Haslemere sits at the edge of the Surrey Hills, where characterful country homes and an appreciation for quality craftsmanship go hand in hand. It’s exactly the kind of place where a bespoke handmade kitchen fits naturally, not as a status statement, but as a considered investment in a home that’s built to last.
This project is a case in point. Higham Furniture was commissioned to design and build a full bespoke kitchen for a family home in Haslemere, and the result is a space that balances timeless Shaker design with genuine warmth and personality. At its heart is a characterful rustic island, painted in a rich scarlet tone, that anchors the kitchen and gives it a real sense of place. Browse the complete Haslemere kitchen project to see how every element, from the scarlet island to the scullery, comes together in the finished space.
A Framed Shaker Kitchen Built for Country Life
The main kitchen cabinetry is a refined framed Shaker design, a classic style that sits perfectly in a period Surrey property without feeling stiff or overly formal. Painted in a softer tone that complements the warmth of the oak worktops, the perimeter units create a calm, considered backdrop that lets the island do the talking.
Framed cabinetry has long been a hallmark of Higham’s work. Every door is made by hand at the company’s workshop, with solid timber frames and a level of detailing that simply isn’t achievable in a standard fitted kitchen. In a home like this, where the architecture has depth and history, that quality of craft matters.
The Scarlet Island: A Bold, Considered Choice
The island is the defining moment of this kitchen. Painted in a rustic scarlet tone and topped with solid oak worktops, it creates a striking contrast against the quieter perimeter cabinetry, warm, lived-in and full of character.
It’s a bold choice, but it works precisely because of how the rest of the kitchen is designed. The scarlet island isn’t fighting for attention, it’s been given the space to shine. Fluted glass base units add texture and interest, while the Belfast sink integrated into the island surface brings practical elegance to a workspace that’s designed to be used.
An island like this one also does more than look good. It provides a generous seating area, generous worktop space and clever storage, all built bespoke to the exact dimensions of this kitchen, in a way that a standard off-the-shelf unit simply cannot replicate.
The Scullery: Hardworking Space, Beautifully Done
One of the features that sets this project apart is the scullery, a dedicated prep and utility space that flows seamlessly from the main kitchen. In a country home, a scullery is more than a practical addition. It’s a commitment to a certain way of living: properly equipped, properly organised, designed to handle the real demands of family life without compromising the main kitchen’s appearance.
Higham built the scullery to the same exacting standard as the main kitchen, with its own Belfast sink and cabinetry that carries the same design language throughout. The result is a cohesive multi-room design where every space feels intentional.
An AGA at the Core
No kitchen in the Surrey Hills would be complete without an AGA, and here it sits opposite the island, a natural focal point that reinforces the warmth and authenticity of the whole design. The bespoke cabinetry has been designed specifically around the AGA, integrating it seamlessly rather than treating it as an afterthought.
This is exactly the kind of considered detailing that bespoke means in practice. Every element has been designed together, so nothing feels out of place. You can see the full result in our Haslemere project gallery, where every detail of this handmade Shaker kitchen is captured in full.
Why Haslemere Homeowners Choose Bespoke
Haslemere is a town that attracts people who care about quality. The architecture here tends to have age, proportion and character, and kitchens need to match. Mass-produced fitted kitchens can look good in a showroom, but they rarely do justice to a house that has genuine soul.
Bespoke cabinetry from Higham starts from the space itself: its dimensions, its light, its character. Every detail – the colour, the worktop material, the hardware, the island design – is chosen to suit that specific home. The result is a kitchen that feels as though it has always belonged there.
For homeowners across Surrey, whether in Haslemere, Guildford, Godalming or the wider Surrey Hills area, Higham Furniture offers a fully bespoke service from initial design consultation through to installation, all made by hand in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Higham Furniture work with clients in Haslemere and Surrey?
Yes. Higham works with clients across Surrey and the wider South East, including Haslemere, Guildford, Godalming and the surrounding Surrey Hills area. All kitchens are designed and built bespoke for each client’s home.
What is a framed Shaker kitchen?
A framed Shaker kitchen features cabinet doors built with a solid timber frame around a central panel, the classic Shaker style. ‘Framed’ refers to the face frame construction of the cabinet carcass, which adds rigidity and a more traditional, furniture-quality appearance compared to frameless cabinetry.
Can I have a different colour island to the rest of my kitchen?
Absolutely. A contrasting island is one of the most popular choices in bespoke kitchen design, and Higham regularly designs kitchens where the island and perimeter cabinetry are painted in complementary but distinct colours. Every colour is mixed and applied to your specification.
What worktop materials does Higham use?
Higham works with a range of worktop materials including solid oak and other hardwoods, stone, marble and quartz. The choice depends on the design, the use of the space and the client’s preferences, all of which are discussed during the design consultation.
How long does a bespoke Higham kitchen take?
Timelines vary depending on the scope of the project, but clients should typically allow several months from design sign-off to installation. The design and planning process itself takes time to get right, which is part of what ensures the finished result is exactly what was envisioned. Contact the Higham team for a more specific guide based on your project.
What is a scullery, and should I include one?
A scullery is a secondary prep kitchen or utility room that sits adjacent to the main kitchen. It’s designed to handle the less glamorous but essential tasks: washing up, storage, laundry – while keeping the main kitchen clear and presentable. For families or those who love to cook seriously, a bespoke scullery is one of the most practical additions a kitchen can have.
