The designer: Chris Spink at Hush Kitchens

The photographer: Pete Helme

Interior Design by Lauren Gilberthorpe Interiors

The story: Founded in 2020, Hush Kitchens blend traditional hand craftsmanship with precise state-of-the-art manufacturing. Hush focuses on design-led practical layouts that are tailored around the needs of its clients hence the strapline ‘Kitchens engineered around you’.

Operating out of its Cirencester showroom, the company has gone from strength to strength and has just launched a new Scandi collection.

Designer Q&A:

Q) What was your brief from the client?

The clients, a young couple, wanted to create a modern, rustic-style farmhouse kitchen diner with wow factor. They requested a sociable space for entertaining but with two young children, they also needed it to withstand the rigours of daily family life. A kitchen island was top of their wish-list. Keen cooks, they required a highly functional kitchen for entertaining with a prep sink on the island.

Q) How did you answer the brief?

They were drawn to the timeless, classic feel of our Shaker-style kitchen that perfectly met the brief of creating a farmhouse feel. The open-plan living space is 15m long and includes a dining and living area. The heart of the kitchen is an L-shaped run of units with tall cabinets on one elevation, including a built-in fridge freezer, larder and sink. The island is a real talking point, housing two ovens for double efficiency and a unique copper prep sink enabling them to prepare food while chatting to guests seated at the island. We also created two small cupboards in the faux chimney breast to provide handy storage for herbs, oils and spices.

Q) Which products did you use and why?

The owners were drawn to our handcrafted Shaker-style kitchens and we painted their cabinets in a bold Jewel Beetle green colour. The Neo Calacatta quartz worktop is extremely durable and stain-resistant so it was the perfect choice for a family-friendly kitchen – much more forgiving than marble but similar in appearance. It also provides a crisp contrast and works well with the Cotswold stone flooring, bespoke copper prep sink, aged brass taps and metallic pendant lighting. A mini boiling water tap was also chosen as the ultimate in convenience, providing boiling water at the touch of a button.

 Q) Was there any building or renovation work involved?

Following a devastating fire in 2016, the house was re-built on the footprint of a 17^th century farmhouse. Working with local architects, the house was completely re-built and this 15m long open-plan kitchen living space was created.

 Q) What design elements do you think make the scheme so successful?

The wow factor is the bold choice of colour for the cabinets, which is Jewel Beetle by Little Greene.  Off-white worksurfaces and walls keep the scheme looking fresh. One of the unique design features is the copper worktop with integrated sink that adds warmth to the island. Copper is naturally antimicrobial and sinks can be seamlessly welded in place, ensuring there are no potential gaps for bacteria to linger. The aged brass is reflected in the taps, kitchen handles and even the pendant lighting above the island, which works so well with the vivid green of the cabinetry.

Q) Any advice for someone who may be planning a new kitchen?

Before you start planning a new kitchen, the first thing to decide is whether you want to update your current kitchen or start afresh. Look at what you already have and think about what you like and don’t like about it. It can also help to draw up a list of what you want to keep, move or remove completely. If your layout already works well, you’ll save money by keeping things in the same place, particularly the sink and appliances. Changing the plumbing will double the budget. Get your kitchen designer on board as early in the planning stage as possible to ensure there are no unforeseen issues. It’s also best to get their installation team to fit the kitchen for the best results. A good designer will oversee the entire project through from planning stage to installation to ensure it’s stress-free.

 Q) Any trend predictions for 2023?

The Japandi trend (a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian style embracing simplicity and nature) is still going strong and kitchens with a more pared back, streamlined appearance are becoming more popular. Wood finishes will be everywhere in 2023.  We have launched a range called Hush Scandi in response to this trend. Natural materials and texture are everywhere – think rattan, natural stone and reclaimed wood to add warmth and character. Darker colours including rich brown hues are also making a comeback.

The details:

Kitchen and copper sink by Hush Kitchens

Appliances by Neff, Fisher & Paykel and AGA

Sink and tap by Shaws of Darwen, Perrin & Rowe,

Flooring by Beswick Stone

Hayley loves: the richness of the green-coloured cabinetry, which looks stunning set against the crisp white worksurfaces and walls.