Restoring History
Built in two stages between 1540 and 1580, Plaish Hall is steeped in history with bewitching details found both inside and out. In 2020, the extraordinary restoration of this heritage property commenced, with a meticulous 12-stage renovation plan drawn up to safeguard its historical significance and distinctive features.
The Brief
The kitchen stood at the centre of Joanne and Philip’s vision for Plaish Hall. Their brief was clear: to craft a classic English kitchen that harmoniously blended traditional craftsmanship with modernity – a space where function was paramount yet still felt warm, welcoming and just as charming as its surroundings.
Upon discovering our Leamington Spa showroom, Joanne and Philip were fortunate to meet Tom Howley Designer, Marianne. Impressed by her knowledge and a keen eye for detail, they knew they had found the perfect partner to bring their dream kitchen to life.
“The previous kitchen had not been renovated for a number of years,” explains Marianne. “To create a larger family space, they removed internal walls and incorporated a walk-in pantry, expanding the kitchen footprint. The ceiling was also transformed with a vaulted design and exposed timber trusses.”
“The space we had to work with is absolutely beautiful…the stone wall, the vaulted ceiling, the oak trusses and beams. It’s not often we have the room necessary to incorporate all of our top most wished-for items, such as a large island, chopping block, breakfast station, and food pantries, but this space has everything! It really was a dream to design this kitchen!”
MARIANNE
TOM HOWLEY DESIGNER
Transforming the Heart of the Home
Marianne placed considerable emphasis not only on the practicality of the kitchen layout, but on the design’s symmetrical arrangement and seamless flow. She explains, “We prioritise symmetry and proportions in our design approach, meticulously planning every detail. For instance, the overall height of the cabinetry was carefully planned around the oak trusses to ensure we worked with the space to gain the best possible proportions on the finished cabinetry and door sizes. It was crucial to ensure precise millimetre-level design to fit original architectural features present throughout.”
The island’s strategic positioning brings the entire space together. Marianne details, “It was carefully planned with regard to size and position to ensure that it sits centrally under the oak trusses. This not only seemed like the perfect position visually but also from a practical perspective; it brought both the cooking and washing-up/ breakfast station areas together.”
Marianne highlights the island style: “The warmth of the natural oak and warm wicker finish on the pull-out baskets ties all the natural finishes together. I also wanted to add the feature of the thick solid oak chopping block to not only serve as a practical surface to chop directly onto but also to retain the traditional aesthetic of the kitchen.”
From Heritage to Modern Comfort
Traditional elements, such as finely crafted Hartford cabinetry in warm neutrals and oak, adorned the space, complementing the historical surroundings. The design combines the best of both worlds, as modern appliances are thoughtfully integrated, providing optimal functionality without compromising the traditional aesthetic.
Key features of this classic English kitchen include a charming nook and breakfast station. Set against a rustic stone wall, this comfortable seating area invites relaxation. The bench integrates with the breakfast station, which includes bi-fold doors revealing natural oak storage and hidden LED lighting. Marianne notes, “We avoided excessive cabinetry on the main wall to keep the natural stone prominent.”
Period Home Transformed
The allure of this classic English kitchen lies in the meticulously curated details that evoke a sense of history and heritage. The couple carefully selected our exclusive paint colour, Tansy, for the Hartford cabinetry — a remarkably versatile and understated neutral that enhances the ambience of any room. The interplay between our timeless Tansy paint and the elegant Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo, combined with the contrasting natural oak island, creates a seamless balance, bridging the past with the comforts of the present.
The journey of transforming this Tudor home’s kitchen is a captivating tale of history and innovation. Joanne and Philip’s passion, dedication, and respect for heritage were evident in every choice they made. The design stands as a testament to their commitment to preserving the past while embracing modernity, creating a space that exudes timeless elegance for generations to come.
Premium Brands
Appliances in This Kitchen
Extractor
Fridge Freezer
Wine Cooler
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