Colour plays a crucial role in how a kitchen settles into becoming the heart of the home. Is it bright and airy, warm and cocooning, vibrant and welcoming? At Penicuik Estate in Scotland, Ed Clerk’s transformation of the estate’s holiday retreats, shows just how adaptable – and characterful – one kitchen collection could be, thanks to colour.
When Ed took on the restoration of his family estate, ten miles south of Edinburgh, he had a vision that was long set in place by his ancestors. Nestled within 7,000 acres of outstanding natural beauty, Penicuik Estate features Penicuik House alongside lovingly restored holiday retreats, available for guests to enjoy. Each property has been carefully designed to sit in harmony with the surrounding landscape, reflecting Ed’s ambition to create a self-regenerating estate that everyone can enjoy. Every property required a kitchen as distinctive as its surroundings. Working with Fantoush on the holiday retreats and Charles Orchard on Penicuik House, Ed recalls: ‘We wanted interiors full of colour and character – spaces that inspire you to explore the landscape, knowing you’ll return to a warm, welcoming home.’
Choosing the Shaker-inspired Suffolk kitchen, loved for its robustness, pared-back design and the natural finish of the oak interiors, each design features a basic run of cabinetry that considers both beauty and function. ‘Being able to rely on the durability of the Suffolk cabinetry and know it can stand up to the rigours of everyday living was a real advantage,’ explains Ed. ‘Partnering with Neptune allowed a sharing of minds on how solid timber cabinetry could withstand a commercial setting, considering layouts and design for a more seamless and enjoyable guest experience.’
At the core of each kitchen is the robustness of Suffolk, and while practicality was paramount for the design, colour was also important. Emily Small, Edinburgh based interior designer, worked with Neptune’s palette of over 45 paint colours to bring each space to life. She selected Olive for Stable Park, Salt for Eskfield, and paired both with a Farrow & Ball shade of red in Clermount, creating harmonious interiors that echo the surrounding countryside.
The versatility of the Suffolk collection, building on the core Shaker values of timeless appeal, craft and functionality, ensures each property feels entirely unique. From the shiplap panelling found in Clermount to the brass bar handles on the cabinetry in Stable Park, every holiday retreat is thoughtfully layered with tactile accessories, antique furniture and considered lighting, all tailored to the character and needs of each space.
Building on the success of Ed’s holiday retreat renovations, Penicuik House now features a dual-functional kitchen designed to welcome guests. A large commercial kitchen serves as the main chef’s domain, while the elegant Neptune Henley guest kitchen invites visitors to prepare breakfast or enjoy a drink after a day exploring the estate. Wherever your find it, the kitchen truly remains the heart of the home – bringing together, warmth, style and conviviality.
To begin your kitchen journey, book your free consultation today or visit your nearest store.