Set in a historic, grand estate, this showstopping modern Shaker kitchen is equal parts lavish and minimalistic. Keen to find out more? The homeowner talks to us about how the design came together…

Seventeen rescue cats, eleven dogs and a few farm animals surely need their space; and this eight-bedroom property – surrounded by sprawling parkland complete with a serene lake – seemed like the ideal retreat for medical professional Catherine Orridge Schmid, her team of furry friends, and her two children.

Built in the 1970s, the neo Gothic-style property is a reconstruction of the original Midgham House, the prestigious, Palladian Erley’s Manor, after it was destroyed by a fire. When Catherine moved in a couple of years ago, she wanted to refurbish the home to give it a more contemporary look.

Part of the gradual renovation is this stunning kitchen – the third one in the property, along with a service kitchen (the family have a chef and occasionally like to entertain) and a guest kitchen.

“Beau Bespoke, the development company I worked with on the project, recommended Sola Kitchens to me,” says Catherine. “I wanted a modern, natural, Swedish look that stands apart from the traditional house – a warm palette with woods and natural stone; just simple.”

The kitchen design

Sitting on the west wing of the property, the kitchen was designed in what previously was an artist’s studio – the former homeowner being a famous sculptor – with views of the lake. “We completely refurbished the space. The room is very large and, instead of filling it, I wanted space and light. It now has south-facing windows and doors out onto the 100ft terrace that overlooks the back formal gardens and the lake.”

For the cabinetry, Catherine wanted a Swedish take on the classic British Shaker, so she chose light woods and stains with warm pink tones. This ties in beautifully with the herringbone flooring, which she chose for its practicality and durability. “The pattern is very busy,” she says, “so I wanted a simple kitchen design.”

Dramatic details

To add a bit of drama to the modern Shaker kitchen, Catherine bookmatched the splashback and worktop with the waterfall island’s surface, opting for a rose-red marble from a selection of Italian stones – her go-to being a homogenous, less veiny pattern. “The first lot of marble for the worktops actually broke when they were cutting it, and we had to reorder a totally different stone from Italy,” she says. “Thankfully, I love the colour and grain of the one we ended up with.”

Adding to the drama, and infusing the kitchen with a splash of colour, are the French antique Angraves stools in a stunning light emerald shade, repainted and refurbished by Alice Crawley.

But how does she feel about the space now it’s complete? “I’m very protective of it; it’s my sanctuary away from a busy, crazy house.” And even though this kitchen is mostly an animal-free zone, Catherine’s extended furry family have, no doubt, found their own personal haven somewhere in the house.

Photography: Darren Chung | Styling: Studio Miaki

This house tour was featured in the December 2024 issue of Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine.

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