Rosie and Damien live in Rosie's childhood home in Hambledon, a place filled with happy memories. When they decided to remodel, their goal was to honour the house’s history while adapting it to their family’s needs. A key part of the transformation was relocating the kitchen from the north side of the house to a newly created south-facing space, designed to embrace natural light and minimise its carbon footprint - both in construction and everyday use.
Plywood was at the heart of their vision. Rosie wanted bespoke in-frame cabinetry crafted from a material that is not only durable and long-lasting but also well-suited to the demands of a busy family kitchen.
To create the new kitchen space, they reimagined what was once the hall and dining room. The original bay window was replaced with a door, seamlessly connecting the kitchen to the garden. As a tribute to the many joyful meals her parents hosted in the former dining room, Rosie chose to keep the fireplace, positioning the kitchen to one side of the room.
For the cabinetry, they selected Paint and Paper Library's 'The Botanist', a rich green that beautifully complements both the garden views and the dark wood of the chef’s island and flooring. The cabinetry was hand-painted, with the edges of doors and drawers left unpainted to showcase the layered detail of the plywood - a subtle yet striking design choice. Hand-painting was an intentional decision, offering the flexibility to refresh the colour in the future. Likewise, the handles were chosen with adaptability in mind - perfect for now but easy to change later.
This project is a testament to how spaces evolve. Rosie and Damien have watched their home’s occupants grow and change, and they wanted a kitchen that could adapt to future generations while still feeling personal and unique.
Reflecting on the process, Rosie shares:
'If you are going to invest in a handmade kitchen, you might as well create something that is personal and unique, not a copy of an off-the-shelf kitchen. For us, aesthetic comes further down the list than function, sustainability, durability and efficiency. Our kitchen is relatively small for a family of five but it suits us perfectly. I don't see it as a kitchen others will want to copy, it is a bit unusual, but so are we. We are thankful to Charter Walk for letting us create something that works for us, now and for many years to come.'
At Charter Walk Kitchens, we create bespoke plywood kitchens that blend thoughtful design with practical functionality. Each kitchen is made to fit your style and needs, offering a space that’s as beautiful as it is usable.
Our showrooms in Haslemere and Eashing, near Godalming, display the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every project. We specialise in designing kitchens that combine elegance with everyday living, ensuring each space works perfectly for you.
From the overall layout to the smallest details, we focus on creating a kitchen that suits both your home and lifestyle. With a commitment to quality and thoughtful design, our bespoke plywood kitchens are designed to enhance both the look and feel of your home.
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