A Traditional Kitchen for a Listed Farmhouse in Reigate, Surrey

Mr and Mrs V from Reigate, Surrey live in a lovely, listed traditional farmhouse. They  wanted us to redesign their kitchen which involved re-siting the AGA and demolishing the existing larder to provide more space in the kitchen area.
The new kitchen, although traditional, as befits a listed building was fitted with all mod cons, from a boiling water tap (as part of the main sink), to coffee and ice making machines.

 

We incorporated innovative design features with this kitchen – namely the curved doors and face mounted  plinths.   We spent a huge amount of time manufacturing these, which dramatically soften the otherwise abrupt, harsh edges of the cabinets and carry the eye smoothly around and through the kitchen.

 

The cabinetwork is a mix of oak and painted.  The clients wanted a specialist paint finish, using a technique which is now regaining  popularity.   An ivory coloured base coat  was overpainted with cream, then rubbed through.  A burnt umber glaze was then dragged over the surface.   An acrylic varnish was then added to give a finishing seal. (All paints and varnishes are water based).  This eye catching finish lifts the cabinets giving them depth and a French, antique feel.

 

The blue painted furniture in the dining area of the kitchen incorporates a dresser, a concealed drinks fridge and an ice making machine.   This cabinetry was also given a ‘broken paint’ finish, which involved painting the cabinets with a rust coloured basecoat before the top, blue coat was applied. The blue paint was then rubbed to reveal the rust colour below.

 

We designed  this larder cupboard, with a traditional stone shelf and spice and jar racks on the backs of the doors. Note the drawers were designed with finger pulls rather than handles, in orders to maximise the depth of both the cupboard and drawers within.

 

Close up of a dovetail finger pull drawer on centre island.

 

The Oak centre island was made with ‘stop chamfer’ detailing, (this is where the corner posts are chamfered part way down), a detail which softens the look of the edges.   The island houses a food prep area with sink and central waste bin.   We made the electrical sockets as unobtrusive as possible by using veneer with a perspex front to match the oak.   Others around the kitchen were disguised by painting the backs with the same cream coloured paint, then fronting with perspex.

 

Leading from the kitchen into the utility room we made practical, large airing cupboards with air holes.  The cupboards housed hanging rails and heaters so clothes could be hung to air after being ironed.

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