Nestled in the English countryside close to the Suffolk coast this former lodge house is the idyllic setting of our Orford project.Always top of Sandra and Ian’s wish list was a large, open- plan kitchen; in order to achieve this a substantial extension was necessary.“We had one set of plans that didn’t get the green light because of the area, so we had to resubmit, which delayed things somewhat.” Despite a slightly lengthened timescale, Sandra and Ian’s plans to create their dream kitchen didn’t falter. “The house as we bought it, just wouldn’t accommodate the nice open- plan kitchen we wanted. Neither did it have a conservatory which was important to us” explains Sandra.With the garden room extension progressing, it was time for Sandra and Ian to begin considering their options for the kitchen furniture. “I just wanted something as plain as possible” – upon seeing the classic shaker style cabinetry that Davonport is known for, they began the design process. Design meetings helped fine-tune exactly what they wanted to achieve; a sociable, inviting space that connects effortlessly with the conservatory.The large central kitchen island which forms the core of the space was a particularly important feature for Sandra.“Because of the size of the room the layout was already in my head; I knew it needed a big island, but lots of people thought it was a mistake. However, our Davonport designer and I agreed that it was the size the room required.” When it came to colour schemes Sandra wanted something in keeping with the uncomplicated shaker-style furniture which she had set her sights upon from the outset.The soft grey used on the base units is grounded by the darker tone on the island and pantry cupboards.The weathered oak work space on the island and oak internals throughout the room add a rustic feel, echoing its rural setting. CLIENT SANDRA & IAN LOCATION ORFORD, SUFFOLK COLLECTION ORFORD PAINT COLOURS PAVILION GREY & DOWNPIPE, BOTH FARROW & BALL WORKTOPS LYRA SILESTONE Following a move to the country and extensive building work on their former lodge house, Ian and Sandra were looking for a kitchen that utilised their bright, airy extension whilst channelling the rustic feel of the Suffolk shoreline. “BECAUSE OF THE SIZE OF THE ROOM THE LAYOUT WAS ALREADY IN MY HEAD; I KNEW IT NEEDED A BIG ISLAND” Sandra COASTAL RETREAT CLIENT JOURNEY 58