When our clients approached us, they had a clear vision for their home: to transform two separate rooms into a warm, open-plan kitchen and dining space with a classic country cottage feel. They wanted a kitchen that felt timeless and welcoming, centred around cooking and family life, with plenty of storage, a large freestanding range cooker, and a layout that allowed them to enjoy the countryside views while carrying out everyday tasks.

The existing layout felt closed off and restrictive, with limited storage and poor flow between rooms. Washing up meant facing a wall rather than the surrounding fields, and the separation between the kitchen and dining area didn’t suit how the space was used day to day. The brief was to open everything up while still retaining character, comfort, and practicality.

Our design solution completely reimagined the space by removing the dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room, instantly creating a light-filled, open-plan layout. At one end of the kitchen, we introduced tall tower pantry units to provide generous, well-organised storage without overwhelming the room. A freestanding Rangemaster gas oven and hob became the natural focal point of the kitchen, reinforcing the traditional country aesthetic.

The sink was positioned within a butler-style setup, aligned parallel to the window so the clients could look out across the fields while washing up — a simple change that made a big difference to everyday enjoyment. A peninsular island was added to provide additional storage and workspace while subtly defining the kitchen area from the front door entrance. This helped maintain an open feel while still giving the room structure and purpose.

Every element of the design was chosen to support flow, durability, and comfort, ensuring the kitchen would work just as well for busy mornings as it would for relaxed evenings and entertaining.

To deliver the project, we began by carefully uninstalling the existing kitchen and removing the dividing wall. The old flooring was taken up to allow for a consistent finish throughout the newly opened space. New plumbing and electrics were installed, along with a new gas feed to support the range cooker. All walls and ceilings were plastered and skimmed to create a clean, high-quality base for the new kitchen.

We then installed the new kitchen units, complete with handles, cornices, pelmets, and decorative plinths to enhance the traditional cottage detailing. The wooden worktops were carefully sanded and oiled, with seamless joints that provide both durability and a beautifully natural finish. The sink and Rangemaster were fitted, completing the heart of the kitchen.

To tie the entire space together, the floor was latexed and finished with herringbone vinyl tiles throughout, creating a seamless, practical surface that complements the country style while standing up to everyday wear.

The result is a thoughtfully designed, open-plan kitchen and dining room that feels both timeless and functional. Finished in a soft reed green with authentic wooden worktops, the space perfectly captures the charm of a country cottage while delivering modern practicality. It’s a kitchen designed to be lived in — warm, welcoming, and built to last.

If you’re considering opening up your kitchen or creating a more character-filled space tailored to how you live, we can help bring your vision to life with thoughtful design and expert installation.