This Lilac Kitchen's the Perfect Blend of Rustic Charm and Modern Design

You'd never guess where the fridges are hidden.

Lavender cabinets may seem like a bold choice. But when your kitchen overlooks South Downs National Park in the United Kingdom, you need a color that complements the wildflower-speckled countryside.

The owners of this century-old barn-that had previously been converted into a residence-turned to local-slash-internet-famous brand deVOL Kitchens to create a room “that was functional and blended into the environment,” says Paul Endacott, the designer. They wanted the room to be airy without sacrificing the character of the barn architecture. That meant keeping the original beams exposed, but juxtaposing them with white walls and limestone floors.

The lavender tint they chose for the company’s Sebastian Cox cabinetry was a natural fit. “It lets you pick up on the charm of the textured wood, making that the main focus,” Endacott says. And the sleek, circular finger pulls are a deVOL stock offering. The owners liked that nothing would protrude-and thus distract from-the 26-foot run of cabinets. (That’s also why they opted for inset ceramic sinks, rather than the exposed look of a farmhouse style.)

An oak counter is rustic but also practical. “If it gets marks, you can sand and re-oil it,” Endacott says. Like the rest of this evolving kitchen, it will “pick up character over time.”

Invisible Fridge

They’ll pick up character over time. Marble inserts prevent water damage around the Perrin & Rowe taps. Wonder where the fridge is hiding? In plain sight! Two under-counter units (a fridge and freezer) are located at the far left and right of the counter. The owners felt that a traditional model was too bulky for the space.