At Charlotte Findlater Design, we redefine the essence of design, transcending the conventional roles of mere architects and interior design to become what we like to call ‘artisans of ambiance’. Our philosophy is rooted in the harmonisation of the simplicity of natural and organic elements with a rigorous attention to detail. This synthesis goes beyond aesthetic appeal, aiming to create environments that resonate emotionally and leave a lasting impact on all who experience them.

Farmhouse Kitchen redesign the Biophilic and Salutogenic way

The breath taking location of this property was not being taken full advantage of inside, the rooms were dark, all orientated to face away from the Lake and mountain scenery. The kitchen comprised of a small room, leading off from this was a small dining space that had a bay window and on from this two further small rooms used as overspill for kitchen storage and a utility area.

Working for our existing client meant that we had established a great relationship in which they fully trusted our vision and expertise. We proposed to knock all the spaces together in order to create one large light space that would incorporate a fabulous cooks kitchen, custom Oak seating in the bay window, garden room and the most divine laundry room.

The only stipulations from our client were; ‘I would like you to keep the existing aga, floor, and I would like a farmhouse kitchen style’.

Our starting point was the structural elements, walls needed to be removed and a large section of external wall too so as to insert large bi-fold doors allowing the space to be opened up throughout the summer months. Beyond the bi-fold doors we created a new patio with steps leading down onto the main terrace. Custom railings were commissioned that evoke the branches of trees, the texture of these mimics bark, this plays into our ethos of biophilic design.

The space needed to be re-wired, our client had an existing Bang and Olufsen BSO9000 that he wished us to incorporate into the design. The style of this iconic BSO9000 is very retro however we love a design challenge, selecting the BEOLAB 8 speakers, we specified black anthracite with an oak trim. Designed an Oak wall mounted cd rack that would hold in excess of 50 Cd’s The end result creates a real juxtaposition with the farmhouse shaker kitchen alongside the modernist Bang and Olufsen sound system.

Seating and Entertaining

Knowing our client loves to entertain, seating within the space was key along side the considerations for the daily ebb and flow of family life. We wanted to make the most of the views, the bay window gave us the opportunity to design an oversized oak built in bench, one that you could enjoy the informality of a brunch or supper but also curl up into with a book or simply spend hours gazing at the scenery and the boats on the lake below.

The island unit provided a further moment to include seating, we selected bar stools with streamlined silhouettes, that have a handwoven wraparound seagrass back’s that gracefully curve into sloped arms providing ultimate comfort.

The garden room called for two large armchairs, in which we envisioned our client relaxing and enjoying a book, moments for reflection whilst drinking in the view.

Materials and Colours

Taking our cue form the colours within the terracotta floor tiles, we created custom colours for the shaker style cabinetry, a wonderfully soft buttermilk and a dark khaki green. The worktop on the island is Copper which will further patina with age and use. We incorporated a large Oak chopping block to the end of the island. The green slate worktops around the sink and in the laundry room are from a  local quarry, they have the most fantastic natural patterns which evoke the movement of the waves of the lake or the mimicry of the mountain ranges that can be seen from all the windows. A darker local slate was used for the hearth on the fireplace and mantle above which nods to the anthracite of the fabulous sectional radiators and the Bang and Olufsen speakers. We further incorporated the darker slate into the two large larder cupboards as two shelfs, allowing for the natural cool temperature of food storage.  As a further nod to the past we chose to incorporate a wall hung plate rack to house the family’s crockery keeping it all visually to hand. The tiles are all handmade in a rich nutty brown colour, the laundry room in a cherry red. Wishing to keep all sightlines open, we selected a down-draft induction hob so as not to obscure the view, commissioning three handmade pendants to gently illuminate the island.  

Upon opening the door to the laundry room you are immediately greeted by a rich colour palette of berry pinks on the tiles, we have taken this colour onto the ceiling creating an unexpected moment. A softer shade of plasterboard pink was selected for the walls, again taking the colours found within the terracotta wall tiles onto the vertical surfaces.

We like to incorporate elements of fun into our designs, so we opted for a new fabric that has rows of various vegetables including radish, onion and carrots, further complementing  and uniting the colour palette and evoking a ‘grow your own’ feeling which ties into the farmhouse kitchen brief.

Sustainability at the core of our design

Every angle, every sightline has been considered, the styling of the space seeks to connect the design to the past and elevate an abundance of natural materials including those which were found within the breath taking gardens of the property. Stone, wood and feathers washed up on the shore line have all been incorporated, highlighting the natural beauty of each piece, providing a connection to nature. Aligning with our ethos of both Biophilic design and Salutogenic design, we know that exposure to nature reduces anger, fear and stress, it makes all of us feel better emotionally, contributing to both mental and physical wellbeing. A cornerstone of our ethos is our dedication to sustainability and eco-friendliness. This commitment is vividly brought to life through our sourcing of reclaimed and natural materials introducing a wealth of eco-conscious elegance into our projects.

Charlotte Findlater Design is synonymous with bespoke luxury. We offer tailor-made solutions for both architecture & build and interior design. Seeking to design homes with personalized accessories that infuse spaces with life and reflect the unique personality of each client. From concept to completion, we oversee every aspect of a project, ensuring the delivery of distinctive lifestyle designs and atmospheres that are anything but ordinary.