A modern country kitchen
This open-plan scheme sits at the heart of a converted farm building in Norfolk
Architect Brian Sutherland and his wife Jane, both 62, took on the challenge of converting a Grade II listed piggery and cart shed into their Norfolk home, creating a spacious modern country kitchen in the process.
‘It had been derelict for years and was little more than a roof,’ says Jane. ‘But for Brian, the absence of exterior walls was the building’s greatest appeal, as it offered the opportunity to infill with plenty of glazing and create a light interior with lovely rural views.’
An important part of the plan was to create a large, open-plan kitchen arranged around a multipurpose island unit.

Exposed brickwork, white-washed oak trusses and pale oak flooring reference the building’s heritage. Photo: Neptune
Creating a modern country kitchen
The couple designed a multipurpose ground floor, divided into distinct areas for cooking, eating and relaxing. Exposed brickwork, white-washed oak trusses and pale oak flooring reference the building’s heritage and ensure a cohesive look throughout.
Jane’s priorities were to have a large kitchen island, plenty of storage and a hob facing the garden. The couple spotted a layout in a showroom that they thought might work, and asked designer Lily Davis from Neptune to fine-tune it.

The rustic oak dining table and nature-inspired colour palette are in keeping with the home’s environs. Photo: Neptune