
Set within a beautiful home in Slaley, Northumberland, this kitchen is a perfect example of how traditional country styling can be given a fresh, contemporary feel. Designed to complement its rural surroundings while providing everything needed for modern everyday living, the finished space combines timeless shaker cabinetry, rich colour, practical storage and carefully considered finishes.
At the heart of the design is the Vincenza kitchen range in Blue Grey Satin. The classic shaker-style doors bring the character you would expect from a country kitchen, while the bold blue-grey finish gives the cabinetry a much more contemporary presence. It's a colour that adds depth and personality to the room without overpowering the space, creating a kitchen that feels both welcoming and sophisticated.

The cabinetry is paired with sleek 30mm Avalanche worktops and matching splashbacks. Their lighter finish provides a beautiful contrast against the Blue Grey Satin doors, helping to keep the room feeling bright while allowing the cabinetry to become a defining feature of the design.
Underfoot, Seashell Oak herringbone flooring introduces warmth and natural texture. The herringbone pattern adds another subtle traditional influence and works particularly well within the property's countryside setting, while its lighter oak tones soften the deeper colour of the kitchen cabinetry.
Chrome detailing has been used throughout to tie the scheme together, including a Quooker Fusion Classic Square tap in chrome, complete with a PRO3 tank and cold-water filter. It provides instant boiling water alongside the functionality of a standard kitchen tap, allowing a modern convenience to sit seamlessly within the more traditional kitchen design.

A full suite of AEG Matt Black appliances introduces a striking modern contrast, including the distinctive AEG SaphirMatt Black hob. The understated matt finish works beautifully alongside the Blue Grey cabinetry, giving the kitchen a sophisticated contemporary edge without taking away from its country character.
Integrating the appliances into the overall design also helps maintain the kitchen's clean lines, resulting in a space that feels considered and cohesive from every angle.
Behind the classic shaker exterior is a kitchen designed to be as practical as it is beautiful.
Storage has been carefully incorporated throughout the room to make the most of the available space. Integrated bins keep everyday essentials neatly hidden away, while a corner Le Mans storage system makes an otherwise difficult-to-access corner far more usable.
A tall pull-out storage unit provides easy access to food and kitchen essentials, while the integrated fridge freezer sits discreetly behind the cabinetry, helping to maintain the traditional furniture-style appearance of the kitchen.
These hidden storage solutions allow the room to retain its clean, uncluttered feel while ensuring everything has a practical place.

The finished kitchen strikes a careful balance between traditional country kitchen design and contemporary living. Classic shaker doors and warm herringbone flooring give the room its timeless character, while Blue Grey cabinetry, quartz-style surfaces, matt-black AEG appliances and intelligent storage bring the design firmly up to date.
For a home surrounded by the Northumberland countryside, it feels completely at home in its setting without becoming overly traditional.
It's also a great example of how choosing a classic kitchen doesn't mean playing it safe. A stronger cabinetry colour, contemporary appliances and thoughtful material choices can transform a traditional shaker kitchen into something distinctive, modern and personal.
Location: Slaley, Northumberland
Kitchen: Vienna – Blue Grey Satin
Worktops & Splashbacks: 30mm Avalanche
Flooring: Seashell Oak Herringbone
Appliances: AEG Matt Black, including SaphirMatt Black hob
Tap: Quooker Fusion Classic Square in Chrome
Storage: Integrated bins, corner Le Mans and tall pull-out storage