooth polished copper inserts blending raw materialism with a refined edge.
Bold, contemporary details
The original kitchen was a functional misfit, crammed into a space that felt like a throughway, boxed in by stairs and entrances. We shifted the kitchen to the heart of the home where it could command attention.
However, the uneven floors and wonky walls in the new space dictated an unusual layout. Following the client's suggestion, we aligned the cabinetry across the room, planting the kitchen island unapologetically in the centre at a slight angle to make the most of the available space.
The island, housing an Everhot 150i electric range cooker in a show-stopping Tangerine, became the focal point. Nigel's bespoke cabinetry, in a deep matte black panelled timber, was built to echo the traditional workmanship found around the home - every line deliberate, every grain carefully matched. Antiqued mirror splashbacks lift the dark interior, reflecting both light and the brightly coloured and bold artwork.
A tall pantry unit, designed to fit under the ceiling beams, features u-shaped shelving, storage drawers and interior LED lighting. Retractable pocket doors keep small countertop appliances and pantry items neatly hidden when not in use. Black worktops and hardware from Buster & Punch provide the finishing touches, reinforcing the contemporary edge.
Creating a modern kitchen and utility room that complement the character of a Grade II listed home required sensitivity and precision. Every line, joint, and angle also had to be exact to meet the client's expectations and eye for detail.
The result is two completely unique spaces that display a sophisticated blend of old and new. Spaces that reflect the house’s historical past and the bold, modern lifestyle of its owners.
