Handmade In-Frame Kitchen with Statement Island - Northwood
This handmade in-frame kitchen was designed for a private residence in Hertfordshire, forming part of a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. The brief was to create a refined, timeless kitchen that celebrated traditional craftsmanship while integrating seamlessly with a modern family environment.
Strong architectural detailing throughout the room influenced the design, allowing the kitchen to sit naturally within the wider space rather than feeling imposed upon it.
The Kitchen Design
The layout is centred around a substantial in-frame island, finished in a contrasting dark timber to anchor the room visually. Topped with a stone work surface, the island provides generous preparation space, integrated cooking and informal seating, making it a natural focal point for both daily use and entertaining.
The perimeter cabinetry is constructed in a traditional in-frame style, with solid framing and precise detailing that reflects true cabinet-making craftsmanship. Painted cabinetry creates a calm, elegant backdrop, while glazed wall cabinets introduce depth and visual lightness across the elevation.
Integrated appliances are housed within full-height cabinetry to maintain clean lines and a sense of order throughout the space.
Open-Plan Living & Dining
The kitchen flows directly into the dining and living areas, creating a cohesive open-plan layout that supports modern family living. The continuous herringbone flooring reinforces this connection, guiding movement naturally between zones.
Clear spatial definition ensures the kitchen remains practical and hardworking, while the adjacent dining and seating areas retain a more formal, relaxed character. This balance allows the space to adapt effortlessly from everyday use to larger social gatherings.
Design Summary
This project demonstrates how a handmade in-frame kitchen can be successfully integrated into a contemporary open-plan setting. By combining traditional construction methods with a carefully considered layout and material palette, the result is a kitchen that feels elegant, functional and enduring.
