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Country charm

When the devastating floods of 2007 hit Sam and Ted's cottage, the massive undertaking to dry out and restore their home included choosing a new kitchen. Having lived in their cottage for 12 years, and taking on improvement works throughout that time, they had a good idea of what they both wanted from their new room. "We already knew roughly how we wanted the floor, units and work surface to look," says Sam, who adds: "We definitely wanted to de-clutter and streamline how we used the area."

Being a fairly long and narrow room, in a small cottage with limited space, careful and considered planning was essential. The couple decided to go for a bespoke design, knowing that this would allow them to accommodate all of their wishes and requirements.

With no utility room, Sam wanted her laundry facilities in the kitchen, but hidden from view. The couple are keen chefs, so also needed plenty of storage for ingredients and cookware. Sam explains: "Parlour Farm advised us to go for a built-in washer-dryer, and bin, to save space and hide the unsightly day-to-day appliances. It also designed a dresser-style unit next to the range cooker that houses the boiler, with a laundry cupboard underneath." Even with practicality at the fore, the couple also managed to accommodate a glass-fronted display cupboard for their glassware, and a stunning mantel shelf above the range for crockery and ornaments.

This kitchen is full of natural light, especially in the afternoons. Sam likes vases of flowers picked from her own garden to decorate the room, and the windows give a lovely view of their plants and garden beyond. "We find it hard to get visiting friends and family out of the kitchen when they first arrive - filled with sunlight and the smells of cooking, it is the heart of the home," says Sam. The blue-green colour of the units and pale stone floor open up this small room even more, making it feel fresh, airy and spacious.

Both Sam and Ted have their favourite features. Sam adores the Britannia range cooker. She says: "It is a good size, looks great and cooks a treat!"

Meanwhile, Ted is particularly keen on the Smeg fridge-freezer and surrounding pull-out larder cupboards that house endless culinary ingredients.

Flooring was a major consideration. Being in the countryside and enjoying outdoor pursuits including working in her cottage garden, Sam needed practicality and beauty all in one. So Parlour Farm's new collection of stone floors provided the answer - a honed and sealed cream travertine, which is light and easy to clean. Sam also liked the fact that one company could supply both the kitchen and the flooring. "When managing a renovation project after the devastation that flooding brings, having fewer suppliers and contractors to deal with made things that bit simpler," she says.

The end result is a simple design, with clean lines, fresh and calm colours, and practical storage solutions that are personal to Sam and Ted's life and home. The atmosphere is welcoming and charming, and the kitchen itself is sturdy and beautiful.