Kitchen Tour: A Contemporary Shaker Kitchen for a Family Home

Although it’s a very large room, there are lots of doorways and windows, which gave Everett’s initial layout issues. “Namely, very little tall wall space to put the fridge against!” says Everett.

This lack of choice led Everett to include different cabinetry depths that completely mould to the room, allowing proper circulation space and ensuring the kitchen is interesting.

“There were some obvious choices for the layout, however, such as positioning the sink beneath the window and the AGA in the working part of the kitchen,” says Everett. “Once these were in place, the design really flowed.”

Taps and sink, Perrin & Rowe.

The island was positioned between the kitchen and dining zones to link them, but also to allow the cook to be part of the conversation in the dining area.

“The island also ensures the kitchen does not feel too cluttered; plus, it’s perfect for a social gathering – whether entertaining friends or having a casual supper with teenagers,” says Everett.

As for the style of the cabinetry, the owners were looking for a modern-Shaker design to give the largely traditional space a more contemporary feel. “All the cabinets were kept low-slung throughout the room as this works brilliantly in a relaxed country kitchen, keeping the space bright and open.”

Tall cabinets were styled more as dressers, with glass panels to keep the room as light as possible. The glazing also shows off the beautiful oak interiors and the owners’ prized tableware.

“V-grooves were used on the end panels and behind the AGA to fully embrace the relaxed style of the kitchen,” says Everett.

“Tray and chopping board storage keep the work surfaces uncluttered, and deep pan drawers flanking the AGA were added for easy access when cooking.”

The worktops were chosen with both looks and practicality in mind. “One side of the work surface next to the AGA is topped with end grain, as this defines the prep zone of the kitchen; on the other side of the AGA is a slab of Carrara marble, perfect for baking and pastry making.”

Total Control cooker in Pearl Ashes, AGA. Marble worktop, Design Stone Works.

The kitchen is packed with lots of clever storage features. “The younger family members’ priority was to have a TV in the room, which the adults wanted hidden when it wasn’t in use. We built a TV cupboard with bifold doors opposite the island to accommodate it,” says Everett.

Bespoke cabinetry, Naked Kitchens. Handles, Finesse.

Naked Kitchens also incorporated appliances into the island, including a wine fridge (shown), a vintage AGA fridge and a cool drawer.

KWT6321UG wine fridge, Miele.

There is plenty of open shelving, too, which reveals the oak of the cabinet interiors, adding warmth and texture to the room, and heightening the relaxed look.

The wooden worktops are all finished with Norfolk Oak’s nano-coating finish to ensure a durable work surface.

The floor was given similar consideration. “The solid oak limed floor was chosen to keep the kitchen feeling light – however, it is very forgiving, which was important to the owners, as they lead busy country lives and it has to cope with muddy feet coming in from the beach,” says Everett.

Wooden worktops and flooring, both Norfolk Oak.

The finished kitchen is bright and welcoming, perfect for a sociable family. “The glazed cabinets really open up the space, and the double doors leading from the kitchen into the rest of the house ensure the kitchen no longer feels like a closed-off, dark area,” says Everett. “There’s also plenty of cooking and prep space, room for entertaining and relaxing in front of the TV.” And, of course, there are now amazing views of the garden.

Table and chairs, all Norfolk Oak.