Bespoke kitchen designers Papilio have created a highly aesthetic and functional kitchen in this 18th Century, Grade 2 listed property located close to the outstanding Perrot Hill School in Somerset. Utilising an exciting selection of materials, the space blends traditional cabinet making with solid timbers, copper and stone.

Designed for a working family environment, the kitchen incorporates modern technology and striking visual elements while remaining sympathetic to the incredible existing features of the house including stone mullion windows and exposed beams.
As keen entertainers, the client’s initial brief was to leave the existing Miele ovens set in the white chimney breast creating a functional space to cook as well as a seating area, wine fridge and something to provide the “wow factor” for visiting guests. Solid timbers were also requested after an initial design consultation.

The final material palette, consisting of solid walnut, solid oak, copper and neolith worktops, creates a warm ambience that while at first glance looks traditional, can easily adjust to different settings, going from family cooking area to sophisticated cocktails in the evening.

Two tall walnut corner cabinets provide much needed storage for the family and a full height Miele fridge has been incorporated along with a large pantry cabinet providing immediate access from the main food preparation and cooking areas.

Copper is a key focus within the kitchen and has been used to clad the drawers and sections of the central kitchen island creating dramatic focal points throughout. To speed up the ageing process of the copper, Papilio applied heat from a blow torch to create an iridescent appearance much like the contemporary feel of water in oil.

The theme continues to the drinks cabinet where Papilio have installed an untreated copper worktop for preparation or casual drinks. The wine fridge has been positioned central to the furniture and an integrated freezer for ice makes it the perfect location for mixing cocktails. Focusing on the clients love of hosting, a large bespoke copper sink/ice-trough has been set into the island allowing space to chill wine or grow herbs as the clients sees fit. Colour changing LEDs highlight this unique feature.

The remainder of the lighting in the room was designed by Papilio, brought to life by Made By The Forge and carefully positioned to highlight the textures within the room. Discrete lighting under cabinets and inside the glazed wall cabinets create additional pools of light to capture the beautiful nature of the copper.