MODERN COUNTRY A smart contemporary-classic space

MARTIN MOORE DESIGNER PAM BAKER APPLIED HER ERGONOMICS KNOW-HOW AND EYE FOR CONTEMPORARY-CLASSIC STYLE TO CREATE A TIMELESS AND HARD-WORKING SPACE

1 ENDURING STYLE

This is a seven-bedroom new-build house with a neo-classical feel: high ceilings, large windows and fabulous country views. The developer had planned to put in an ultra-modern kitchen but the owners bought in time to get the classic style they prefer. Must-haves included two ovens, a large sink area and a glamorous bar.

2 DEFINED ZONES

I was presented with an open-plan space in which to create a kitchen/ dining/living area. The island plays a pivotal role, providing prep space and an informal eating zone. Food storage is always best contained in one area to reduce ingredient-gathering trips, so we went for a large, double pantry with adjacent fridge and freezer.

3

HIDDEN BONUS

The bar is neatly concealed behind tall bifold doors in the sitting area. I love the element of surprise when the doors are opened to reveal the beautiful interior, complete with glassware, drawers and wine cooler. Using glass shelves and a mirror ensures everything glistens and sparkles. Even the shelf supports are mostly glass – they virtually disappear to create a floating shelf effect.

4

COLOUR CHOICE

Fitted cabinetry inspired by our

New Classic collection is featured throughout, including in the Tv/sitting area. The rich, dark paint is our own French Grey and was chosen to reflect the neo-classical architecture of the house, while the polished-quartz worktops and pale flagstone flooring help keep the scheme light.

5

FINISHING TOUCH

Splashbacks can be tricky. Anything too adventurous or bold can overpower or quickly date but playing it safe is often boring. Antiqued mirror is a great solution and very popular with our customers. It brings a vintage feel that’s more interesting and softer than a standard mirror, and you don’t have to worry about greying grout lines. We recommend a decent upstand or, better yet, a cook’s shelf behind the oven to reduce splashes on the glass.

GET THE LOOK

Unistone Quartz worktops in Carrara Misterio, from £400sq m, including installation; Antiqued mirror splashback, £1,848; New Classic White gloss tiles, £78sq m, all Martin Moore. EX975LVV1E 90cm Flexinduction hob, £1,569; HM676 G0S6B Active Clean oven with microwave, £1,549; HB632GBS1B single oven, £729; BI630DNS1 warming drawer, £544; SN658D02MG dishwasher, £759, all Siemens. Iron Tones undermounted sink 6625-0, £1,022, Kohler. Pro3 Classic Nordic boiling water tap, £1,150, Quooker. Oberon C Spout tap and rinse, £543.72, Perrin & Rowe. IKB 3576 integrated fridge, £1,296; SIGN 3576 integrated freezer, £1,449; UWKES1752 wine cooler, £1,679, all Liebherr. Sediments Olimpia porcelain floor tiles, £49.90sq m, County Tile Warehouse. Browning Lantern pendants, £275 each, Neptune. Similar stools, Clover, £199 each, Danetti

Founded in 1975, Martin Moore was one of the first companies to produce handmade kitchens. Still family run, it designs and builds bespoke kitchens, utility rooms, pantries, dressing rooms and freestanding pieces of furniture. Its classic English-style kitchens and furniture are entirely made to order in its Yorkshire workshop; the company has eight UK showrooms, including in London.