Creating an Idyllic Bespoke Wisteria Kitchen in a Thatched Cottage

As a freelance interior photographer, I find myself traversing the diverse landscape of the Southwest, each assignment taking me on a journey through homes that tell a unique tale. It is often said that every picture tells a story. In my recent venture to a hamlet between Stokeinteignhead and Newton Abbot in Devon, I had the chance to document a truly remarkable transformation story – an old-fashioned, dark, thatched cottage reimagined into an awe-inspiring family home by Michele and Sam.

The Birth of Wisteria Kitchens

Ten years ago, Sam and Michele embarked on their own journey when they started Wisteria Kitchens. Having previously designed kitchens for a national DIY chain, Sam dreamed of offering a more personalised, bespoke service. He was confident he could make a real difference by utilizing Devon’s local, skilled businesses and trades. This idea led to establishing a kitchen business about bespoke qualities, bringing individual visions to life with impeccable detail and craftsmanship.

An Old Thatch Gets a New Life

Fast-forward two years, and Sam and Michele took their combined expertise to a personal project. They purchased a quaint thatched cottage in the rolling hills of Devon. The old-fashioned, dark property cried out for an upgrade, and who better to bring it to life than the very founders of Wisteria Kitchens?

The Attention to Detail

In transforming the thatched cottage, Michele and Sam created a kitchen tailored to their individual needs. They invited me to photograph and capture their special kitchen, capturing the atmosphere of what it feels like to be there in person. Each frame captured the exquisite attention to detail that makes this Wisteria Kitchen stand out.

For instance, the sculptured ogee edge around the Calcutta Gold quartz island speaks volumes about the commitment to detail. SCI Masonry in Newton Abbot engineered and supplied this beautiful and functional centrepiece. You can’t help but be drawn to the bespoke pantry housing, measured and built to house their microwave and meticulously designed to accommodate individual drawer depths and shelf height requirements. Not to mention the uniquely designed integrated cocktail bar and wine cooler.

Michele’s detailed design also paid homage to tradition. The kitchen plinth was crafted to mimic a classic skirting board design, while the Shaker cabinetry was elevated with cock beading. This in-frame door styling is carved and applied to traditional kitchen cabinets, giving the kitchen an undeniable traditional aesthetic feel.

The Finishing Touches

Perhaps the hand-crafted sink and pot filler taps make this bespoke Wisteria Kitchen shine. Manufactured in aged brass by Perrin & Rowe in England, they lend an air of sophistication to the space. With their fluted-glass shades, the Club Wall lights and elegant Foster Pendant lights were expertly created by the Sussex-based artisans at Jim Lawrence, employing age-old metalworking techniques. They are the epitome of timeless craftsmanship, embodying modern and classic aesthetics. Each piece is meticulously hand-forged from robust, natural brass and gently antiqued to lend a subtle, aged charm.

The Art of Transformation

Sam and Michele pushed the boundaries of their bespoke cottage kitchen and extended it into an inviting, lofted-ceiling dining room filled with light from the floor-to-ceiling folding double-aspect wood and glass doors. For this ambitious venture, they called upon the expertise of Whiteway Carpenters of Kingsteignton, specialists in crafting oak-framed extensions. The final result was an enchanting, airy space that perfectly complemented their idyllic home, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary style.

Ultimately, Michele and Sam’s story is more than just a tale of transformation. It’s about the blending of tradition and innovation, the importance of supporting local trades, and the beauty of bespoke design. It’s about an old thatched cottage in the heart of Devon that became an idyllic family home – a testament to their tenacity, vision, and unwavering commitment to creating something truly unique.

For me, I couldn’t be happier to have had the opportunity to photograph this transformation. Here’s to more inspiring journeys!