IH.572
To the Manor re-born
If you are familiar with the exceptional work of Richards Parr Associates, you will understand why it simply wasn’t an option to put the obvious painted Shaker style cabinetry in this venerable Wiltshire Manor. Richards work elevates and reinterprets – breathing new life. Never a pastiche. A modern country kitchen in a country estate. Sharp in all the right places.
With parts of the house dating back 700 years, it is with great reverence that Inglis Hall approached the Kitchen design.
To be true to a building of this age and importance, the keys are to use real materials that age as gracefully as the original architecture, and apply the same degree of scrutiny and rigour to the design as the medieval craftsman applied with their sacred geometry and assiduous delight. The thread that connects them to us, and us to Richard Parr is integrity.
A light touch is called for. Not too much kitchen in this contemporary kitchen design.
More furniture pieces that collude to become a so called modern, rustic kitchen. Hard to date. Craft often is.
Don’t forget that if a painting were this old, we would all be wearing white gloves. So integrity is paramount.
Oak. Both Raw and Blackened. Mullioned stone giving an ancient light. Richlite, inky black. Absorbent. Balanced between new and old.
Techniques within our joinery that would be instantly recognised and revered when light from this window fell on a very different scene. So much history to comprehend. Owners that admire craft and have travelled with the collectors eye. Mid-Century meets 13th Century, and everything in between.
Stillness. Serenity. Monastic beauty.
A proper pantry. A walk in pantry. Where meats would have hung and seasonal chutneys batched and stored.
A lit candlestick or sconce. Anything brighter might break the spell.
A jointed bench with turned legs. Modern in form but as old as the house in understanding.
A cohesive approach to joinery throughout this invigorated relic. Wonderful relic. Reborn.
So yes, we agree with Mr. Parr, that the right type of contemporary kitchen is the perfect foil for a heritage home. As long as it has integrity.