Pepper Avenue

DESIGN: House Nine

BRIEF: Our clients, a young couple with three small children, commissioned House Nine Design and Barr Kitchens to create a connected family kitchen space for their new-build coastal retreat. The brief was for a warm, layered aesthetic — leaning as heavily on the architectural and cabinetry detailing as on the layout and functionality of the spaces. A walk-in larder room with glazed double doors and a separate utility room were essentials, as was a kitchen island with plenty of hidden storage and ample space for home projects and weekend entertaining.

CABINETRY: Traditional in-frame Shaker cabinetry, hand-painted in a raft of complementary neutrals, exhibits simple, clean lines. Serene coastal colours include Cargo by COAT for the kitchen, Debate Club by COAT for the pantry and Shaded White by Farrow & Ball for the utility room. In contrast, the dark-stained oak cabinetry of the kitchen island is detailed with fluted end panels and bespoke mouldings. In the utility room, glass-fronted, natural oak wall cabinets contrast with painted wall panelling and slate black surfaces offset by a striking curved back panel. Glazed double doors lead to the larder, which is fully clad in timber, blending seamlessly into the open shelving and cabinetry. The larder is segmented by statement marbled worktops, matched with those in the main kitchen space. Carefully selected brass door furniture by Rowen & Wren adorns cabinetry throughout.

FIXTURES & FITTINGS: In the main kitchen, a traditional fluted Ribchester sink by Shaws sits on a marbled slab, set with Perrin & Rowe antique brass taps. A matt stainless-steel Rangemaster with elegant brass controls anchors the kitchen, complemented by fully integrated appliances. The Fisher & Paykel fridge-freezer, Miele dishwasher and laundry duo, and a discreet Westin extractor blend effortlessly into the surrounding cabinetry. Other details include a brass pot filler and boiling water tap in this heavenly coastal retreat.