Devon Cottage Kitchen

The charm of cottage kitchens often lies in their eclectic mix of old and new. In this Devon cottage kitchen in Axmouth, contemporary design and period character are beautifully brought together.

the brief:

Already enjoying a bulthaup kitchen in their London home, our clients asked us to help design a new bulthaup kitchen for their Devon country cottage. They wanted something sleek and functional that would also sit comfortably within the character of their rural home.

the design:

This cosy country kitchen is full of period features that we wanted to highlight, not hide. Therefore, keeping the walls and cabinetry white allowed the exposed brick and stonework to shine. Alpine White cabinetry from bulthaup, edged in Aluminium, gives a fresh twist to a classic all-white kitchen — adding subtle contrast and a premium feel.

To maintain simplicity, the worktops and wall panelling are also in Alpine White. This creates a clean, unified aesthetic that suits the cottage’s compact scale. The bulthaup worktop includes an integrated sink, drainer, and a sliding chopping board — a clever solution that adds prep space while concealing the sink when not in use.

Furthermore, the flush-set induction hob and concealed extractor keep visual clutter to a minimum. In older properties, with their quirks and uneven surfaces, bespoke cabinetry can be the key to maximising space and functionality. Here, a custom wall unit houses the discreet extractor and helps resolve the cottage’s irregular architecture.

For added practicality, the wall panelling incorporates bulthaup’s engineered function rail — a versatile hanging system with countless configurations. In this case, it includes soft LED lighting, a kitchen roll holder, and hanging hooks for utensils, adding both function and atmosphere.

This Devon cottage kitchen proves that even compact kitchens can offer both elegance and efficiency. Clever storage, clean lines, and thoughtful material choices bring a sense of calm and purpose to the space.