Contemporary Country Kitchen - Petworth

A Contemporary Country Kitchen in Petworth with Checkerboard Marble Floors and Dropcloth Cabinetry

Tucked away in the countryside near Petworth, Will and Jess’s home is an old farm cottage that has recently undergone an extensive renovation. With two young children, dogs and the everyday pace of country life, the couple wanted a kitchen that felt relaxed and welcoming while still being carefully designed and beautifully finished.

The renovation of the property was substantial. The cottage required completely new electrics and plumbing, along with a large extension to create a generous open plan kitchen and dining space. While the house needed modernising, it was important that the character of the original building remained at the heart of the design.

The bespoke kitchen cabinetry, painted in Farrow & Ball Dropcloth, takes a contemporary approach but with subtle detailing that sits comfortably within a period home. The doors are flat fronted, but each panel features a delicate vertical V-groove detail spaced at regular intervals. This small detail introduces texture and interest across the cabinetry while maintaining a calm, uncluttered feel.

Because of the precision of the grooves, the installation of the cabinetry was particularly important. Every cabinet had to align perfectly so the vertical lines flowed seamlessly across the kitchen. Even a small misalignment would interrupt the pattern, making careful fitting essential to achieving the clean, architectural finish the clients wanted.

At the centre of the room sits a generous island that provides both workspace and informal gathering space for family life. The marble worktops introduce a subtle sense of luxury, their natural veining adding movement and softness to the design. The clients chose their own brass lipped handles, which add warmth and a gentle decorative detail that complements the brass tap and lighting.

One of the most practical features in the kitchen is the bifold cabinet. When opened, it reveals a dedicated preparation area housing everyday appliances such as the air fryer, microwave and coffee-making essentials. When closed, everything disappears neatly behind the cabinetry, keeping the kitchen feeling calm and uncluttered.

The sink sits beneath a large window overlooking the garden, fitted with a brass spring tap. Above the window, traditional wall mounted lamps provide warm lighting and add a classic country feel to the space. The warm plaster-toned walls complement the cabinetry beautifully and create a soft backdrop for the brass fittings and artwork.

Underfoot, the checkerboard marble floor introduces a sense of heritage and visual interest, anchoring the kitchen within the character of the home while balancing the clean lines of the cabinetry.

Beyond the kitchen, the supporting spaces were designed with everyday country life in mind. The utility room and boot room are both painted in Farrow & Ball Pigeon, a soft blue-grey that feels timeless and practical. These hardworking areas provide space for coats, boots, dogs and laundry while still maintaining the same thoughtful design approach as the kitchen itself. The original flagstone floors were retained here, reinforcing the sense that the home has evolved naturally over time.

The finished kitchen reflects the lifestyle and interior style of the family who live here - elegant but entirely liveable, contemporary in its detailing yet aligned to the character of the original cottage. It is a space designed for muddy boots, busy mornings, family cooking and relaxed evenings, all set within the peaceful countryside of West Sussex.

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If you are planning a kitchen renovation in Petworth or the surrounding towns of Haslemere, Midhurst and Chiddingfold, Charter Walk Kitchens specialises in bespoke kitchen design for country homes and period properties across West Sussex and the Surrey borders.

Our kitchens are thoughtfully designed to suit the architecture of each home, whether that’s a renovated farm cottage, a traditional country house or a modern extension. From contemporary country kitchens and classic shaker cabinetry to carefully designed utility rooms and boot rooms, every space is tailored to the way our clients live.

Working closely with homeowners, architects and builders, we guide projects from initial design through to installation, focusing on craftsmanship, natural materials and considered details that ensure each kitchen feels both timeless and practical.

If you are looking for a bespoke kitchen designer in Petworth, Haslemere, Midhurst or Chiddingfold, or anywhere across the South Downs and surrounding countryside, Charter Walk Kitchens would be delighted to discuss your project.