An Old Vicarage Kitchen
SUSSEX
Nestled in the picturesque Sussex countryside, an old Vicarage stands as a testament to bygone eras, boasting charming architecture and a timeless aura. When it came time to renovate the house, the owners knew they wanted a kitchen that was truly unique and yet in keeping with the buildings heritage.
They envisioned a bespoke kitchen that would pay homage to the Vicarage’s history while incorporating modern elements for practicality and aesthetics. The result? A stunning hand-painted kitchen with an oak, aged sycamore and sea-pearl quartzite cook’s table island.
FEATURE
Honouring Tradition: Hand-Painted and Oak Cabinetry
The heart of the Old Vicarage kitchen’s design lay in the bespoke hand-painted cabinetry. The choice of hand-painted cabinets was a nod to the Vicarage’s elegance.
The colour palette was carefully selected to blend seamlessly with the surroundings, reflecting the soft hues of the Sussex countryside. A soft ivory was chosen as the primary cabinet colour, and delicate off-white walls create a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
The oak, sycamore and sea-pearl quartzite topped Cooks table brings unique textures giving the room depth and character. This bespoke detailing allowed the kitchen to tell a story that was in harmony with the Vicarage’s history.
FEATURE
Timeless Elegance: Oak and Sea-Pearl Quartzite Cook’s Table Island
To complement the hand-painted cabinetry, the centre piece of this Sussex kitchen is the Cook’s table island. The base is crafted from hand polished oak. The choice of oak was deliberate, as it evoked a sense of durability and longevity.
The worktop is made from a combination of aged sycamore, with a quarter of the top’s length being sea-pearl quartzite, creating the perfect prep area for baking.
The pale quartzite provides a beautiful contrast to the ivory cabinetry. Not only did it serve as a functional workspace for food preparation, but the whole piece also creates a stunning focal point in the kitchen.
Discreetly housed within the cook’s table is a Sub-zero Wolf warming drawer. The electricity cables to power the appliance are concealed within the table legs.
The Cook's Table with its unique sycamore and quartzite worktop
Deep pan drawers make the Cook's Table a uniquely functional piece
The unique combination of hand-painted cabinetry, oak and quartzite, and thoughtful design choices turned this kitchen into a true masterpiece, reflecting the spirit of the Sussex countryside.
Traditional Cook's Table with a stunning bespoke hand-painted cabinet housing the fridge, freezer and pantry
A traditional Butler's sink with quartzite worktops and brass taps
FEATURE
A Fusion of Functionality and Aesthetics: The Refrigerator
While the kitchen’s design paid homage to tradition, it also incorporated modern functionality. Carefully planned storage solutions and practical appliances were seamlessly integrated into the design.
Nick Anderson took inspiration for a free standing cabinet from an antique piece of furniture that incorporated a Dutch gable-style top. This new cabinet was designed to feel as if it was an antique itself, painted in a deep soft pink with glazed front, its central section hides one of the most important kitchen appliances – the fridge/freezer. Flanked either side with pantry cabinets, fabric was applied to boards, then used to line the glazed panels of the cabinet, adding another layer of colour and interest to this incredibly practical piece of furniture.
This balance between aesthetics and functionality was crucial in creating a kitchen that met the needs of a modern family while preserving the Vicarage’s character.
The bespoke Dutch gable-style cabinet houses the pantry cupboard
The central section of the cabinet houses the fridge with a freezer below
Designing this bespoke kitchen for an old Vicarage in the Sussex countryside was a labour of love for both the clients and our design team. The result was a harmonious fusion of history and modernity, where the kitchen became a space not only for cooking but also a place for the family to gather and create lasting memories.
