In the heart of rural Somerset, we were delighted to create an authentic country-style kitchen for Telegraph Food Writer, Broadcaster, and Masterchef critic William Sitwell, to complement the character of his beautiful home.  

Together we chose a handsome combination of our in-frame Cranbourne cabinetry in a delicate, heritage shade of chalk blue, adorned with antique bronze cup handles and butt-hinges, cornicing, and an enduring hanging rail above the Aga. Storage, practicality and layout were also crucial parts to the design, with a need to suit both his busy family life and his wish to entertain in the kitchen, whilst balancing different practical zones and creating effortless connectivity throughout the space.

“William is a man who knows and enjoys food, and that extends to the preparation of food. So, we incorporated a chopping block into the design, right in the centre of the kitchen, that was purposely built at the right height for William to enjoy his favourite task and which faced out towards family or friends sat around the bespoke banquette seating”, Comments Graeme Smith, Head of Design, Life Kitchens.

But it’s the walk-in pantry that is the real showstopper here. Nestled in an original nook which was crying out for us to build a custom pantry within, it sits in easy reach of the table area with an abundance of beauty and practicality in equal measure. Complete with boiling water tap, copious open and closed storage, and a full height fridge-freezer and dishwasher, it keeps the messier tasks contained, and the kitchen free for cooking.

“Aesthetically I find it really joyful. When people come into this kitchen they look at the pantry and go wow, what a wonderful feature. And they can’t believe we created the space out of almost nothing”, enthuses William.