A Charleston Grey Shaker Kitchen for a Mid-Century Home in Petersfield
There's a lot to like about this kitchen, from the rich walnut-effect island and deep, warm grey cabinetry to the beautifully veined quartz worktops. But look a little closer and it's the finer details that make it particularly interesting: slimmer Shaker frames, carefully concealed storage and a breakfast larder that's almost too good to shut away.
Designed for Tom and Alex's detached home in Petersfield, Hampshire, the kitchen forms part of a substantial extension that has transformed the ground floor into a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. Large sliding doors open onto the garden, bringing plenty of natural light into the room.
The starting point was Farrow & Ball's Charleston Grey, an earthy, warm grey with a slightly brown undertone. Paired with the darker, textured walnut-effect island and antique brass handles, it gives the kitchen a distinctly contemporary feel. Rather than using a conventional Shaker door, we specified a slimmer 55mm frame, creating a more refined profile that suits the mid-century character of the house.
And then there's the island. Finished in textured walnut effect, with handleless drawers and matching grip rails, it's a deliberate departure from the cabinetry around the walls. The generous quartz top extends to accommodate seating, while three ribbed glass pendants hang overhead. A Siemens venting hob keeps the cooking area free from an overhead extractor, preserving the open feel of the room.
The 30mm Calacatta Massa quartz, with sweeping gold and grey veining that continues across the matching splashback. Discreet under-cabinet lighting highlights the pattern, while a downstand at one end of the island gives the worktop a substantial, neatly finished edge.
Of course, the real test of a family kitchen is what happens once the cupboards are opened. A generous corner larder makes excellent use of the available space, while a separate breakfast cupboard provides a dedicated home for the coffee machine and everyday essentials. Both feature oak-effect interiors and PIR lighting that illuminates the shelves automatically when the doors are opened. Drawers within drawers offer additional organisation, while the boiler and underfloor heating manifold are discreetly concealed within the cabinetry.
Siemens ovens, a Fisher & Paykel integrated fridge freezer with ice and water dispensing, and a Quooker Flex tap in patinated brass complete the kitchen.
Beyond the kitchen, a new utility room continues the same cabinetry and detailing. With a Belfast-style sink, laundry appliances and plenty of storage, it also incorporates a built-in oak bench, coat hooks and baskets for shoes. Part utility, part boot room, it's designed to accommodate the everyday demands of family life.
What makes this project particularly successful is the balance between traditional cabinetmaking and contemporary design. The narrower Shaker frames, handleless island and carefully chosen finishes sit comfortably within the architecture of the house, while the generous proportions and connection to the garden make the most of the new extension.
Planning a new kitchen or extending your home? We'd be delighted to hear what you have in mind. At Charter Walk Kitchens, we design and make bespoke kitchens, from classic in-frame cabinetry to contemporary Shaker and handleless designs, alongside fitted furniture, larders and utility rooms.
Visit us at our Haslemere or Eashing showrooms, where we can talk through your ideas, look at materials and finishes, and show you what's possible. We work throughout Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex, including Petersfield, Godalming, Liphook, Midhurst, Petworth and Chichester.
