Transformed Spaces: Refurbishing a Dull Kitchen in the Scottish Borders for Modern-Day Comfort
In the picturesque Borders, a traditional home has been given a new lease of life, thanks to the expert touch of Guild Anderson. The once dark and gloomy kitchen, with its high ceilings, dark wood floors, and worktops, has been transformed into a bright, welcoming, and practical space that elevates the living experience.
The project's focus was to blend traditional elements with contemporary functionality, respecting the home's heritage while catering to the needs of a modern family. Kate Lawrence-Parr, the lead designer from Guild Anderson, spearheaded the design team to achieve this balance.
To address the issue of darkness, the dividing wall and chimney breast were removed, creating one large, light-filled room. The kitchen now "baths in sunlight," enhancing the overall atmosphere. Luxury hardware from Armac Martin and elegant fittings were added to complement the kitchen's refined aesthetic.
The color palette for the kitchen was curated using Farrow & Ball paints, enhancing the light and airy feel with their signature muted yet rich tones. The cabinets, including those housing the kitchen essentials, are painted in Farrow & Ball's Breakfast Room Green. The tongue-and-groove panelling in the kitchen is contrasted with a pink colour, Setting Plaster.
A key design feature is the oak cook's table with a marble worktop, placed centrally in the kitchen. Traditional peg details and Georgian-style aged brass drop handles adorn the table, but it also boasts modern elements like a charging drawer and extra-deep kitchen equipment drawers.
The cabinetry details take inspiration from the architectural features, such as the existing shutters. A bespoke arched mantel was designed over the cooking area, with recessed, hand-painted wall cabinets on either side, including a vertical pan cupboard and drawers for baking equipment. A hob and a small sink sit on either side of the original oil-fired AGA, which was retained as part of the design brief.
A traditional drying rack hung to drip dry into the sink from Shaws of Darwen is a charming addition on the right-hand wall of the kitchen. The aged brass taps in the kitchen are from Barber Wilsons, makers of handmade kitchen cabinetry, ensuring quality and bespoke design tailored to the home.
With its blend of tradition and modernity, the reimagined kitchen now offers a bright, comfortable, and practical space that brings warmth and light to Arabella Youens' Borders home.
The interior-design project aimed to blend traditional elements with contemporary functionality, integrating luxury hardware from Armac Martin and elegant fittings while maintaining the home's heritage. Home-and-garden accessories, such as the charming drying rack from Shaws of Darwen, were added to complement the redesigned kitchen's refined aesthetic, creating a bright, comfortable, and practical space that elevates the lifestyle of the modern family residing in Arabella Youens' Borders home.
