Martin Moore ... Return to Classic

23 Oct 18

This large 1970s house in Eastbourne had already been extensively refurbished, including the addition of a substantial extension fitted with an ultra-modern kitchen.

But its new owners felt that the existing high-tech kitchen was a sterile and unwelcoming environment in which to bring up a young family.  They were very aware though, that if they were going to take the major step of tearing out one kitchen and replacing it with another, they needed to invest in quality and a ‘forever’ build.  After visiting many different high-end kitchen companies, they found the look and feel they wanted in
Martin Moore’s Tunbridge Wells showroom and connected with designer John Davies.  Their brief to him was to create a classic country kitchen, with a bright, young look. 

“The owners recognised that a big part of a classic country kitchen’s success lies in achieving a sense of solidity and permanence” says John, “and they wanted the reassuringly robust feel of thick doors and in-frame construction.”

A key element in creating a family-friendly atmosphere in a kitchen of this size, and with this level of equipment, is to keep appliances hidden, highlighting the craftsman-built cabinetry. Only the impressive Wolf range cooker is left visible.  This was inherited from the previous kitchen and holds pride of place in the new one, with its steely industrial feel softened by the addition of a traditional canopy mantelpiece. 

The extension is defined by two lantern lights in the roof; one over the kitchen and one in the adjacent living/dining/garden-access space, allowing both rooms to be flooded with light from above.  The large island was positioned directly beneath the kitchen lantern-light, surrounded by a L-shaped run of working zones including the cooking and wet areas.  A splendid freestanding Appliance Cupboard occupies the remaining wall, housing not only appliances but also crockery, cutlery and kitchen linens.  

Even with young children, clutter is not on the agenda for this family and every worksurface is kept clear. This clutter-free approach throws design focus onto the cabinetry (from Martin Moore’s New Classic collection, painted in two shades of warm white) and the ‘Wild White’ granite tops, full of lively natural character.  Against this, the ceramic floor is resolutely neutral, but in the same tonal scale.  Decorative interest is subtly introduced through details such as the blush-pink bar stools, the antique-mirrored metro tile splashback and country print blinds. 

In the same spirit of keeping everything tidy and in its proper place, Martin Moore also designed and built two further rooms as part of this project.  Cooking ingredients, cookery books and party china are stored in the walk-in larder, whilst the utility room is fitted out to make light work of family laundry, flower arranging and many other wet or potentially messy tasks. 

The floor area of this kitchen is huge… but clever furniture design and knowledgeable use of space prevents it from ever feeling too big for comfort.  Instead it feels purposeful, calm and extremely welcoming; just as its owners intended.