Traditional Lyon framing for contemporary living in Rutland
Kitchen & Living Spaces | Shaker
"Charles Yorke created more than a beautiful kitchen, designing bespoke furniture that brings continuity throughout our home. Every piece is thoughtfully designed, beautifully made and completely personal to us."
Classical architectural detailing and traditional cabinetmaking
This elegant Charles Yorke Framed Lyon kitchen brings together classical architectural detailing, carefully considered symmetry and the warmth of traditional cabinetmaking. The hand-painted framed cabinetry extends to the ceiling, incorporating generous storage, integrated appliances and a commanding overmantel that creates a strong focal point around the cooking area.
At the centre of the room, a richly stained oak island provides a striking contrast to the soft painted cabinetry. Its sweeping curved breakfast bar creates a relaxed setting for dining and conversation, while the generous work surface and central sink make it equally practical for everyday preparation. Bespoke wine storage, a glazed wine cabinet and beautifully proportioned appliance housings add further character, resulting in a sophisticated family kitchen designed for cooking, entertaining and spending time together.
The Heart of the Kitchen
At the heart of the kitchen, a substantial island crafted in richly stained oak brings warmth, depth and definition to the light-filled interior. Its framed doors, traditional plinth detailing and carefully balanced proportions reflect the character of the Lyon collection, while the generous work surface provides ample room for food preparation and everyday serving.
A raised, sweeping breakfast bar follows the curve of the island, creating a relaxed setting for informal dining, conversation and entertaining while subtly separating the working and social areas. The integrated sink and storage keep everything close at hand, and a concealed pull-out oak serving board adds another layer of practical craftsmanship. Finished with bespoke Charles Yorke leather handles, this discreet feature demonstrates the attention given to even the smallest details.
Classical Detailing, Beautifully Considered
The hand-painted Framed Lyon cabinetry is defined by carefully considered proportions and layers of traditional architectural detailing. Stepped cornicing carries the furniture elegantly to the ceiling, while fluted pilasters, framed end panels and delicate decorative mouldings give the cabinetry a distinctive, furniture-like presence. At the centre of the main elevation, a substantial overmantel frames the cooking area, creating a commanding focal point and reinforcing the strong sense of balance and symmetry throughout the room.
Integrated ovens and refrigeration are discreetly housed within the tall cabinetry, preserving the clean, uninterrupted lines of the design. A dedicated temperature-controlled wine cabinet is framed by illuminated oak lattice wine racks, introducing warmth and depth while transforming practical bottle storage into an elegant display feature.
Pale polished worktops provide a refined contrast to the richly stained oak island. Their softly moulded edges echo the classical detailing of the Lyon cabinetry, while the generous surfaces connect the preparation, washing and informal dining areas. Together, the painted cabinetry, dark oak and light stone create a timeless, layered interior in which traditional craftsmanship is combined with the practical demands of modern family living.
Bespoke Furniture Beyond the Kitchen
Extending Charles Yorke’s craftsmanship into the adjoining living space, this bespoke media wall brings entertainment, display and concealed storage together within one beautifully balanced composition. The television and contemporary linear fireplace are recessed into the cabinetry, creating a clean, streamlined focal point without disturbing the calm proportions of the room.
Symmetrically arranged display niches are individually illuminated, providing dedicated spaces for artwork, books and decorative objects. A mirrored recess above the television introduces depth and reflects light back into the room, while discreet handleless cupboards conceal everyday media equipment and accessories. Finished in a soft neutral tone and framed by the room’s architectural cornicing, the furniture feels fully integrated with its surroundings and creates a natural visual connection between the kitchen and relaxed family living area.
A Statement in Reflection
Designed as a standalone piece of furniture, this elegant console brings a refined, contemporary character to the dining room. Slender tapered legs, a subtly moulded top and discreet drawers create a beautifully balanced silhouette, finished in a deep tone that complements the dramatic wall colour.
Above, an expansive antiqued-panel mirror is enclosed within a bespoke frame handcrafted by Charles Yorke, creating a striking focal point while reflecting light and the room’s warm copper accents. Together, the console and framed mirror demonstrate how Charles Yorke’s bespoke craftsmanship extends beyond the kitchen.
A Window Seat Made for Living
This bespoke window seat transforms the garden-facing window into a comfortable retreat, framed by beautifully proportioned open shelving and concealed storage. The fitted cabinetry is carried to the ceiling with substantial cornicing, giving the composition the appearance of an architectural feature designed as part of the room.
A tailored upholstered cushion creates an inviting place to sit and enjoy the view, while deep drawers beneath provide practical hidden storage. Flanking cupboards and open shelves combine everyday functionality with space for books, artwork and treasured objects. Finished with handcrafted leather handles, the design brings warmth, craftsmanship and quiet character to the family living space.
Beautifully Bespoke Bathrooms
Extending Charles Yorke’s craftsmanship into the bathroom, these bespoke vanity units combine classical framed detailing with the clean simplicity of a contemporary interior. Hand-painted cabinetry provides practical drawer and open-shelf storage, while pale grey surfaces support elegant countertop basins and complement the marble-effect wall finishes.
Wall-mounted taps, expansive mirrors and recessed illuminated niches maintain the uncluttered appearance. Carefully considered proportions allow each piece to sit naturally within the space, creating calm, refined bathrooms where handcrafted furniture and modern functionality work effortlessly together.
Rutland
Rutland is celebrated for its picturesque villages, beautiful countryside and elegant period homes, making it an ideal setting for bespoke interiors that balance heritage with modern living. From historic stone cottages to contemporary country homes, the county’s distinctive architecture lends itself to thoughtfully crafted spaces designed around the way people live today.
This Rutland project showcases how traditional Lyon framing can be applied across both the kitchen and adjoining living spaces, creating a seamless, cohesive interior. Handcrafted cabinetry, tailored storage and timeless detailing combine to deliver a bespoke home that honours its surroundings while supporting contemporary family life.
Project Details
The Framed Lyon collection combines classical proportions and finely crafted detailing with the practical demands of modern living. Hand-painted cabinetry, richly stained oak and carefully considered architectural features create a timeless and elegant aesthetic, while bespoke furniture throughout the home brings continuity, character and a distinctly personal finish.
Crafted from solid and veneered European oak, combined with carefully selected furniture-grade substrates for strength, stability and precision. Hand-painted framed doors are enriched with traditional cornicing, pilasters and decorative mouldings, while wenge-stained European oak features introduce warmth, depth and natural character.
The outer cabinetry is hand-painted in Farrow & Ball Strong White No. 2001, creating a soft and elegant backdrop. The island is crafted from European oak, finished with a rich wenge stain and protected with a clear lacquer, enhancing the natural grain while bringing warmth and depth to the lighter painted furniture.
Polished Unistone Bianco Carrara worktops provide a light and elegant contrast to the painted cabinetry and richly stained oak island. Finished at 40mm with a refined Ogee and bullnose edge profile, the surfaces introduce classical detailing that complements the traditional character of the Framed Lyon collection.
Miele Obsidian Black combination microwave ovens, a 900mm oven and warming drawers are seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry, complemented by an induction hob and MasterCool refrigeration. A Quooker Fusion boiling-water tap completes the kitchen, combining refined design with everyday convenience.
Charles Yorke signature knobs in polished chrome add a refined accent to the cabinetry, complemented by bespoke bow handles crafted from embossed grey leather. Together, these distinctive details introduce subtle contrast, texture and a beautifully tailored finish.
Whether it’s a walk-in pantry that transforms the way you cook, a boot room that brings order to busy mornings, or a calm bedroom scheme with tailored storage, the aim is the same: furniture that fits your home beautifully and supports how you live. Get in touch today for expert-led, personally tailored recommendations, utilising our decades of experiences to elevate your home.
