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This artist’s home is a masterclass in contemporary country design

Pabio December 8, 2024

For many homeowners, creating a bright space and increasing storage are two of the biggest drivers when renovating a kitchen – and that was certainly the case for Julia Williams and her husband John. The couple’s existing kitchen lacked light and overlooked an alleyway, making it in desperate need of a refresh.

Following a short extension, the couple considered several types of kitchen ideas until they decide on a country kitchen design in a beautiful green color that suits their Victorian townhouse.

Expand the kitchen to create more space

Blue country-style kitchen with island and butcher's table

To give Julia and John more space for their new kitchen, they added a kitchen extensiondesigned by interior designer David Rose, connecting it to an existing barn.

This transformed the previously compact kitchen into an open hub and the space was instantly brightened by the addition of a skylight above the main cooking area.

However, as with many kitchen renovations – especially those in period houses – it needed some extra character to bring it to life.

Create a colorful country kitchen

Blue country-style kitchen with island and butcher's table

(Image credit: Kate Feather Design/Birgit Mons Photography)

To help with the kitchen designJulia enlisted the help of Kasia Piorko, founder and lead designer at Kate Feather, who found creative solutions to incorporate everything on the couple’s wish list. Julia wanted a traditional Shaker style kitchen cabinets to bring a heritage charm using a color scheme for drama.

“Julia originally wanted to paint the cabinets black, but I suggested a dark green shade; it’s slightly softer and anchors the space,” says Kasia. “We paired it with lots of natural materials to keep things fresh and bright.”

Together, these elements channel the country aesthetic that Julia loves, while providing a sense of harmony with the garden, visible through the sliding patio doors. The walls are clad in simple birch kitchen paneling with a wood grain for a rustic texture. “We chose to dress the space with a mix of natural materials that would patina over time,” explains Kasia.

Aged brass details, including the faucet, hanging rods and hardware, bring warmth to the ink-toned cabinets and neutral wall panels. Carrara marble countertops maintain the classic style of the design, while engineered oak wooden kitchen flooring adds warmth underfoot.

Finding the Perfect Layout

glass patio doors into kitchen with traditional table and chairs

(Image credit: Kate Feather Design/Birgit Mons Photography)

Kitchen layout also plays a vital role in bringing a bright and spacious feel to the new kitchen. Due to the slope of the ceiling in the small extension, the wall where the kitchen cabinets were positioned with the kitchen sink and the Aga was quite low, so Kasia came up with the solution of using open shelving instead of tall wall cabinets. This adds character while maintaining the light, airy feel.

One of the key features the couple wanted for their new kitchen was a island. “Julia and John wanted to have as big an island as possible, but they were also concerned that it would become too big. We played with scale and simulated it in the space,” says Kasia. “We ultimately decided to add a freestanding butcher table at the end of the island that could be easily moved if needed.”

Enjoy the Aga

Blue country style kitchen with island and Kate Feather bench

(Image credit: Kate Feather Design/Birgit Mons Photography)

The Aga cooker was another non-negotiable element in creating the cozy country kitchen Julia dreamed of. “She grew up in a house with an Aga and fell in love with its warmth and comfort,” says Kasia. Since then, Julia has had an Aga in each of her homes.

For greater practicality, a second oven is cleverly hidden inside the island with electrical cables hidden in an island base, while deep drawers were chosen for their efficiency in the main kitchen.

Install a pantry

Blue country-style kitchen with island and butcher's table

(Image credit: Kate Feather Design/Birgit Mons Photography)

A walk-in pantry, tucked behind a sliding barn-style door, provides ample kitchen storage ideas and keeps the rest of the kitchen uncluttered. Opting for a sliding door saves space and also adds another element of interest to the kitchen.

THE kitchen pantry The space also houses an American style fridge freezer so that it does not dominate the kitchen and become a focal point. “We had to install the unit first, then build the pantry wall around it,” says Kasia. “We chose to paint the pantry a warm plaster shade and also use it on the butcher’s table as an accent color.”

With its timeless aesthetic and rustic finishes, Julia and John’s new kitchen certainly brings a taste of the country to this townhouse.

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Mondor Festival

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Expand the kitchen to create more space

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