I've seen the light: How a dark and gloomy kitchen in the Scottish Borders was reconfigured for 21st century living

Despite the high ceilings, a combination of dark wood floors and worktops meant there was little light in the kitchen of this Borders home.

To better reflect 21st-century lifestyles, the planners agreed that the dividing wall and chimney breast could be removed to create one large, light-filled room. The design brief included retaining several existing features, such as the original oil fired AGA, a large, glazed dresser and a staircase leading down to the cellar.

The Guild Anderson team was led by Kate Lawrence-Parr, who designed a bespoke arched mantel over the cooking area with recessed, hand-painted wall cabinets on either side to include a vertical pan cupboard and drawers for baking equipment. A hob and a small sink sit on either side of the AGA.

‘One of the clients is a keen cook, so it was essential that this kitchen not only looks pretty, but functions well and has plenty of storage,’ explains Lawrence-Parr. ‘The cabinetry details take inspiration from the architectural features, such as the existing shutters.’

In the middle is an oak cook’s table with a marble worktop at one end. Traditional peg details and Georgian-style aged brass drop handles from Armac Martin belie modern elements, such as a charging drawer and extra-deep kitchen equipment drawers. On the right-hand wall is a washing-up area with a traditional drying rack hung to drip dry into the sink from Shaws of Darwen.

The cabinets are in Farrow & Ball’s Breakfast Room Green and the tongue-and-groove panelling is in a contrasting pink, Setting Plaster. The aged brass taps are from Barber Wilsons.

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For more information visit Guild Anderson's website.

This feature originally appeared in the June 25, 2025 issue of Country Life. Click here for more information on how to subscribe