The designer: Charlie Smallbone at Ledbury Studio

The story: Over the course of four years, the owners of this charming Cotswolds home have completely refurbished every room of the period property.

When they wanted a kitchen to blend with the home’s richly layered scheme, they turned to Charlie Smallbone of Ledbury Studio.

Designer Q&A:

Q) What was your brief from the client?

The house had been undergoing a full-scale remodel over the course of five years, so by the time we were brought in to redesign the kitchen, the original space had already been stripped back. That said, through in-depth conversations with the clients, I was able to piece together a clear picture of what had been there before.

From their descriptions, the old kitchen felt dated – both in terms of style and layout – and was entirely cut off from the dining and living areas. The brief was to take a fresh, modern approach – to open everything up and create a spacious, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that would become the true heart of the home.

The clients wanted to maximise natural light, integrate smart storage solutions and create a welcoming, multifunctional space where the whole family could cook, gather and unwind.

Q) How did you answer that brief?

The new kitchen embraces a warm, rustic aesthetic that complements the period character of the house while still feeling contemporary and inviting. We used a carefully curated mix of textures and materials to bring depth and visual interest to the space.

Q) Which products did you use and why?

Cotswold stone clads the walls, adding earthy charm, while cabinetry in Crown Oak introduces a tactile warmth. These natural elements are balanced by the sleek, industrial edge of the stainless-steel Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, creating a dynamic interplay between heritage and modernity. It’s a scheme that feels both grounded and elevated, rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in its execution.

Q) Was there any building or renovation work involved?

Yes, one of the most transformative changes was opening up the kitchen to link with the adjacent dining and living areas, forming one bright, free-flowing space. This significantly improved the sense of connection between different zones and brought in much-needed light and airiness.

Q) Which design elements do you think make the scheme so successful?

The bespoke breakfast and drinks cupboard is undoubtedly one of the standout features. Perfectly positioned between the dining table and sitting area, it strikes the ideal balance between beauty and functionality — a true hybrid piece that serves both daily life and entertaining with ease.

Clad in Ledbury Studio’s signature patinated Verdigris copper, it conceals a fridge, wine storage, open shelving and discreet drawers behind its elegant facade.

A Belgian Blue marble worktop and compact sink make it ideal for everything from morning coffee to evening cocktails, while a figured gold leaf églomisé mirror at the back brings just the right touch of glamour. It’s a refined fusion of craftsmanship and convenience — where form meets function in the most stylish way.

Another smart feature is the walk-in pantry, cleverly tucked beneath the stairs. We maximised every inch by adding open shelving into the sloped area, transforming what could’ve been wasted space into something truly practical.

The base units, painted in Gui D’Octobre yellow and finished with aged brass handles, bring a warm, characterful energy to the space — making sure the kitchen isn’t just beautiful but brilliantly hardworking too.

Q) Any advice for anyone who may be planning their own kitchen project?

My biggest piece of advice is: don’t rush the planning phase. A great kitchen starts with a deep understanding of how you live. Think carefully about your daily habits – how you cook, entertain and move through the space – and make sure your designer really listens.

Bespoke design is about so much more than just picking cabinetry and finishes; it’s about creating a space that reflects your personality and supports your lifestyle.

Trust the design process, be open to creative ideas and invest in quality materials that will stand the test of time. A truly tailored kitchen should feel like it’s always been there – even if it’s brand new.

The details:

Kitchen by Ledbury Studio

Appliances by Sub-Zero and Wolf

Sink and tap by Ledbury Studio and Graff

Hinges by Blum

Hayley loves: how this design balances the rustic beauty of this Cotswolds home with an injection of glamour thanks to the luxurious home bar.