In times past, any dwelling where inhabitants gathered was invariably the area with the largest fire or fireplace and where food was prepared and eaten. Although not necessarily referred to as the ‘kitchen’, until much later, our primitive need for warmth and sustenance is no different now than it was in the times of our earliest ancestors. The heart of our homes continues to be our kitchens.
In this blog, Lisa Brown, Holme Tree’s Business Manager, considers new kitchen designs in older homes and shares some beautiful examples of Holme Tree projects that have preserved the character and charm of our client’s properties.
Designing a New Kitchen in a Listed Property
Our oldest buildings have seen significant changes since they were first built and would have many tales to tell if only walls could talk! These walls can present challenges as they bow with age or contain exposed beams and other architectural features.
This requires careful consideration when designing a new kitchen layout. This is both the appeal and the challenge of restoring old buildings to suit modern lifestyles. As the custodian of these treasured homes, balancing ‘mod-cons’ with the traditional features of a listed property can be difficult, and clients look for the expertise of a bespoke company like Holme Tree which can assist homeowners in resolving some of the issues they face.
Renovating & Restoring Period or Listed Homes
At Holme Tree, we often work with clients renovating or restoring period or listed homes. For these clients, the brief is usually similar – they are looking for a company that can create high-quality bespoke furniture that will accommodate existing architectural features into the design and craft furniture that is sympathetic to the age of their property but takes account of the needs of 21st-century living.
Holme Tree Restoration in 17th Century Cottage
When restoring their 17th Century Grade 2 listed cottage, our clients turned to Holme Tree to help plan their project and design and manufacture their new kitchen. The room had formerly been used as a stable and a sitting room but more recently had been used as a kitchen. When our clients purchased the property, the kitchen needed restoration and they wanted a company that could support the whole process of renovating the space literally from the ground up. We installed underfloor heating so an old radiator could be removed, enabling the space in the kitchen to be utilised to its full potential.
The double-height room contains impressive, exposed beams and two small windows to the front of the property, all of which, had to be protected. This meant that lighting and colour choice were important to maximise the feeling of space and prevent the room from feeling dark. In taking on a listed property, our clients were aware of the idiosyncrasies that an old building would present, and they chose Holme Tree knowing that we manufacture bespoke cabinets to any size ensuring that they fit a ‘non-standard’ space perfectly. Our clients had a wide spectrum of colours to choose from as our units are hand-painted using Farrow & Ball and Little Greene paints. We combined Farrow and Ball’s Shaded White on the outer cabinets and Treron on the island to create a light and airy feel.
Lighting under the cabinets, and in the open display shelving provides functional working light, preventing shady spots and creating an attractive focal point. Appliances were also a key consideration in renovating this kitchen as by using a recirculating BORA X-Pure cooktop extractor induction hob we avoided the need to either duct outside the property or have an overhead extractor that would detract from the beauty of the room and couldn’t practically be installed without the risk of damage to the fabric of the building.
What Our Customers Said
“Holme Tree weren’t phased by the floor and was able to project manage the whole kitchen by bringing in a whole range of skilled trades and craftspeople. We felt confident and reassured at all times. Our individual needs and wishes were listened to, and we were impressed by the level of dialogue and felt part of the team. The tradespeople were all fantastic and professional. They worked with care and respected the building at all times.”
Holme Tree Contemporary Kitchen in ‘Old Dairy’
In our second featured property, our client wanted a contemporary kitchen to contrast against the exposed brickwork and beams of his ‘Old Dairy’. Again, the architectural magnificence of the room required a design that complemented and incorporated the existing features. Brickwork is a beautiful characteristic of old properties but is not flat or straight. Our experienced installation team scribed the end panels into the brick wall to integrate the ends of the cabinets, blending them in to create a neat finish.
The arches of the old dairy form a beautiful backdrop to an extensive worktop space and the base units provide plenty of storage as wall units were not possible due to the arches.
A Quooker boiling tap and BORA cooktop extractor induction hob provide the ‘mod-cons’ to bring the former farm building into the 21st Century. Hidden appliances and push-to-open doors form a sleek and contemporary style, providing a perfect entertaining space. This hard-working kitchen is suitable for our client’s equally hard-working dogs and has enough ‘wow’ factors to keep guests talking until the cows come home!
What Our Customer Said
“What I liked about working with Holme Tree is that nothing was too much trouble.”
How You Can Design Your Kitchen in a Listed Property
With careful thought and design at the planning stage, creating a kitchen to the personality of your listed property is an exciting prospect.
- Spend time considering how you want to utilise your space.
- Identify features of your building that you want to enhance.
- Take time to research the appliances and fittings that will bring your room up to 21st-century living whilst retaining the character and charm of your property.
In sympathetically restoring the heart of your home, you will breathe new life into your listed property.
Your Vision, Our Craft
At Holme Tree, our commitment to quality and service is unwavering. We believe that the true value of bespoke furniture lies in its ability to resonate with your narrative. Our team’s dedication ensures that each project is handled with the utmost care and precision, reflecting our passion for excellence in every curve, joint, and finish.
Embark on a journey with Holme Tree where your vision becomes our craft. Each project allows us to showcase our dedication to exceptional design and quality. Choose Holme Tree for an experience beyond furniture making – it’s about creating a piece of your history, a part of your home’s story.