Modern Farmhouse Kitchen, East Sussex

A cook’s kitchen through and through; we loved working on this modern country farmhouse kitchen project. This kitchen was designed for relaxed entertaining on a large-scale for friends staying for the weekend, but also for everyday kitchen suppers with the family.

As you walk into the kitchen the space feels warm and welcoming thanks to the soothing colour palette and Smithfield weathered oak finish. The kitchen has a large dining table with incredible views across the rolling East Sussex countryside. A separate scullery and walk in pantry concealed behind cabinetry either side of the French door fridge freezer provide a huge amount of storage and prep space completely hidden from view but easily accessible. The balance of cabinetry is perfect for the space and doesn’t compromise the light and airy feel we love to create in our Humphrey Munson kitchen projects.

The five oven AGA, set within a bespoke false chimney, creates a main focal point for the room and the antique effect mirror splashback has been installed for a number of reasons; it bounces the light back across the room but also helps with continuing conversations with guests seated at the islands. This is a sociable kitchen with seating at the island to serve drinks and quick appetisers before dinner, or to sit with coffee and a laptop to catch up on emails.

To the left of the AGA is countertop storage with a bi-fold door which provides essential shelving for larger countertop appliances like the KitchenAid mixer and Magimix. Following on from the countertop cupboard is open shelving and the main sink run which features a large Kohler sink and Perrin & Rowe Athenian tap with rinse. To the right of the AGA is another countertop cupboard with a bi-fold door that not only balances the space in terms of symmetry, but conceals the breakfast cupboard which is perfect for storing the coffee machine, cups and everyday glassware.

The large island is directly opposite the AGA and has been kept deliberately clear so that cooking and preparing food on a larger scale for family or friends staying all weekend is easy and stress free. The dining area which is just off of the main kitchen in the orangery seats six people at the table and is perfect for low key dining for a few friends and weekday meals.

Directly opposite the island is a bank of floor to ceiling Smithfield Oak cabinetry that has a Fisher & Paykel French door refrigeration and freezer unit finished in stainless steel in the centre, while either side of the fridge freezer is a walk in scullery and walk in pantry that helps to keep all clutter hidden safely out of site without having to leave the kitchen and guests.

We love the modern rustic luxe feel of this kitchen with the Nickleby cabinetry on the perimeter run painted in ‘Cuffs’ and the island painted in ‘London Calling’ it has a really relaxed and warm feeling to the space, particularly with the weathered bronze Tetterby pull handles and Hexham knobs. This is the ‘new neutral’ and really about creating a relaxed and informal setting that is perfect for this beautiful country home.