Homeowners Lara and Darren wanted hardworking Family kitchen One that invokes a sense of serenity, was practical as well as stylish and within a realistic budget. With the couple both being professionals with young children, it was really important that the space worked on all levels.
The property is a former gamekeeper’s cottage in the heart of a Somerset village with plenty of original features, with the existing kitchen being far from ideal. ‘It was a pitch-toned, colour-blocked space that felt anything but dated and quiet. We set out to transform it into a place we’d really enjoy coming home to – a light, airy, welcoming environment that feels safe, uplifting and quietly restorative,’ says Lara.
After a lot of research, Lara felt intrigued Tom Hawley Kitchen and chose Hartford Cabinetry.
These are 7 design tricks that Lara and her Tom Hawley designer, Lucy Nash, used to give this kitchen a high-end look on a realistic budget—with stunning results.
1. Multi-tasking central island
(Image credit: Tom Hawley)
It is said that N The island is literally the heart of the kitchen Today, and for Lara and Darren it really is.
‘The island plays a central role, serving as both a preparation space and a social hub for the family,’ says Lucy. Zoning was important to ensure the kitchen could handle multiple activities simultaneously, whether it was cooking, helping with homework or hosting. The space now feels intuitive to use and everything is right where you expect it to be.’
Lara loves the island and how it really helps with family life, ‘The island has completely changed how we use the space – the kids go there to eat, do homework or watch something on their iPads while we cook, and we didn’t have that sense of connection before.’
2. Marble style worktops
(Image credit: Tom Hawley)
Marble worktops are a game-changer when it comes to adding style to your kitchen, but a Get a kitchen worktop One that looks like marble can be just as effective and save you money that you could put into other parts of the kitchen.
‘We really focused on solving a couple of key challenges from the start – balancing Lara’s high-end aesthetic with a realistic budget was one,’ explains Lucy. Lara chose a quartz worktop named Rapture by BrachotIt has the appearance of pure marble with delicate veining.
There are plenty of ‘similar-to-marble’ worktop options to choose from for those on a budget, such as Goodhome Nepeta Satin White Onyx Marble Effect Laminate by B&Q, £334 for 300 x 62cm.
3. A hidden walk-in pantry
(Image credit: Tom Hawley)
‘Storage was a key consideration, so we looked at how everything could be seamlessly integrated without compromising the sense of openness,’ says Lucy. One of these solutions was to replace the existing cloakroom with a Walk-in pantry.
‘This was an important step, as it allowed us to hide clutter and free up the main kitchen,’ explains Lucy.
(Image credit: Tom Hawley)
‘The pantry is my pride and joy,’ says Lara. ‘It looks like a closet from the outside, and when guests discover it, they are always amazed. It’s also very useful with plenty of worktop space for baking and preparing, and I can keep everything in one place when we’re hosting.’
flipping Downstairs Cloakroom The pantry gave the family loads of hidden storage and made the rest of the kitchen feel more spacious.
4. Integrated laundry space
(Image credit: Tom Hawley)
Originally Lara and Darren approached the architect to enlarge the space for additional storage and Include a utility room.
‘I could see that the existing space was sufficient for everything they needed and they didn’t need the added expense of an extension, so I prioritized storage solutions, aesthetics and zone areas to define the space,’ explains Lucy.
Instead the idea was to have part of the kitchen as a zoned space, ‘We didn’t have the budget for a separate utility, so everything was cleverly placed and a tall cupboard was built for the washer and dryer.’
5. An intuitive layout
(Image credit: Tom Hawley)
‘Designing this kitchen was all about creating Kitchen layout which felt intuitive, maximized every inch and respected the character of the cottage while supporting modern family life,’ says Lucy.
With a triple aspect space to deal with, it was imperative to rework the original kitchen into one that could function efficiently for this busy family.
‘From food prep to cooking and laundry functions, every element is designed and positioned with the intention of supporting a natural workflow,’ explains Lucy. For example, placing the dishwasher near plate storage and bins in front of the fridge help streamline daily tasks and reduce unnecessary movement.’
‘We have a lot of equipment, so it was very difficult to fit everything,’ says Lara. Everything in the kitchen works – the layout is so intuitive that cooking feels easy, and cleanup is quick. But more than that, it’s a place to reset.’
6. Two tone color scheme
(Image credit: Tom Hawley)
The couple really wanted a kitchen that felt calm and light. Lara had a clear sense of the aesthetic she was drawn to and wanted the result to feel high-end.
‘A cohesive plan within a set budget was key, ensuring the end result felt timeless and appropriate for the long term,’ says Lucy.
Contemporary Two color scheme Bespoke Tom Hawley was selected using shades – Green Meadow and Hazy Sky. And with views out the windows to the garden, these colors were perfect for connecting the two spaces.
Take a look for similar shades Dix Blue For Green Meadow and A borrowed light For hazy skies, both furrows and balls.
7. Attention to detail
(Image credit: Tom Hawley)
High end finish, Beautifully designed cabinetry And all the necessary ingredients are considered while making the kitchen. ‘The need to accommodate everyday objects without the space feeling cluttered,’ says Lucy, requires attention to detail.
(Image credit: Tom Hawley)
Bespoke elements came into play with that in mind, for example, a coffee/tea area with coffee maker shelves and space for tea towels and trays. The door pulls and knobs were considered and matched the rest of the scheme perfectly.
Recreate the look
Storage basket, set of 4, wicker
This set of four wicker baskets come in different sizes making them ideal for pantry storage.
the sage
Barista Express Impress
Avas Etta Pair of Faux Leather Bar Stools, Brown
This stylish pair of faux leather bar stools features extra padding and a curved backrest. Delicate rubber wood legs make a stylish addition.
‘We still have a long way to go with the house, but the kitchen is a huge milestone – it’s beautiful, practical and built for the life we want to live,’ says Lara. ‘When I step into it, I just feel gratitude: that we can make memories here with our children and create something meaningful for our future. From our very first enquiry, the Tom Hawley team was warm, open and completely free of judgement. Everyone involved was very passionate and proud of their work, and you could feel that care in every detail.’
