Simon Taylor Furniture was commissioned to undertake the full refurbishment of an existing kitchen space in a Victorian railway cottage in a small village, near Aylesbury. The clients were seeking a light, bright traditional Shaker kitchen that would include plenty of storage and seating for two people. In addition to removing the old kitchen, they also laid a new floor using 60 x60cm floor tiles in Lakestone Ivory Matt by Minoli, prior to installing the new kitchen. All cabinetry was handmade at the Simon Taylor Furniture cabinet workshop in Bierton, near Aylesbury, and it was handpainted in Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball. The Shaker design includes cot bead frames with Ovolo bead moulding on the inner edge of each door, with tongue and groove panelling in the peninsula recess and as end panels to add contrast. Above the tall cabinetry and overhead cupboards is the Simon Taylor Furniture classic cornice to the ceiling. All internal carcases and dovetail drawer boxes are made of oak, with open shelving in oak as an accent detail. The white window pelmets feature the same Ovolo design with LED lighting at the base, and were also handmade at the workshop. The worktops and upstands, featured throughout the kitchen, are made from 20mm thick quartz with a double pencil edge in Vicenza by CRL Stone. The working kitchen area was designed in an L-shape with a wet run beneath the main feature window and the cooking run against an internal wall. The wet run includes base cabinets for bins and utility items in addition to a 60cm integrated dishwasher by Siemens with deep drawers to one side. At the centre is a farmhouse sink by Villeroy & Boch with a dual lever mixer tap by Perrin & Rowe. The overhead cabinetry for the cooking run includes three storage cupboards and a housing for a 45cm built-in Microwave by Siemens. The base cabinetry beneath includes two sets of soft-opening cutlery and storage drawers on either side of a Britannia range cooker that the clients already owned. Above the glass splashback is a concealed canopy hood, also by Siemens. Intersecting the 16sq. metre space is a stylish curved peninsula with a tongue and grooved recess beneath the worktop that has space for two counter stools, a feature that was integral to the initial brief. At the curved end of the peninsula is a double-door crockery cabinet and on the wall above it are open shelves in oak, inset with LED downlights, next to a tall white radiator by Zehnder. To the left of the peninsula is an integrated French Door fridge freezer by Fisher & Paykel on either side of two tall shallow cabinets, which are installed into a former doorway to a utility room, which now has a new doorway next to it. The cabinetry door fronts feature a broken façade to add further detail to this Shaker kitchen. Directly opposite the fridge freezer, the corner space next to doors that lead to the formal dining room now has a tall pantry larder with oak internal shelving and spice racks inside the double doors. All cup handles and ball knobs are by Hafele.

Reconfiguring and extending this family townhouse to maximise the light and visual connections internally and to the outside space.

Walls were removed, internal windows added and an off the shelf kitchen was elevated through the use of vintage & handmade details. Hob aperture & internal window are lined in reclaimed science lab worktops, complete with mean graffiti. Handmade moroccan tiles are laid in an unexpected pattern. Vintage German cigar moulds clad the peninsular, which is finished with an aged brass kick plate.

Stunning modern contemporary space by Black and Milk.

Pale pink kitchen in Sussex Barn Conversion with engineered wood flooring from Chaunceys Timber Flooring

Black Timber House is an award-winning eco home set within the South Downs National Park. Designed with sustainability in mind, it features locally sourced materials, passive energy strategies, and striking charred English larch cladding using the Yakisugi method. The house consists of two stacked volumes, creating dramatic overhangs and a sheltered veranda. Large picture windows frame views of rolling meadows, while a vaulted first floor reaches into the tree canopy. With a handcrafted kitchen made from surplus oak flooring and a zinc worktop, the home blends contemporary design with natural textures, ensuring harmony with its rural surroundings.

This bespoke Scandinavian kitchen combines navy cabinetry with oak finishes for a clean yet warm aesthetic. A central island with breakfast bar forms the focal point, complemented by built-in ovens and a mirrored splashback. Pendant lighting and a rooflight bring light and atmosphere, highlighting the contemporary detailing.

See https://blackandmilk.co.uk/interior-design-portfolio/ for more details.

A significant extension was constructed to accommodate a spacious kitchen-dining area, a cosy living room, a utility room, and a plant room. The view of the garden is breathtaking throughout all seasons.