COMBINING OLD AND NEW

Rejuvenating a rustic kitchen doesn’t always mean a full-scale refit – it can be as simple as updating knobs and handles. The key to blending old and new is working out what style works for you and your individual space, rather than slavishly following trends.

For instance, gnarled brass handles might be big news in contemporary kitchen design, but could look a bit too decorative for most cottage kitchens. Instead, unfussy, tapered Shaker-style wooden knobs are often a better way to refresh still serviceable cabinetry.

Paint is another relatively easy way to give a kitchen a facelift. Ask for painted woodwork samples (or create your own) before you settle

on a colour so you can see how it looks in your home: every country kitchen will be different, depending on the flow of light and the size of the windows in the room.

Just as your new pieces can bring life into an old setting, the reverse is also true. Reclaimed basins, taps and light pendants can give a toobland or box-fresh kitchen some much-needed character. If you’re heading to a reclamation yard, go armed with accurate measurements, as old fittings won’t come in standard sizes. Similarly, vintage furniture such as an armchair, dresser or bench will add a sense of history and permanence to a relatively modern kitchen.

Reclaimed basins and light pendants can give a box-fresh kitchen some much-needed character

Left Old wooden caféstyle chairs add warmth to a grey kitchen

Above Antique furniture brings character to new cabinetry, while clever reproduction pendant lamp styles would offer the same vintage effect

Below Take colour inspiration from manufacturers such as Neptune’s soft lilac pink cupboard