How Cheverell created a hardworking, high-functioning beautiful farmhouse kitchen

Barry Hawthorne, head of design at Devizes-based bespoke kitchen maker Cheverell, reveals how he designed an elegant family-friendly space with a cosy rustic feel, complete with every modern convenience.

Q: Where is the property, and who was the project for?
A: The Manor Farm Kitchen was designed for a family living in a beautiful Victorian farmhouse in a small village in Wiltshire. They wanted a kitchen that would become the true heart of the home, providing a practical space for everyday family life while respecting the character and heritage of the property.

Q: What was the brief from the client for this project?
A: The brief was to create a kitchen that balanced traditional farmhouse charm with a contemporary approach to country living. The clients wanted a space that felt warm, welcoming and timeless, while incorporating the modern appliances and storage solutions needed for a busy family home. Creating areas for cooking, entertaining and gathering together was a key priority, along with ensuring the design felt elegant and uncluttered.

Q: How did you go about meeting the brief?
A: We worked closely with the homeowners to understand how they wanted to use the space and developed a bespoke layout around their daily routines. The design combines generous preparation areas with clearly defined storage zones, ensuring everything has its place while keeping the kitchen feeling calm and organised. Natural materials and handcrafted detailing were introduced throughout to reinforce the farmhouse aesthetic, while modern conveniences were integrated discreetly to maintain a cohesive overall look.

Q: What type of cabinetry did you choose and what made it the perfect choice?
A: At Cheverell, everything is designed and handcrafted in our Devizes workshop. We selected bespoke in-frame Shaker cabinetry, refined with slimmer frames, stiles and rails to create a more contemporary interpretation of a classic style. This approach retains the craftsmanship and timeless appeal of traditional Shaker design, while introducing a lighter, more elegant feel that sits comfortably within a Victorian farmhouse setting.

Q: What materials did you use? Did you use anything different or unusual?
A: Natural materials were central to the design. The statement island was crafted from matt lacquered oak, bringing warmth, texture and a strong connection to traditional farmhouse furniture. Worktops combine CRL Quartz Calacatta Dorado with honed Nero Zimbabwe granite, creating contrast while maintaining a refined, understated palette. Additional concealed storage within the island’s cantilevered detailing further enhances functionality while maintaining a clean, crafted appearance.

Q: What were the particular challenges that you faced?
A: The key challenge was achieving the right balance between traditional farmhouse character and the demands of a modern family kitchen. The clients wanted high-performance appliances without compromising the aesthetic integrity of the design.

To address this, appliances were carefully integrated wherever possible, with bespoke cabinetry ensuring they sat comfortably within the overall scheme. The French door fridge-freezer, for example, was housed within a custom oak cabinet designed to resemble a freestanding piece of furniture, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the kitchen.

Ventilation was also considered carefully; a Westin extractor was specified for its ability to deliver powerful, efficient extraction while remaining visually discreet, making it ideal for a space where traditional character was key.

Q: Are there any design elements that you're particularly proud of?
A: The oak island is undoubtedly the hero of the scheme. Inspired by traditional farmhouse tables, it combines craftsmanship, functionality and character in a single statement piece. The turned legs, curved ends and concealed storage details make it a strong focal point, while its generous scale encourages gathering and interaction. It successfully anchors the space and captures the balance between heritage design and modern living.

Q: What is the client's favourite part of the finished project?
A: The clients particularly love how naturally the kitchen works as a social space. The island and breakfast area have become the heart of family life, supporting both everyday routines and entertaining. They also value the sense of calm the space now has, with everything carefully organised and close to hand, allowing the kitchen to feel both highly functional and beautifully relaxed.