A South Devon Kitchen Remodel

In its place they had a vision for a much larger kitchen space that could link to an existing barn on the property.

This traditional outbuilding would eventually go on to become a breakfast room and study. Having discussed their ideas with both their architect and with the interior design team at Barnes of Ashburton, they decided to refurbish and re-use as much of the existing sink, brassware and cabinetry as possible to form the basis of the new kitchen.

Shaws sinks are handmade using fireclay, which is incredibly durable.

Barbara had taken great care of the original sink by using sink grids to protect the inner base of the sink, and Bar Keeper’s Friend to maintain the sheen of the glaze (whilst removing any marks at the same time). When preparing for their new kitchen, Bar Keeper’s Friend was used frequently to restore the sink (and brassware) to its original glory.

The interior designers were really enthusiastic about refurbishing the original cabinetry and their highly skilled craftsmen constructed additional cabinets to complement the existing ones.

All of the cabinets were then hand-painted using Farrow & Ball’s Joa’s White and London Stone. The handles by Crofts & Assinder finished in American Copper were added to embellish the doors. The run of cabinets that had resided on the end wall of the house were returned to the same position in the new kitchen space, alongside the original Giallo Veneziano granite work surface, but with the addition of a large black Aga range cooker.

The new space is light and airy with its beautifully exposed beams, vaulted ceiling and large open plan layout.

Perfect as both a hardworking kitchen or as a place for larger social gatherings, it is not only a celebration of wood as a material but also the iconic kitchen design classics that complement the original features of the period property.

A spectacular elm-topped island was assembled using both existing and new cupboards, providing a significant architectural feature within the space. The designers suggested placing our Shaws sink on the island to make the most of the view into the garden (and with its vast work surface this made complete sense). Barbara and Trevor understood how wood needs to be used and treated when around a sink and were comfortable it would work well for them.

The owners wanted to retain the existing sink – an elegant bow-fronted Waterside 600, which they had become very fond of over the years.

The Waterside 600 sink was refurbished to remove any patina earned by its many years of hard work. A beautifully enduring Perrin & Rowe Minoan mixer tap was also restored to its original pewter glory, and now looks perfect sitting proudly in position with its gleaming white fireclay companion, surrounded by an island of elm.

The new space is then completed with the elegant open rack dresser, made to house Barbara’s wonderful collection of pottery.

Images courtesy of Barnes of Ashburton and Paul Ryan Goff