- Project Overview
Location / Property Type: A kitchen in a residential space that was previously converted from an old stable into a basic apartment by the 1980s. The space felt tight and dated.
Owners: Olive & Hugo Guest.
Designer / Firm: Neptune, with senior kitchen and interior designer Claire Birkbeck leading the design.
Scope: Full renovation, including an extension, reworking the layout, and redesigning details and finishes.
- Key Challenges & Constraints
The building is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which meant strict planning restrictions and a longer planning process (~2 years).
Cost escalations during construction, including problems with foundation work, and a builder leaving mid-project.
Need to balance modern functionality and the owners’ aesthetic preferences with preserving charm/character of original structure.
- Major Design Interventions
Intervention Description
Extension Added to expand the kitchen footprint, enable the features they wanted (like a large island, dining table, library/seating area) which were not feasible in the original smaller space.
Layout reconfiguration Central island installed; addition of dining / seating / library nook; creation of a utility room (Chichester utility) tucked away; reworked storage / cabinetry layout.
Materiality & Color Palette Natural white oak cabinetry; earthy tones: Burnt Sienna for cabinets, Burnham Red for island; natural stone surfaces (marble worktops) to add lightness/contrast; vintage finishes (e.g. antique brass taps); decor that reflects the countryside surroundings.
Details & Decor Collected decorative plates on walls and hood; striped sheer curtains loosely tied for a relaxed feel; pendant lighting over the island; mix of rustic and vintage elements; textures in decoration that reflect the owners’ travels.
- Functionality & Lifestyle Considerations
Designed for entertaining: large dining table, island seating, open layout that supports hosting.
Designed for everyday family flow: utility room hides mess/working appliances; storage and cabinetry focused on balancing display and concealed use.
Materials chosen both for visual warmth and for durability. Natural oak & solid finishes that work well with the climate and lifestyle.
- Aesthetic & Style Highlights
Rustic meets refined: Using natural wood and earthy palette to evoke country kitchens, yet combined with refined finishes and fittings.
Color contrast & focal points: The island painted in a bold red (Burnham Red) contrasts against lighter tones of the surrounding cabinetry (white oak) to create visual centrality.
Vintage / collected touches: Decorative plates, antique brass elements, pattern mixes in decor, etc., which give personality and make the kitchen feel well-lived.
- Outcomes & User Experience
The final kitchen is warm, welcoming, full of character, balancing style and practical usage.
The space supports both routine family life and social entertaining.
Despite initial challenges, once the core build was done and a reliable team was engaged, execution proceeded smoothly.
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Takeaways & Lessons Learned
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Planning and permissions can be significant in sensitive contexts. Working in AONB or heritage areas increases timelines & costs.
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Extensions or structural enlargements can unlock design potential — features like islands, utility rooms, dining/seating areas often require more space.
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Color & material choices are powerful. Bold island, natural woods, vintage finishes can give character without over-custom cost.
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Function + aesthetics both matter. Storage design, flow, utility spaces are essential in making the kitchen usable daily.
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Mistakes in early construction (foundation, contractors) can escalate cost or delay project — choosing reliable trades is key.
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Personality and decor details make the difference. Collected items, textiles, lighting, display vs concealment of items help the space feel personal and warm.
- Conclusion
The Neptune redesign for Olive & Hugo demonstrates how combining thoughtful extension, carefully selected materials, warm colors, and a mix of function + personal touches can transform a dated, constrained kitchen into a character-filled, practical space. It’s a model of how heritage, surroundings, and lifestyle can be woven into a kitchen redesign to great effect.
