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Kitchen Tour: A Soft Grey Modern Country Kitchen With Stunning Views
A light-filled extension on a Victorian home transformed a small kitchen into a large family space that makes the most of the landscape
When the owners of this wonderfully located house contacted designer Richard Davonport, the kitchen was small and tucked away. “With two teenage boys, the owners wanted to enjoy as much time together as possible,” he explains. “So it was absolutely essential the new kitchen was large enough to accommodate socialising and laid out in a way that encouraged it.”
The lovely view over the river and sea was the other main focus. The couple wanted to make the most of the beautiful outlook and integrate the outside into the kitchen. Davonport set out to create a gentle connection between spaces that makes the garden feel lived in all year round.
The lovely view over the river and sea was the other main focus. The couple wanted to make the most of the beautiful outlook and integrate the outside into the kitchen. Davonport set out to create a gentle connection between spaces that makes the garden feel lived in all year round.
There are two types of material on the worktops – honed Antique Zimbabwe granite and oak. ‘Granite is good for preparation and wet areas where you wouldn’t want porous wood,’ Davonport explains. ‘But it’s cold, so on the seating area we used wood as it’s more tactile and pleasant to rest your arms on.’
Read this complete guide to project managing a kitchen renovation
Read this complete guide to project managing a kitchen renovation
The bifold doors were an important part of the extension as they maximise the beautiful view. They’ve been left unpainted to pick up the solid oak timber flooring and to frame the landscape. The smaller windows on the other hand are white and blend into the walls.
The floor has been lacquered for protection, which gives a lustrous sheen to the oak.
Walls painted in Silverflake, Sanderson.
Discover more tips on what to consider when planning bifold doors
The floor has been lacquered for protection, which gives a lustrous sheen to the oak.
Walls painted in Silverflake, Sanderson.
Discover more tips on what to consider when planning bifold doors
The owners wanted to make a feature of their Aga, so they had it reconditioned and re-enamelled for their new kitchen. It made sense to utilise the chimney breast, and Davonport’s team added an oak mantel above. They even integrated subtle spice cupboards into the surround, which are useful but not too fussy.
The splashback is made of the same honed granite as the worktops. It has a slightly mottled effect, which is particularly useful in a hard-water area, as it doesn’t show fingermarks.
The splashback is made of the same honed granite as the worktops. It has a slightly mottled effect, which is particularly useful in a hard-water area, as it doesn’t show fingermarks.
Davonport made the most of the high ceiling by adding tall storage. The door next to the built-in oven houses a pull-out larder, and next to that is a curved storage unit.
LED spotlights are used for task lighting in order to illuminate different areas of the kitchen. There’s also lighting in the glass-shelved dresser unit, which makes a feature of the tableware inside.
To help with the owner’s bad back, Davonport chose a dishwasher drawer that you can access without bending down too much. The same idea was used for the fridge under the far window.
Dishwasher drawer, Fisher & Paykel. Refrigerator drawer, Whirlpool. Built-in oven, Neff.
Find clever ways to make your home accessible for all
LED spotlights are used for task lighting in order to illuminate different areas of the kitchen. There’s also lighting in the glass-shelved dresser unit, which makes a feature of the tableware inside.
To help with the owner’s bad back, Davonport chose a dishwasher drawer that you can access without bending down too much. The same idea was used for the fridge under the far window.
Dishwasher drawer, Fisher & Paykel. Refrigerator drawer, Whirlpool. Built-in oven, Neff.
Find clever ways to make your home accessible for all
The family wanted be together without getting in each other’s way, so it was important to allocate designated work areas. The central island ties the room together and incorporates the dishwasher and sink.
Whoever is cooking or washing-up has enough space, but can also socialise with others in the room and look out to the garden and beyond.
Boiling-water tap, Quooker.
Whoever is cooking or washing-up has enough space, but can also socialise with others in the room and look out to the garden and beyond.
Boiling-water tap, Quooker.
TELL US…
What do you think of this modern country kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
What do you think of this modern country kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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Who lives here A couple with their two teenage sons
Location Mersea, Essex; Davonport’s Mersea kitchen collection took its name from this project
Room size 9m x 8m; part of a double-fronted Victorian house
Designer Richard Davonport of Davonport
The structural column was challenging, because it was very prominent in the room. So it had to become an integral part of the design, rather than being hidden away. The pillar’s positioning lent itself to forming an island corner, so now an oak breakfast circle emerges from the column and connects to the rest of the island.
The owner chose soft grey for the units, but the island has been painted in a slightly darker shade for subtle depth.
Island unit painted in Lamp Room Gray; all other units painted in Cornforth White, both Farrow & Ball.