MODERN REFRESH
A FLASH OF TERRACOTTA CUTS A DASH IN THIS LINEAR KITCHEN FOR A HOME WITH A COLOURFUL PAST
A slick linear layout with meticulously curated colours and materials forges a novel link with this period property’s past
‘Slick’ and ‘linear’ were the buzzwords in force when breathing fresh life into this period property. A modern extension, perfectly pitched for soaking up the stunning views across the Somerset valleys, called for a contemporary interior with gentle reminders of the past. The new space houses an L-shaped kitchen-diner that was grounded by Blue Pennant flagstones. Painstakingly sourced from Wales to match the property’s original floors, this stunning stone creates an almost imperceptible break between old and new.
Above floor level, all is undeniably new but curated layers of texture serve to soften sleek lines, adding variegation and comfort. The splashback and breakfast bar upstand are coated in smooth Microcement, trowelled on by hand. Designer Celia Richardson has been using this material in her projects for 15 years and it’s now her go-to for a seamless finish that is both hard-wearing and hygienic. Weathered zinc worktops connect softly with the cement. Pre-aged then left unlacquered, these metal surfaces will darken over time.
The distinctive terracotta-pink cabinets were originally going to be much paler but mood boards were reassessed at the eleventh hour and Little Greene’s Ashes of Roses switched in to lift and define. Dark stained ash doors help to anchor the island unit and, together with the cantilevered breakfast bar, create a visual link to the dining area.
Spanning across ceiling beams and down the walls, the heavy use of natural oak was initiated by CASA Architects. Celia provided a modern spin using Osmo white-oil finish to knock out any yellow undertones and stop the space resembling a ski lodge. Slender vertical oak battens create a panelled effect on floor-to-ceiling units opposite the island, and again on the bar cabinet in the dining area. The aim was to ensure each elevation offers interest and a sense of continuity as you pass through the space towards the views.
The light-toned wood is contrasted by a bespoke table made from two planks of dark-stained ash