Ultimate country kitchen

Style and practicality go hand in hand
A single feature wall of tumbled stone by Arriscraft International offers the kitchen a rugged authenticity and, with a Dutchwest wood stove from Vermont Castings placed on its centre and comfy armchairs drawn in, creates a gathering space. Unmatched painted-wood hutches from Hardware and Stacaro flank the stove to provide extra pantry and display space. Bowls, pitchers, Wedgwood; pet carrier, dog bowl, My Best Friend Pet Boutique; pillow fabric, Robert Allen.

The cork-tile floor from Torlys, laid in a brick pattern, adds another organic quality and again has more depth than plain tile. We chose Uniclic Cork in burl Sandstone, a pale mushroom-grey tone that stands up to traffic. A bonus: the cork feels comfortable underfoot – warm, with a bit of give.

The Stream Green (4089) paint from Beauti-Tone is a grey chameleon shade, varying in different lights. Soft furnishings – curtains in Paolo-Natural from Robert Allen, a tablecloth made from Robert Allen's Floral Romance fabric in Antique Mimosa – put the finishing touches on the room.

An elegant white-painted wooden table from Stacaro adds formality to a rustic space. Heritage Lighting's six-arm wood-turned candelabra fixture provides a focal point in the large kitchen while eclectic place settings provide the elegance. Fabric, Robert Allen; china, glassware, Waterford Wedgwood; mugs, sugar bowl, Stacaro; cake plate, France Chic; napkins, Putti.

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