Interiors Get The Look: Country Kitchen

Penny, what inspired this redesign?

It really came down to family. I wanted a space where we could all be together – big lunches, lots of children, somewhere warm and inviting. I didn’t want a kitchen that looked too new or out of place, but one that felt like it had always been part of the house. I’ve always been drawn to natural colours that reflect those found in nature and change with the light. We painted the freestanding island, wall cupboards and walls in 'Sage', which feels like light shining through refracted glass – cool and fresh in summer, warm in winter. The larder wall is painted 'Polenta', which picks up on the colour of the Cotswold stone outside. I also love using materials that get better with age, and the exposed oak in the cabinetry really complements that palette.

George, can you tell us about this kitchen design?

We wanted the kitchen to feel as though it had evolved naturally over time, in the same way that the house itself has grown and changed over the centuries. That’s why we brought together elements from three of our collections. Together, they create the sense of a layered, collected space, rather than something too uniform or ‘new’. It was important that the kitchen felt authentic to the history of the house while still functioning seamlessly for modern family life.

How did you choose the layout?

The architecture of the room largely dictated the layout. The range cooker naturally sat within the newly opened-up chimney breast, while the sink stayed in its original position beneath the window to make the most of the garden views. From there, we looked at how to enhance both flow and functionality. The large, prep-table style island was introduced to provide generous worktop space for cooking and entertaining, but by keeping it open at the bottom, it feels light and unobtrusive rather than crowding the room. This balance was key, and it gives the space the practicality of a hardworking kitchen while maintaining the character and proportions of a period home.

How did you approach the lighting?

Lighting was always going to play a pivotal role in this kitchen. Penny fell in love with our Marina pendants, which bring a beautiful sculptural element and a warm, inviting glow over the island and dining space. But with this being a period property, we also had to think carefully about layering the lighting, ensuring the room worked as both a practical cooking space and a social hub, while also compensating for the naturally smaller windows and lower levels of daylight typical of older homes. By combining pendants with discreet task lighting and softer ambient sources, we were able to create a flexible, atmospheric scheme that feels welcoming at any time of day, while still honouring the architectural character of the house.

What accessories did you choose and why?

For the kitchen hardware we chose a mixture of classic beehive and mushroom knobs in a bronze finish, which worked perfectly with the cabinetry and tied in with the period feel of the house. The oak bar stools pick up on the oak cabinetry, creating a sense of flow and balance around the island. Everyday essentials like the Bramley cookware and Melbury utensils holder were chosen to stay out on display, offering both practicality and a lived-in authenticity. Finally, touches like the Ella glass tumblers in ‘Rose’ and ‘Forest’ add a pop of colour and a nod to Penny’s eclectic style, ensuring the space feels layered, personal, and ready for family life or entertaining.

Visit NEPTUNE.COM & PENELOPECHILVERS.COM