Our enchanting project, nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside, is full of character and charm, bringing a bright and airy space that shines from dawn through to dusk. It’s filled with plenty of warmth throughout the day and an intimate glow in the evening. Our client has long dreamed of this space and chose the Lay-On Shaker to bring it to life.
Come inside and experience this quiet elegance, where the countryside retreat is a truly special part of the home. We cannot wait to share it with you.
The Style – Interior & Exterior
Choosing the Lay-On Shaker cabinetry was due to its fine lines and signature style, which presented itself well in this modern kitchen space. The fresh and inviting feel has been designed in an L-shaped layout to make the most of both the existing structure and the newly extended area.
At the heart of the design sits the island, positioned as the centrepiece and doubling as a welcoming seating spot for family breakfasts, casual meals, and simply relaxing with a coffee while catching up on a favourite series. The perimeter cabinetry is designed in the iconic “L-shape”, combining the old and new areas of the property.
The internals are enriched with our solid oak, where the warmth of the wood brings our craftsmanship to life, and the Hendel & Hendel Greenwich Range handles in Burnished Brass complement the look. From bespoke inserts to open shelving, every detail is beautifully crafted to maximise storage and celebrate Planet Furniture’s heritage of fine craftsmanship.
The Colours
To bring this beautiful kitchen to life, our client carefully selected two complementary hues: Little Greene Slaked Lime Deep and Farrow & Ball Pigeon. Bringing these two tones together works harmoniously to enrich the quality of work and the bright, airy space our client wanted to achieve. It really does set a beautiful backdrop.
Introducing a gentle warmth and acting as a neutral yet characterful backdrop is the hand-painted finish of Slaked Lime Deep on the main cabinetry. The handcrafted finer details stand out, making the other finishes continue to shine. In contrast, Pigeon, a cosy and nostalgic blue-grey, anchors the island beautifully, which becomes both a point of focus and a sense of balance.
The result is a timeless palette, enriched with burnished brass handles and the golden tones of the Calacatta Gold quartz worktop.
The Appliances
A modern kitchen requires carefully chosen appliances to balance functionality with design, and this Hertfordshire project is the perfect example of how technology can seamlessly integrate with style. Our client selected a range of premium appliances to complement the bespoke cabinetry and other high-end material finishes, ensuring that day-to-day living is a joy.
You will see a collection of Neff appliances positioned around the room, chosen for their innovation and streamlined aesthetic. These include the glass downdraft extraction and flex induction hob at the island, which keep the workspace clutter-free and clean sightlines across the vast space. Meanwhile, a bank of Neff appliances, including single ovens and warming drawers, provides versatility for entertaining and family meals. The Neff microwave is discreetly hidden in the breakfast pantry. Completing the set is a fully integrated Neff dishwasher.
On the island, the Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers are cleverly integrated beside the curved banquette seating, offering convenience and a touch of luxury. And on the shorter length of the L-shaped layout, the Fisher & Paykel French Door Fridge Freezer stands proudly on display, basked in stainless steel for a sleek, statement look.
The choice of the black gloss finish and stainless steel adds a bold and subtle contrast to the light cabinetry, blending beautifully with the overall scheme. Carefully selecting choices like this supports our client’s lifestyle and highlights what makes this kitchen so special.
The Sink Area
Starting with the patinated brass Quooker Classic Fusion Round tap, which provides our client with instant boiling, hot, and cold water, and the Blanco Subline undermount sink in crisp white granite, offering a durable and refined finish, this sink area is a beautiful feature.
Designed with atmosphere in mind, the mirrored splashback replaces a window. A sense of openness and light is reflected into the space. This reflective surface is beautiful to look at and makes sure the sink area feels far from tucked away. Softening the design and making it more homely is the slim open shelf sitting above, styled with a potted plant and a candle. These simple touches transform a functional zone into a warm, welcoming feature of the kitchen, which is cherished for years.
The Finishing Touches
There are plenty of finishing touches to indulge in, including the S-Box pop-up socket and the breakfast pantry. Each of the special additions adds style and function that a modern home looks for.
With a simple push, the S-Box pop-up socket is instantly accessible and sits neatly hidden within the island worktop until needed. This means the surface is clutter-free for our client and near the banquette.
Adding a luxury option is the breakfast pantry, built with bi-fold doors and dovetail drawers below to house extra additions for dining.
The TV Area & Banquette
Our client’s vision was to redefine how the kitchen space could be used, moving away from the more traditional breakfast bar and instead introducing a curved banquette seating area. It works its way into the island where meals, conversations, and even TV time come together seamlessly.
Positioned wonderfully opposite the TV media unit, the banquette is a place to sit down for dinner or relax with a coffee while catching up on a favourite show. The media unit itself takes the form of a bespoke sideboard design, crafted with nine dovetail drawers, all in our Lay-On Shaker style.
Gently curving its way around one side of the island, the banquette is complemented with soft furnishings and an oval dining table, softening the architecture found in the space. This sociable dining experience is beautifully designed and deeply practical, providing that small changes to a traditional layout can make a huge impact.
Read more about the Simple Charm Lay-On Shaker Kitchen
Additional rooms of this project:
Effortless Charm Lay-On Shaker Media Unit & Bespoke Banquette
This space has been designed to be enjoyed day after day, through thoughtful design and beautiful craftsmanship. A relaxing retreat that allows you to cook, wine and dine!
Has this project inspired you to imagine a similar kitchen in your own home? Planet Furniture would love to help! Get in touch today so we can help bring your vision to life with your ideas.
