An unexpected color palette gives this European-inspired kitchen a characterful transformation – take a look inside

There's no ignoring the shift in popular kitchen designs this year. Where white minimalist schemes once dominated, more colorful, lived-in, and characterful designs are taking center stage.

And few kitchens epitomize this renewed desire for personalized, unique design like this Neptune kitchen, created for Olive and Hugo Guest. Filled with warm hues, beautiful textures, and decor that tells a story, this vibrant space perfectly balances timeless appeal with unique style.

Here, we take a look a look inside the newly transformed space and get the inside scoop on how this bright, cozy scheme was created.

'The kitchen before was in a very tight space. It had been renovated from an old stable building in the 1980s and turned into a fairly basic residential apartment which naturally felt dated,' owner Olive tells H&G.

The renovation didn't just involve updating what was already there, but an extension was required to create the space they really wanted. While this new addition opened up the kitchen and allowed them to introduce features they couldn't fit before, it wasn't without its challenges.

'The creation of our extension certainly felt challenging at points. The planning process was lengthy (about 2 years) as we are in an area of outstanding natural beauty and there were many escalating expenses,' she recalls.

'The build process was also quite stop-start with some costly mistakes when initially laying the foundations, one builder even disappeared halfway through a job. But once we got going with a new building team things started to go a lot more smoothly.'

With a (finally) completed extension, attention could turn to the kitchen design, which is where Claire's expertise came into their own. There were lots of things to consider – the total remodel in a new space meant starting from scratch and creating a new kitchen layout.

'Because the kitchen design was a full renovation, each detail was chosen by Hugo and Olive. Major changes included installing a central island, adding a seating and library area, a tucked-away Chichester utility room, and a large dining table for entertaining guests,' says Claire Birkbeck, senior kitchen and interior designer at Neptune and project lead.

But the wait was worth it. The newly transformed kitchen is warm and inviting and has a coziness you might not expect from this more functional room. And it's thanks to the colors and materials used – choices that were heavily influenced by the owners' travels.

'Olive and Hugo, having spent a lot of time in European country kitchens in Italy and France, wanted to include natural wood and earthy colors to create a rustic, warm atmosphere,' Claire explains.

'The natural white oak paired with the earthy Burnt Sienna on the cabinets and Burnham Red on the island contribute to a welcoming, character-filled space that ties in with the surrounding countryside. Olive’s use of pattern and vintage finishes in the decor adds even more personality to the space.'

The large kitchen island is really the heart of the space. A traditional design painted in a darker hue, it's as visually appealing as it is functional. 'Painted in a striking Burnham Red, the island adds a bold splash of color that contrasts beautifully with the natural Henley oak cabinetry surrounding it,' says Claire.

'It was also designed to be practical for hosting, and plays a key role in the kitchen’s balance of family life and entertaining, making it a focal point for both daily routines and social gatherings.'

It's the smaller details, though, that add character and unique appeal to the kitchen. Light marble countertops give breathing space to the scheme, adding a sense of luxury and allowing the beautiful colors to shine. They also decided to introduce vintage elements with antique brass taps and a reclaimed butler's sink.

The striking kitchen pendant light hung in a draped fashion creates a playful element that gives simple fixtures a more elevated feel. On the walls and range hood, collected decorative plates add an unexpected detail – a more classic alternative to framed artwork.

And while the obvious window treatment in a kitchen might be shutters or blinds, they opted for sheer stripe curtains casually tied, creating a more informal finish. It proves that the finishing touches are just as important as the larger features – and this scheme is the perfect family kitchen.

The blend of traditional style and unique decor has resulted in a beautiful, character-filled design. Combined, all these details create a warm, charming kitchen that anyone would want to spend time in. We certainly do!