Grey aqua shaker kitchen in Swineshead

This lovely old cottage in Swineshead, Bedfordshire, came with plenty of charm — and just as many quirks. The homeowners wanted a space that would stay true to the age and character of their property while offering a kitchen that worked for modern living. They loved the idea of a painted shaker kitchen, something soft and timeless, and the Romano range in Crown’s Grey Aqua finish provided the perfect fit.

Our clients were also keen to keep their American-style fridge freezer and add a few premium touches, including open shelving, integrated wine storage, and a large Belfast sink. A wine cooler and some smart lighting added those modern extras that make the kitchen not only functional, but a joy to be in.

The Romano range by Crown Imperial is a modern shaker that works beautifully in period homes. In this kitchen, the soft Grey Aqua colour helped reflect light through the low-ceilinged space, creating a bright, calm atmosphere without losing warmth. We paired the cabinetry with a veined quartz worktop (most likely Simstone Cortina) to complement the tones of the room and add just the right amount of visual texture.

Framed open shelving was carefully crafted to work around original beams, while oak pull-outs, trays, and a range of internal storage gave this kitchen the practical touches that make day-to-day living easier.

This was no ordinary fit. The floor had no damp proofing and was so uneven that we had to dig it out entirely, lay a new membrane, screed the floor, and install Kardean to warm the space underfoot. The walls were so far off square that traditional splashbacks wouldn’t have worked, so we opted for hand-finished tiling using small, adaptable tiles. Scribing around the walls and beams took real precision, with one scribe going from 0 to over 100mm,  a level of craftsmanship that only a bespoke solution could accommodate.

Everything about this kitchen demanded thoughtful planning. We coordinated the design from start to finish, working closely with the client and trades to ensure each stage, from floor levelling and electrics through to the cabinetry and lighting, ran smoothly. A traditional Rangemaster cooker was seamlessly incorporated into the layout, and smart lighting with app and Alexa control gave the room a future-ready feel despite its traditional bones.

Despite its size, this kitchen has it all! Beauty, warmth, practicality, and no shortage of thoughtful design details. It was a challenging project, but one we’re incredibly proud of. The end result is a room full of character that now works effortlessly for modern family life.