Be inspired by this country kitchen diner with red island unit

Take a look at this Shaker-style cabinetry with oak seating and splashes of red.

The owners of this barn conversion decided it was time to remodel and refurbish their home to give it a more modern layout. 'The old kitchen was on the north-facing side of the house and felt dingy with dark oak which was oppressive. We also lacked worktop and storage space,' explains the owner.  

The solution was to add a small glazed oak-framed, garden room extension to the existing living -room and to then relocate the kitchen to a new space on the south side of the house. 'The aim was to create the large, bright kitchen with living and dining areas that we have always wanted.'

1/6 Country kitchen diner with red island unit

country kitchen diner with red island unit

(Image credit: Future PLC/Clive Doyle)

Now a narrow island painted festive red is positioned between two runs of wooden shaker units painted a balancing neutral oyster. 'I wanted an island, but was worried it might dominate, so our designer created a slimline unit with a neat, circular breakfast bar,' says the owner. The practical kitchen also includes two sinks, cupboards and seating area.

2/6 Breakfast bar

country kitchen with red units and breakfast bar

(Image credit: Future PLC/Clive Doyle)

Although the chosen feel with exposed beams and shaker-style cabinetry is classic country, the owners wanted to add modern details to their scheme. Red tones create a vibrant yet relaxed space. 'I love the the red, but can paint over it if I want a new look,' says the owner. The neat circular breakfast bar overlapping the kitchen island is complemented by contemporary leather barstools to give the room an unconventional and quirky twist. In the background an American style fridge-freezer sits next to a pull-out larder.

Similar bar stools
Atlantic Shopping

Bespoke units
Dale Penney Furniture

3/6 Range cooker with French farmhouse hood

range cooker with french farmhouse hood

(Image credit: Future PLC/Clive Doyle)

The fake fireplace was removed to free up a wall for a run of units. A French farmhouse hood with built in extractor now sits in it's place framing an impressive jet black Aga, which heats the entire room. Behind a glass splash-back adds an additional shot of red giving the room a modern twist. 

Splashback
Dale Penney Furniture

Range cooker
Aga

4/6 Open storage

rustic kitchen with open storage classic plate rack

(Image credit: Future PLC/Clive Doyle)

Attention to detail keeps the modern country style strong like this stylish open plate-rack and cupboard. The internal oak shelving offsets the creamy units beautifully while the modern geometric design is up-to-date and fresh. A matching peg rail underneath adds rustic charm while clean, minimal finishes like the flush chrome wall sockets and cantilevered, quartz worktops are tailored and smart.  

Worktop
Henderstone

Units
Dale Penney Furniture

Similar sockets
B&Q

5/6 Seating Area

seating area in red country kitchen

(Image credit: Future PLC/Clive Doyle)

The garden room extension with glass roof creates an airy conservatory feel. The timber frame and beams keep the look warm. The cool grey corner sofa with comfortable zig zag cushions fit perfectly in the corner creating a relaxing social zone which is just close enough the kitchen island allowing the cook to join in the conversation. 

Similar sofa
Sofa.com

Similar coffee table
Furniture Village

6/6 Dining area

dining area with dining table and chairs

(Image credit: Future PLC/Clive Doyle)

The garden room which is built on to what used to be the living room now floods the new kitchen with natural light. A table inherited from the owners family creates a cosy dining space with great views across the surrounding country side. Classic wood dining chairs with red seats pick out the colourful kitchen island. With a Christmas tree dressed in silver and red match the scheme, the owner is relishing the thought of Christmas. 'My new kitchen is so welcoming, with space for us all to be together,' she explains. 

Similar table and chairs
The Cotsworld Company

Contributor

Rachel Homer has been in the interiors publishing industry for over 15 years. Starting as a Style Assistant on Inspirations Magazine, she has since worked for some of the UK’s leading interiors magazines and websites. After starting a family, she moved from being a content editor at Idealhome.co.uk to be a digital freelancer and hasn’t looked back.