Confident & Fun Lay-On Shaker Kitchen, Utility, Boot Room, Media Room, & Landing Unit

In the quaint village of Clifton, Bedfordshire, we were commissioned to create multiple rooms within this exceptional new-build home. The main hub was designed to bring family, friends and entertaining together in one beautifully exceptional space with a fun and characterful design.

Set within an expansive open-plan layout, the kitchen is built in our Lay-On Shaker style, hand-painted in Farrow & Ball Studio Green, the brand’s deepest green, rich and atmospheric. The depth of colour is elevated with the warm antique brass finish of Corston Milliner handles and knobs, giving the cabinetry a timeless, luxurious feel.

The fun design continues with an L-shaped perimeter run of cabinetry paired with a matching L-shaped central island. This dual configuration provides generous prep space, ample storage, and comfortable seating for informal gatherings at one end of the island.

The island is a true statement piece, and includes open shelving for cookbooks – adding charm and accessibility, an Armac Martin Cotswold aged brass towel rail – for practicality and decorative detail, and a combination worktop of Bianco Mysterio quartz and solid oak, balancing natural warmth with durability. It also features the sink area, a Caple Paladin undermount sink in white, paired with a Quooker Flex gunmetal tap, offering instant boiling, cold, and filtered water in a sleek, contemporary form.

The wooden top for the island was the client’s existing oak. We took it back to our workshop, cut it to size to suit the new island, and refinished it.

We thoughtfully distributed the appliances throughout the layout to create an entertaining hub. A bank of NEFF integrated appliances for effortless cooking and baking, a NEFF wine cooler perfectly positioned on the island, and a dedicated NEFF hob area with Westin Prime extractor, combining performance with style. Beautifully concealed behind the bespoke cabinetry lies the NEFF fridge freezer.

Behind the cooking area, a hand-silvered antique mirror in Vintage finish adds depth, light reflection, and a subtle hint of glamour. On either side of this beautiful cooking area are symmetrical wooden open shelves housing many tasteful objects.

A key element of the design is the trio of pantries that maximises storage. One features a cold shelf, drawers, open shelving and a spice rack; another includes Le Mans pull-out corner storage for effortless access. The dedicated breakfast pantry keeps morning essentials neatly organised and discreetly out of sight.

Perhaps the most enchanting element is the run of cabinetry concealing two doors – not to storage, but leading to the boot room. This hidden feature, which we fondly call our Narnia doors, has become a favourite among our clients, offering both functionality and a sense of discovery.

The Drinks Dresser

Positioned within the dining area of the open-plan layout, this elegant drinks cabinet is crafted in our Lay-On Shaker cabinetry and painted in the same rich green as the kitchen, creating a seamless design flow.

Whether it’s for evening wind-downs, hosting guests, or displaying glassware in style, this bar area is the perfect complement to the space. Open the bi-fold doors to reveal thoughtfully arranged shelving with mood lighting, oak serving trays, and a touch of luxury all in one corner.

A standout detail is the built-in docking drawer – an ingenious addition that keeps devices charged and neatly tucked away, allowing you to stay connected while cooking or entertaining without cluttering the worktops.

The Utility

This Planet Furniture utility delivers a highly functional utility room bursting with personality. Just off the kitchen, the space comes alive with mosaic flooring, a playful burst of colour that instantly lifts the mood, while the serene F&B Card Room Green cabinetry complements natural oak accents and bright floor perfectly.

The layout includes generous storage cupboards, open shelving illuminated with discreet lighting strips, a side-by-side appliance arrangement and a classic butler sink. An ultra-special detail is the bespoke wall-mounted drying rack, crafted in oak and painted to match the cabinetry. Complementing the practical touches, pull-out laundry baskets allow for effortless separation of washing, making chore days beautifully organised.

The Boot Room

Concealed behind the much-loved Narnia doors and inspired by our showroom furniture, this intriguing hidden boot room adds both surprise and function to the home. Hand-painted in the rich, deep red of Maylands Hugemont, the space adopts a galley-style layout for maximum efficiency. Bench-style seating provides a practical spot to remove shoes, while floor-to-ceiling storage keeps outdoor essentials neatly organised and out of sight.

This secret space blends bold colour, clever design, and everyday practicality in one seamless feature called the boot room.

The Media Room

Our floor-to-ceiling media unit sets the perfect scene for movie nights in this inviting corner just off the kitchen. Painted in F&B Sulking Room Pink, a muted rose with a soft, romantic warmth, it pairs effortlessly with the surrounding palette – from the statement Union Jack armchair to the striking full-sized King card wall art.

Flooded with natural daylight, this space feels bright and uplifting during the day, as cosy and atmospheric in the evening, illuminated by the strip lighting.

The Landing Unit

A single piece with a big presence, this bespoke landing unit was designed to make a lasting impact on the upper floor of the home. Painted in Sundance by Graham & Brown, this rich burnt orange radiates a sense of warmth and is complemented by the soft metallic sheen of brushed bronze knobs. The result is a tasteful yet uplifting statement that not only elevates the landing space but also perfectly reflects our client’s vibrant, bubbly personality.

See other parts of the project in more detail:

Trendy Orange Lay-On Shaker Landing Unit

Intriguing Hidden Lay-On Shaker Boot Room

Decorative Style Lay-On Shaker Utility Room

Charming Pink Lay-On Shaker Media Room

Related blog:

PF Kitchen Design Notes – Confident & Fun Lay-On Shaker, Clifton, Bedfordshire

“The team is friendly, professional, and they have pride in their work. The process from start to finish was extremely smooth and organised, and Planet exceeded our expectations in all areas.”