Kitchen Tour: Dark Blue and Copper Create a Modern Farmhouse Look
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,” says Fern. Forget eye-wateringly expensive worktops – 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.”
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here A couple
Location Leicestershire
Property A newly built oak-framed house.
Dimensions of kitchen 4.9m x 2.7m (approx)
Cost Just over £5,000
Designer Matt Fern of deVOL
“This kitchen is a great example of what you can achieve with a smaller budget,” says Fern. 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 worktops are all simple, functional features of an honest, hard-working space.”
Who lives here A couple
Location Leicestershire
Property A newly built oak-framed house.
Dimensions of kitchen 4.9m x 2.7m (approx)
Cost Just over £5,000
Designer Matt Fern of deVOL
“This kitchen is a great example of what you can achieve with a smaller budget,” says Fern. 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 worktops are all simple, functional features of an honest, hard-working space.”
“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,” says Fern. “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,” says Fern.
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,” says Fern.
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 explains.
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 worktops uncluttered. Exposed copper pipe work, industrial brass tap fittings and scaffold-board worktops 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,” explains Fern. An open cabinet next to the cooker 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 worktops. “Stone would have come in over budget and timber tops always work well with this Pantry Blue colour,” says Fern. “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.
See thousands of inspiring photos of inky dark kitchens in the Houzz photostream
See thousands of inspiring photos of inky dark kitchens in the Houzz photostream
“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,” says Fern.
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,” explains Fern.
“Innovative ideas, such as reinventing these garden taps, don’t have to cost the earth,” says Fern. “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.”
Have you chosen surprise budget details for your kitchen, like the scaffold-plank worktop or garden taps seen here? Share your savvy tips in the Comments.
Have you chosen surprise budget details for your kitchen, like the scaffold-plank worktop or garden taps seen here? Share your savvy tips in the Comments.
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I really like the big table with the benches under it!
I’d like to buy this “Pantry Blue” paint in the US. Was it a custom color? What’s the formula? Where can I get it? Thx
@Great Finds Designer Fabric & Wallpaper: If you click on the photo and scroll through the pictures, you'll see your question as asked and answered in the Q&A.
This is a beautiful deVOL kitchen. I wish they were in Texas...Would love to have them design my future Edwardian Kitchen. Check out their website:
Anyway, here's deVOL's answer"
"Hello, thank you for your question. This is deVOL's own 'Pantry Blue' colour and unfortunately it is only available with a deVOL Kitchen. As we mix all of our colours to our own formula we can't really recommend a similar shade, however, if you take a photo of one of our kitchens into a paint store they should be able to mix up a close match for you. We hope this helps. deVOL Kitchens"