A New Heart for an Oxford Country House: Reimagined for 2026
- Susan Van Meter
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Susan Van Meter & the Team start 2026 in the Oxfordshire countryside, with a historic country house undergoing a thoughtful transformation—one shaped as much by necessity as by vision.
Reimagined
The original kitchen and ground floor area, once traditionally country in style, suffered severe water damage. Rather than simply restore what had been, the owner chose to see this moment as an opportunity to create a new contemporary interior style that future-proofed the space and finishes used, respecting the heritage of the house while better reflecting how she desires to live going forward.
Positioning Rooms
Central to the redesign was a bold yet sensitive decision—to switch the positions of two adjoining rooms. By relocating the kitchen, the space now opens directly onto the garden, allowing uninterrupted views of the landscape beyond. For an owner who loves to cook, this connection to the outdoors was essential: light, greenery, and seasonality now form a daily backdrop to the rituals of cooking and gathering.
Grounding Character
The kitchen embraces contemporary design through clean lines, refined detailing, and carefully chosen materials, while remaining grounded in the character of the historic home. Modernity here is quiet and confident—never at odds with its setting. Bespoke cabinetry, natural stone surfaces, and integrated technology create a space that feels current yet timeless.
Anchoring Space
At the heart of the adjacent room sits a fireplace, anchoring the space visually and designed to accommodate the owner’s existing chairs. It creates a place to cosy up, dine informally, or simply sit with a glass of wine while something simmers on the stove. This dual-purpose area merges the boundary between the kitchen, dining room, and living space.
Functional Flooring
The new flooring on the ground floor is a deep walnut polished concrete, durable, easy to clean, and moisture-resistant, with a contemporary aesthetic. Walls and woodwork are finished with Keim paint; sustainable, scrubbable, and can be matched to any residential paint palette if required.
Colour Statement
We made a statement with monolithic use of black colour. The black A-framed ceiling beams, black cabinetry, and black metal fireplace unite the space and create cohesion. When colour is embraced with intention, it becomes a strategic tool — a way to allow expression, create more versatile spaces, and unify complex or challenging layouts. Through deliberate application, colour can organise, balance, and bring clarity.
Lighting
Brass spotlights are integrated into the A-frame beams, paired with dropped lighting for visual interest and optimal illumination of the cooking area to harmonise with the brass taps and sink finish.
The Brief
Above all, the brief was about forming the future, longevity, and connection. A kitchen where friends can gather, children can sit and chat, and conversations flow easily between cooking, dining, and relaxing.
The Result
The result is an open, welcoming environment—one that encourages togetherness without sacrificing elegance or function.
If you want A New Heart In Your Home, Reimagined For 2026, contact Susan below for a free consultation.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The Susan Van Meter Team - Going Beyond Design in 2026
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