Kitchen Case Study
Filled with traditional charm and wonderful original features, this kitchen is a masterclass in classic country chic
THE STORY
OWNERS Kathryn Parker and her partner Hyder Jumabhoy live here
PROPERTY Seales Court is a Grade II-listed 17th-century manor house in Wiltshire, remodelled in the 20th century to reinstate its period charm
WHAT THEY DID They had Harvey Jones design and install a new kitchen
Undertaking any interior renovation project requires an intimate understanding of the space – from how the sunlight travels across the room during the day, to working with original features and embracing unique layouts. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, especially when it comes to kitchen renovations.
When designing a kitchen, the first task is to identify a focal point, explains Destiny Smith, designer for Harvey Jones, who created this space. ‘I always start by pinpointing a stand-out feature, which I can then build the kitchen around. It helps to ground the room and ensure that everything works together harmoniously.’
This was an easy task when it came to Kathryn Parker and Hyder Jumabhoy’s home. Located in the heart of the stunning Cotswolds, the stone property is brimming with personality, potential and an abundance of original features. From the outset, however, it was abundantly clear that the restored fireplace would serve as the focal point of the kitchen, the point around which everything else would orbit. ‘We chose the chimney breast as the focal point because of the texture, charm and warmth that it brought to the space. It is also positioned centrally, which made it a natural heart to the room,’ explains Destiny. ‘The muted honey colour of the exposed Cotswold stone also served to inspire us when we were planning the more decorative elements.’
One of the first decisions was the colour palette, decided upon before even the layout and cabinetry style were finalised. Influenced by the golden tones of the brick fireplace, they opted for a soft cream tone on the walls with a slightly darker shade on the cabinetry, this kept the room feeling bright while also bringing in a sense of timeless country charm.
With that decided, the next step was to select the cabinetry. ‘The homeowners were immediately drawn to these Shaker-style doors and they work so well here. The raised beading gives it a really traditional look that is befitting of the 17th-century farmhouse,’ explains Destiny. The units were topped with wooden worktops which imbue the room with an intrinsic warmth, and the addition of another natural material perfectly complements the exposed stone of the fireplace. Cupped and knobbed handles complete the country aesthetic. ‘We didn’t set out to plan a country kitchen, but each element came together to create this stunning space that
