Neptune Suffolk in French Grey: the charm of a contemporary kitchen in an old house
A house often sets the tone for the kitchen that belongs in it. Here, exposed timber beams, stone walls, a natural stone floor and the original fireplace were already part of the character of the space. The aim was not to erase these features, but to create a kitchen that would sit naturally alongside them.
The result is a Neptune Suffolk kitchen in French Grey, combining contemporary comfort with the timeless character of the house.
A kitchen designed around what was already there
Designing a kitchen in an old property often means working with the existing architecture rather than against it.
The beams, walls, levels and openings all had to be taken into consideration when planning the layout. The kitchen needed to provide plenty of storage and a practical working space, while preserving the proportions and character of the room.
The Neptune Suffolk cabinetry fits naturally into this setting, with its traditional detailing giving a timeless feel without making the room look overly rustic.
French Grey: a soft and understated choice
The French Grey finish was chosen to complement the natural tones already present in the room.
Its soft, muted shade works particularly well with the stone floor and walls, while creating a gentle contrast with the darker timber beams. Rather than competing with the architecture, the cabinetry allows the original features of the house to remain the focus.
It is a colour that feels traditional, but still works beautifully within a contemporary kitchen.
A worktop that brings light into the room
The Silestone Ethereal Glow worktops add another layer of light to the kitchen.
Its pale background and subtle veining contrast with the French Grey cabinetry and darker timber, helping to keep the room feeling bright and open.
The material also works particularly well with the stone and natural textures already found throughout the house, creating a connection between the new kitchen and the original architecture.
The Lacanche cooker: a natural fit
Set within the original stone cooking alcove, the Lacanche induction cooker feels almost as though it was always meant to be there.
Its traditional appearance works beautifully alongside the exposed stone and timber, while providing the functionality expected from a modern kitchen.
It is a good example of the balance we wanted to achieve throughout this project: bringing together the character of a traditional home with the comfort and performance of a contemporary kitchen.
A kitchen designed for everyday life
Beyond its appearance, the kitchen was designed to be practical and enjoyable to use every day.
The glazed wall cupboards provide useful storage while allowing the contents to remain visible. The tall cabinetry on the opposite side houses the larger appliances and provides additional storage without interrupting the overall design.
Every element has its place, creating a kitchen that feels considered without feeling overly formal.
A kitchen that feels as though it belongs
Perhaps this is what we like most about this project.
The kitchen is contemporary in terms of its layout, storage and functionality, but it never feels disconnected from the house around it.
Rather than trying to recreate the past, the design respects what was already there while bringing the room into the present.
A balance between old and new
This project is a good example of how a contemporary kitchen can work within an older property.
The combination of Neptune Suffolk cabinetry in French Grey, Silestone Ethereal Glow and a Lacanche induction cooker creates a practical and elegant kitchen, while the original stone and timber features preserve the soul of the house.
At JustKitchens, we believe that the best kitchen designs are often those that respond to the architecture around them — creating something new, while allowing the character of the original home to remain.
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