Holkham | A kitchen for gathering

When homeowner Karen Healy set out to build her forever home in the heart of the West Sussex countryside, she wanted a kitchen that would bring people together. Surrounded by woodland, the house was designed around light and connection, with the kitchen as its central hub – a place for family suppers, lively gatherings and slow weekend breakfasts. “I wanted a really practical room that also worked beautifully when entertaining,” Karen explains. “Something calm and elegant, but not precious.”

Designing from the inside out

At the heart of the scheme sits Davonport’s Holkham cabinetry, chosen for its enduring elegance and bespoke craftsmanship. Hand-painted in Little Greene Tracery II, the furniture’s soft, silvery-green tone reflects the landscape beyond the windows, grounding the space in its rural setting. Subtle reeded panelling on the curved island introduces texture, catching the light through the glass doors that frame the garden views.

Sensa Vancouver quartzite was selected for the worktops and upstands, its delicate grey veining adding gentle movement and natural pattern. The stone continues around the undermounted sinks, creating a seamless, polished finish that feels both refined and durable.

A layout that flows

Although spacious, the kitchen’s multiple doors and windows limited wall space, prompting a design that balances openness with efficiency. Along the main wall, a full run of tall cabinetry conceals the Miele ovens, combination microwave and fully integrated dishwasher, together with a double-door larder and Liebherr refrigeration. From there, the layout unfolds towards two distinct islands, creating an intuitive sense of flow between zones for cooking, preparation and entertaining.

The primary island is dedicated to work and function, complete with Bora Classic induction hobs with integrated extraction. Just a turn away, the curved island introduces a sculptural statement. Its half-moon shape draws people in, providing seating for guests to gather while meals are prepared. The fluted base adds subtle drama without interrupting sightlines, and its placement keeps the social space separate from the main working area. “The curved shape makes it so much easier to talk to everyone,” Karen says. “It feels open and friendly, and people instinctively gravitate towards it.”

Details with purpose

The finishing touches give the kitchen its modern edge. Armac Martin Mix Diamond Knurled handles in matt black add tactile precision to the cabinetry, complemented by matching Quooker Flex taps in the same dark finish. Together, they offer a crisp counterpoint to the soft green furniture and the organic veining of the quartzite.

A dedicated drinks area, equipped with a boiling, hot and cold tap and under-counter Liebherr wine fridge, allows beverages to be prepared away from the main cooking zone. It is a feature that underscores the practicality of the design – a kitchen that works as seamlessly for everyday life as it does for entertaining. “I wanted a clutter-free space that is always ready for guests,” Karen says. “Having generous storage and distinct zones means it always feels calm, no matter how busy it gets.”

A room that lives beautifully

By day, the kitchen is bathed in natural light from the garden. As evening falls, the soft tones of the quartzite and timber take on a warmer glow, making it an inviting backdrop for gatherings that stretch long into the night. It is a space designed not only to look beautiful but to live beautifully – a perfect reflection of its surroundings and its owner.

“It is exactly what I hoped for,” Karen reflects. “The colours, the textures, the shape of the islands, everything works together to make it a space where people want to gather.”