HOME + GARDEN
SEATON MILL
BY BLACKTHORN OF KENT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: FROZENMUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY
After years of working for high-end kitchen companies in London and navigating the hustle and bustle of city life, Ben and Sean decided it was time for a new chapter with fresher air. They traded long train commutes and traffic jams for the charming surroundings of Kent, allowing for more quality family time and a boost of creativity.
Ben has over 15 years of experience designing kitchens, while Sean has dedicated the same amount of time to cabinetmaking. Together, they decided to launch their own venture, which resulted in the creation of Blackthorn of Kent. After quickly outgrowing their first workshop in Margate, they now operate from a new workshop and showroom located in Ramsgate’ s beautiful Manston Business Park. A standout feature of their work is that everything is built and handpainted in-house, ensuring a personal touch in every piece they create.
Why were you chosen for the project? Our reputation for designing customised, high-quality and innovative kitchens made us the perfect choice for Seaton Mill. They trusted us to create a design that was both timeless and tailored to their specific needs. A significant portion of our work comes from recommendations.
What was the kitchen design brief and objective? The stunning Seaton Mill was a fun project for us. The client wanted a kitchen that celebrated the mill’ s rich history while also bringing in some modern touches and sustainable practices. They dreamt of a light and airy space that would be perfect for entertaining guests but that would also be practical for their young grandchildren. Some of their key requests included showcasing their beloved AGA as a centrepiece, keeping child safety in mind and finding clever, stylish ways to maximise storage.
We integrated the AGA beautifully into the design and added bespoke spice rack units to make the most of the limited space on either side. We also created custom chopping boards, smart corner cupboards and used rounded edges for safety. The final result was a perfect blend of charm and functionality.
What was the design / installation timeframe? The entire journey, from the initial concept to the final touches, took approximately six months. This process encompassed everything from our initial discussions, design development and material sourcing to the creation of custom features and installation. We made it a priority to maintain regular communication with our client to ensure that everything stayed on track and aligned with their hopes and expectations. While this project took around six months, we are flexible with our timelines generally and strive to accommodate our customers’ needs. If they would like to have a new kitchen ready by Easter for example, we will do our best to make that happen!
Were there any project pitfalls? Incorporating modern features into an historic structure was an enjoyable challenge that we embraced. We carefully considered the placement of appliances and the routing of wiring, ensuring that we preserved the mill’ s stunning original beams and stonework. It was incredible to see how creative thinking transformed potential obstacles into exciting opportunities to enhance the overall design.
How did you find the balance between an excellent design-led kitchen that also remained on budget and is practical too? We really focused on what mattered most to our client, like custom cabinetry and tough quartz countertops, while making smart choices in other areas. By keeping the lines of communication open and planning carefully, we were able to stick to the budget without giving up on quality or style.
Where do you start with kitchen planning and design? We like to start by getting to know our clients and understanding their dislikes about their current space. We also ask questions about their lifestyle, cooking habits and their ideal vision for the area. This allows us to create a design that is not only beautiful but also tailored to their unique needs. From there, we develop a concept that combines style and functionality, ensuring that every detail- from storage solutions to lighting- serves a meaningful purpose.
What were the common mistakes that you managed to avoid? We made sure to steer clear of common issues like not having enough storage or poor lighting by creating plenty of clever, hidden storage options and a thoughtful layered lighting plan. Plus, we chose timeless materials and finishes to ensure the kitchen stays beautiful for years to come.
Did anything go wrong? We faced a few bumps along the way, but thanks to our proactive approach, everything continued to run smoothly. Whenever minor issues popped up- like a small delay in material delivery- we quickly sorted them out through open communication with our client. We’ re all about teamwork at Blackthorn of Kent.
Did the kitchen require any bespoke elements? Absolutely! The kitchen features beautiful custom cabinetry designed specifically for the mill’ s unique space, including handcrafted oak dovetail drawers. Additionally, we created a cosy book storage area right across from the dining table, allowing our clients to easily access their favourite cookbooks. It’ s all about enhancing the enjoyment of cooking and hosting.
What are you most proud of? We are proud of how we honoured the mill’ s history while creating a kitchen that is perfectly suited to modern
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