The challenge with this project was to create a kitchen and living space that integrated seamlessly with each other on the ground floor of this amazing cottage renovation. Space was at a premium so lots of careful planning and thought between the client and I went into this to get it right.

Important details of the building’s history were expertly preserved, big and small. From the concrete lintels and strips of oak inset into the striking red brickwork, to a small slither of oak beam in the corner of the ceiling.

A freshly plastered archway frames two windows and a front door, all original features, which floods this modern living space with lots of natural sunlight.

A rustic oak parquet floor was laid and flows throughout to bring everything together.

This Shaker style kitchen more than holds it own in a setting with such high spec. It’s a classic style with a few tweaks on the details, paring it back slightly so that it is more in line with a soft industrial style rather than a traditional farmhouse with lots of fussy mouldings and trims.

A full height bookcase at the end of the kitchen run, along with a separate TV unit made in the same style as the kitchen, helps to bring these two areas together really well.

The island houses solid oak cutlery drawers, cupboards, wine rack and glassware display unit, and connects to a bespoke Oak dining table that interlocks over a pristine white quartz worktop.

The dining table legs were made by the same engineer that designed the amazing black powder coated steel staircase, and this is another nice connection between the kitchen and the walk upstairs. The client requested that I make the solid Oak stair treads and handrails, which was a new challenge for me with lots of very precise angles and tricky cuts. But I enjoy being challenged and we were both very pleased with the outcome of the whole project.

Rao Furniture is run by furniture designer and cabinet maker Brandon Rao. He has many years experience designing and building beautiful bespoke handmade traditional and contemporary kitchens. If you have a keen interest in creating a unique kitchen space that complements you and your home, Brandon would love to hear from you.

MATERIALS: Solid Hardwood Framework, Solid Oak Dovetailed Drawers, Solid Oak Dining Table, Solid Oak Stair Treads and Handrails, Oak Vaneer Carcass (island wine rack unit), Oak Melamine Carcass (base units), Furniture Grade MDF (bookcase), Silent Soft Close Drawer Runners, Solid Brass Butt Hinges

FINISH: PU Primer (spray finish), Hand painted top coat

LEADTIME: 7-8 weeks