A Cottage Kitchen
WILTSHIRE
In the world of interior design, there’s a style that never goes out of fashion – the cottage kitchen. A cottage kitchen is a quintessential embodiment of coziness and warmth, offering a charming and inviting space for cooking and gathering.
The owners of this period Wiltshire cottage were keen to extend the footprint of their home allowing them to create a large kitchen and family room. Cottages tend to be more modestly proportioned, but our clients have created an inviting airy space by adding this fabulous kitchen extension.
FEATURE
Kitchen Sink
A Butler’s style sink is a signature feature of a cottage kitchen. Its deep basin and apron-front design not only provide ample space for washing dishes but also becomes a focal point in the room.
Here our clients chose a Shaws of Darwen bowl kitchen sink with a fluted front.
Rather than an under sink cabinet, a printed fabric sink skirt curtain has been used; visually softening the hand painted cabinets that surround it. Historically a sink skirt was used to dress up a pedestal sink, create hidden storage under a wall-hung sink, or cover the bulky plumbing beneath a kitchen sink.
FEATURE
Range Cooker
An Everhot range cooker in a vibrant Burgundy colour is a striking contrast to the soft pink walls and green cabinets. The bold colour ensures that this practical kitchen appliance is in harmony with the rooms colour scheme.
Above the Everhot we designed a bespoke mantle piece to house the extractor fan. It also creates a sense of illusion by lengthening and framing this feature wall with the boldly printed wallpaper behind the range cooker and Butler’s sink.
The mantle itself is a practical choice for this cottage kitchen, giving a place to display a charming collection of dishes and vintage kitchen items. These accessories showcase our client’s personal style. A similar collection of pretty plates on the far wall mirrors this collection adding to the cottage charm.
VINTAGE INSPIRED COLOURS
When choosing colours for a cottage kitchen, think of soft and pastel hues. Colours like pale pink or blue, soft greens, buttery yellows, and off-white tones work wonders in creating that classic cottage charm. Marrying these softer shades with a much stronger colour immediately creates an interesting and bold contrast.
Here pinky/grey walls are painted Paint & Paper Library Desert Rose, such a soft pink with grey undertones; this colour works beautifully with deep fir green cabinetry in Farrow & Ball Studio Green.
If you would like to discuss kitchen colours for your bespoke Guild Anderson kitchen we offer a colour consultancy meeting with Hannah Anderson.
A window seat has been created at one end of the kitchen, a great place to sit to enjoy the cottage kitchen garden beyond
Next to the window seat is a small round dining table and chairs, creating the sociable seating area
Vintage inspired lighting fixtures, like pendant lights and table lamps contribute to the atmosphere of this cottage kitchen. They also serve as decorative accents.
FEATURE
Floral Patterns
Floral patterns have been incorporated throughout this cottage kitchen design with the clever use of different prints, patterns, textures and accessories.
Floral motifs in any form add a touch of whimsy and infuse the space with the spirit of the countryside.
Wallpaper, crockery, curtains, and upholstery are all used throughout the room; with each item showcasing a different colour or pattern. Yet this clever layering of different objects and designs gives a harmonious aesthetic to the kitchen.
The bold printed floral wallpaper used as an extended back splash across the length of the kitchen is by Polly Fern, this fabulous feature pattern ensures this kitchen project is pretty with a contemporary twist.
FEATURE
Practical Layout
This may be a modest sized room in keeping with the cottage’s proportions, but it is an extremely well functioning space.
The range cooker and sink sit against the long wall, flanked by two tall cabinets; one housing the fridge and the other acts as storage for glasses and crockery.
The long oak topped kitchen island houses deep pan drawers on either side, and creates the central focus to this kitchen design.
Seating at either end of the room offer different areas to relax and dine. The practical layout of the cabinetry allows for smooth workflow and easy access to all cooking essentials, as well as creating a wonderfully sociable space for family life.
While aesthetics are important, the functionality of this kitchen has not been forgotten.
Cottage kitchens are not about uniformity but about a harmonious mix of furniture pieces. Our client has combined different styles and finishes for an eclectic look.
Cottage kitchen design is all about creating a practical space that exudes comfort and nostalgia. With the right mix of materials, colours, and vintage-inspired elements, this kitchen has been transformed into a charming retreat.
Regardless of the size of the project our approach, as always, is to create a fabulous space in which families can flourish. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or simply love spending time in the kitchen, this cottage kitchen design is sure to turn meal preparation into a delightful and heartwarming experience.
