‘It's modern, but still homely'

Tamsin and Robert Allen have given classic elements a smart update, resulting in a contemporary kitchen that’s stayed true to its thatched cottage charm

- JANE CRITTENDEN

‘We planned the layout around the Aga that was already here, replacing the old-fashioned canopy with a modern, efficient extractor that doesn’t hide the beams.’

Try Aga R5 three-oven 100 electric, £11,020, Aga Living. Aga six-four cooker hood, £880, Garton King Appliances. Artist 009 framed print, £600, Robert Allen at RTA London

FRAMED ART Works instead of a splashback with an Aga, as each hob has its own protective back

Welcome to my home

Tamsin and her husband Robert live here with their daughter Siena, 16.

THE PROPERTY

A four-bedroom, 250-year-old thatched cottage in Alresford, Hampshire.

WHAT IT COST

Kitchen cupboards.......... ............................£23,000

Appliances..........£3,500

Sink..........................£475

Tap...........................£596

Worktop...............£3,000

Lighting...................£550

TOTAL.................£31,121

“I love having the wooden farmhouse table instead of an island – it’s where we hang out ”