Country decor is meant to evoke comfort and charm, but traditional interiors and furnishings can make the style look dated and boring. Thankfully, the new generation of country interiors is more modern and polished, with the introduction of simple furniture, clean lines, and a muted palette.
If you’re looking to inject country style into your home, look no further than Laura Hammett’s gorgeous kitchen for inspiration. The Creative Director of the award-winning interior architecture and design studio of the same name has created a refined, contemporary country design that highlights luxurious fittings.
The Kitchen
The open plan layout complements the cosy look of the kitchen. Glass pendant lights and spotlights give the room a soft glow. Placed against neutral hues, it makes the elegant space more inviting. The use of brass cabinet hardware from Armac Martin’s Belgrave collection also adds a classic touch to the room.
Laura describes her kitchen as “classic country with a twist.” She adds, “I had dreamt of a kitchen like this for years and wanted that timeless feel but often find that so many kitchens of this style can look the same. I cannot express how much I love this room and pinch myself every morning when I walk in.”
To distinguish her space, Laura opted for a play on texture and mix of materials. She used a timber wall unit and island to go with the cabinets and an exquisite marble for the countertop.
The bespoke island acts as a statement piece, where Calacatta marble is paired beautifully with dark wood. Accented by Belgrave Knobs in a satin antique satin lacquered finish, the kitchen island offers a timeless appeal.
Shares Laura, “The island was inspired by a French butcher’s block and has a real presence in the space—it contains just enough storage in the drawers but feels light because it’s raised. We wanted everything in our home to be very natural and so we chose the Calacatta Alto from Samson Marble for the top, which is a really soft veined white marble, finished off with an Ogee edge profile for a classic touch.”
The Breakfast Nook
On one side of the kitchen is a homey breakfast nook. Built-in cabinets and shelves make it easy for daily essentials to be stored or put on display. This serves to free up worktop space as well.
The aged brass hardware also offers a distinct look to the bespoke cabinetry. The concertina doors feature the Belgrave Appliance Pull in a satin antique satin lacquered finish, with the colours seamlessly blending with the overall design of the kitchen.
In choosing accents, Laura shares that the Belgrave collection was “perfect for bringing something classic to the cabinetry.” She adds, “I always see ironmongery as the “jewellery’ of a design and so this is where i wanted to have something really special.” In particular, the long appliance pull serve as showpieces that “add something unique to the tall doors.”
If you want the homely and lived-in aesthetic of country interiors while still maintaining a modern touch, consider a neutral palette mixed with natural materials. Choose classic accents, like aged brass hardware, for that rustic appeal.
For more design inspiration, check out the Knightsbridge Apartment by Sophie Paterson Interiors, Neutral Spaces by Studio Eliste, and a New Way To Do Neutrals by Cella Jane. Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest from Gregory Croxford Living.
