How Shere Kitchens blended warmth and functionality in a stylish family home

We talk to the team at bespoke kitchen specialist Shere Kitchens to hear how they carefully zoned an expansive space, creating plenty of storage and room for entertaining, bringing in soft tones and warm woods for a relaxed but elegant vibe.

Q: What type of property was it in and who was the project for?
A: This renovation of a country home in Surrey was for a family of 4. They had lived there for over a decade and were finally ready to tackle their long-planned kitchen extension. The goal was to move the kitchen from the front of the house to the back so they could enjoy the stunning landscaped grounds. Unusually, the first thing they had worked on when they moved in was the garden, so it was already lush, flourishing, and begging to be admired. They envisioned a kitchen–living space with open-plan dining, a cosy snug, an office, a walk-in pantry, and a combined boot/utility room.

Q: What was the brief from the client for this project?
They wanted a classic look without anything overly elaborate. Inspired by a conservatory they loved relaxing in, they envisioned an airy feel, with a large roof lantern above the dining area and beautiful wooden bi-fold doors opening the space to the patio, outdoor seating, and garden, so it was a renovation with an orangery-style vibe. Luxurious but relaxed.

Storage was a priority, not just for food and small appliances but also for pots, pans, baking supplies, heirloom crockery, serving platters and so on. They even requested large specialist drawers for pet food and cleaning supplies, plus generous hanging space for coats and wellies by the back door, ready for woodland walks with their dog. Everything was considered, with each item given a dedicated home to make it easy to keep the rooms clutter-free.

Q: How did you go about meeting the brief?
A: We carefully planned the kitchen, dining area, drinks area, walk-in pantry, boot room, and utility room, thinking about storage, usage, and the natural flow between zones. We explored how cupboards, drawers, and appliances would work day-to-day, as well as for entertaining, including big gatherings and Christmas celebrations.

Initially, we considered integrating a dining table into the island with banquette seating, but ultimately chose an oversized island paired with a separate antique dining table for greater flexibility when hosting, so that they had the flexibility to create enough space for a party with dancing.

The bespoke cabinetry and fitted furniture were crafted to suit the layout perfectly. Storage highlights include tall countertop cupboards with bi-fold doors hiding the microwave, coffee machine, toaster, and stand mixer, all plugged in and ready to use. Plus a generous walk-in pantry and a bootility with full-height cupboards. The tongue-and-groove panelling behind the sink was made to measure so that every detail aligned perfectly with the lights, sink, and tap.

A Lacanche range cooker was complemented by one of our favourite extractors, the Westin Prime Edge, built into the cabinetry above and finished with a special mantle detailing. It feels so great to be able to specify a reliable appliance we know will work fabulously. We love the quiet built-in motor as it keeps noise to a minimum and extracts the cooking smells, which is crucial when we’re designing an open-plan kitchen layout for busy families who love to cook. And to top it off, the design is easy to clean, sleek and refined which we feel compliments our cabinetry really well.

Q: What type of cabinetry did you choose and what made it the perfect choice?
A: This cabinetry is our own in-frame, Shaker-style cabinetry, custom made in our Surrey workshop using traditional, craftsmanship-led joinery. Our proportions are designed by Andy, informed by his classical training in cabinetry and architectural joinery. The result is a timeless, flexible, and enduring choice that works beautifully in a country home. For this project, the clients also chose slab drawer fronts with a subtle cock-bead detail on the top and bottom edges, modern flush plinths, a classic cornice, and tongue-and-groove panelling. A clean yet characterful combination.

Q: What materials did you use? Did you use anything different or unusual?
A: The specification included tulipwood doors and frames, oak dovetailed drawers, traditional butt hinges, real oak veneer interiors, and antique brass finishes for added texture and warmth. The island, used mainly as a breakfast bar, features a bespoke wide-stave oak countertop, made to order to bring warmth and a more traditional furniture-like quality to the space.

Q: What were the particular challenges you faced?
A: One major challenge was the fridge position. It needed to be practical but not dominate the layout. Our lead designer, Mike, used his decades of renovation experience to devise a clever solution: integrating the fridge just behind the coffee/tea station, in the transition space between the kitchen and walk-in pantry. This 'secret fridge' is perfectly placed for prepping food and drinks, makes use of otherwise ‘dead’ space, and keeps the main kitchen run symmetrical.

Another challenge was matching the oak island top and open shelving to the existing flooring and antique dining table. We tested multiple stain samples to achieve a tone that highlighted the grain, felt soft and luxurious, and tied all the unpainted timber elements together seamlessly.

Q: What is your favourite part of the finished project?
A: Adding character to new spaces is a big thrill for us. We love how much character this new kitchen extension has. With a base of carefully crafted and painted cabinetry in Shaded White and soft green. It’s rich in subtle detailing from the Shaker doors, cock-bead drawer fronts and bespoke cornices to the symmetry of the layout and the brass handles and grille under the integrated fridge. The stained oak island top adds warmth, while accents of red thread through the snug’s framed vintage Suzani, the drinks cupboard interiors, and the French armoire by the dining table.

The centrepiece is the kitchen island, which serves as both a generous prep area and a social hub with seating at one end. We also love the seamless flow of cabinetry from kitchen to pantry, utility, and boot room. Creating a coordinated, practical, and inviting series of spaces is so satisfying.

The clients love how well the layout works for their family life. They also appreciate how the zoning keeps the open-plan layout still feel warm and inviting, whether it’s just the 4 of them or they’re entertaining. And the connection to the garden, visible and accessible year-round, remains one of the most treasured features.