When Shanice and her husband John purchased a 250-year-old Grade II listed Georgian Manor House, they knew the kitchen would be one of the most important spaces to transform.
After previously living in a new-build home, they wanted the opportunity to create something entirely their own – a kitchen designed around how their family lives, entertains and spends time together.
As Shanice explains:
"We wanted to be able to design a kitchen from scratch, exactly how we wanted it to look."
The challenge was creating a space that felt sympathetic to the age and character of the property while still supporting the realities of modern family life. With daughter Everly, family dog Monty and a husband who loves to cook, the kitchen needed to be both beautiful and hardworking.
Shanice arrived at Magnet with a clear vision. Inspired by countless hours spent researching and saving ideas, she wanted a classic farmhouse look that felt at home within the Georgian property.
That vision quickly took shape when she discovered the Ludlow range in the showroom.
Finished in Limestone with a contrasting Arboretum Green island, Ludlow offered exactly the balance she was looking for – timeless character with a refined, contemporary feel.
But while the style was clear, bringing it to life within a 250-year-old property would require more than selecting cabinetry. It would require thoughtful design and expert problem-solving.
Working closely with Magnet Designer Maureen, the project became a true collaboration.
Like many period properties, the house revealed surprises as renovation work progressed. Walls were opened up, unexpected structural features appeared and plans had to evolve. Rather than seeing these as setbacks, Maureen worked alongside Shanice to continually refine the design, adapting it to suit the reality of the space.
For Maureen, the role of a designer isn't simply to create a beautiful kitchen. It's about listening, understanding how a customer wants to live and introducing ideas they may never have considered themselves.
"People may know what they want in their heads, but they don't know how to achieve it."
This approach helped unlock some of the kitchen's most-loved features. Storage was a key priority, leading to the inclusion of generous drawer storage, double pantry cupboards and a breakfast cupboard that keeps everyday essentials neatly tucked away.
One standout addition was the butler's pantry – a feature Shanice hadn't originally imagined could work within the space but now considers one of her favourite parts of the kitchen.
The result is a kitchen that feels deeply personal, with every detail intentionally designed around the family's lifestyle.
Today, the kitchen is the heart of the home.
The Ludlow cabinetry is complemented by brass handles, a bespoke oak beam above the range cooker and handcrafted oak shelving, creating a space that feels both elegant and authentic to the property's history.
Modern features sit comfortably alongside traditional design details, from the boiling water tap used for endless cups of tea to the Dekton island worktop with its integrated champagne trough – a favourite feature when hosting family and friends.
Most importantly, the kitchen works exactly as intended. It's where meals are prepared, conversations happen, homework gets done and guests naturally gather.
"It's a space full of family and friends and laughter and stories."
Looking back on the project, Shanice believes the finished result exceeds even her original expectations.
It's a perfect example of what happens when great design goes beyond choosing colours and cabinets. By listening carefully, solving problems creatively and designing with intention, Magnet helped transform a vision into a kitchen that's made for the way this family lives today – while respecting the history of the home they'll enjoy for years to come.
Some of my favourite areas in the kitchen aren't the cabinets themselves, they're the little corners and shelves that tell our story. I'm obsessed with antique shopping and charity shops, so we've filled the space with pieces we've collected over time. It instantly makes the kitchen feel lived in and personal.
A kitchen doesn't need to feel like it's all from the same moment in time. We paired our beautifully crafted cabinetry with vintage finds to create a space that feels layered and authentic. The contrast helps the kitchen feel like it belongs in our 250-year-old home.
We sourced old china cups and decorative pieces that mean something to us and displayed them throughout the room. It's a simple way to add warmth and ensure the space feels uniquely yours rather than straight out of a showroom.
One of my favourite design decisions was choosing brass handles. We loved the warmth they brought to the cabinetry, so we continued the brass accents elsewhere with vintage brass pans sourced from Facebook Marketplace. Repeating materials and finishes helps tie the whole room together.
I've wanted a Rangemaster cooker since I was a little girl. It was one of the non-negotiables for this kitchen. Not only does it suit the farmhouse aesthetic perfectly, but it's incredibly practical for everyday cooking and entertaining. It's a feature that brings the entire design together.
A pantry was always high on Shanice’s wish list when designing her kitchen. It's become one of the hardest-working areas in the room, and a few simple design decisions have made it much easier to use day to day.
Choose clear storage where possible
Decanting dry foods into clear glass containers makes a huge difference. You can quickly see what you have, what needs replenishing and exactly where everything is without rummaging through cupboards.
Make use of door storage
The internal door storage is one of the most practical features of our pantry. It keeps frequently used items within easy reach and frees up shelf space for larger ingredients and appliances.
Don't underestimate good lighting
Lighting might seem like a small detail, but it transforms how functional a pantry feels. By adding lighting to the top of the pantry, we can easily see everything inside, even in the deepest corners.
Renovating a 250-year-old home meant choosing a kitchen partner Shanice and her family could trust. Here's why Magnet stood out.
Cabinet style
Traditional Shaker
Kitchen size
Large
Designer
Maureen, Magnet Darlington
Customer
Shanice Kinnersley, @thegeorgianfarmhouse__
