Jenna Spicer Lumb, Managing Director at Inglis Hall, reveals the thinking behind a recent kitchen project featuring Caesarstone surfaces. Drawing on a sensitivity to materials, historical context, and craftsmanship, she explains how a single surface became the anchor for a design that quietly bridges past and present.
We were invited to design a kitchen for a historic home in Lindfield, West Sussex. The clients, a retired architect and a creative designer, wanted a space that felt calm, contemporary, and sensitive to the heritage of the house. Their brief focused on natural materials, craftsmanship, and a flowing layout that would bring light and connection to a previously disjointed part of the property.
The rear of the house had been altered over the years, and the existing conservatory broke up the space. Working alongside Gould Baxter Architects, our aim was to reintroduce clarity and purpose. We set out to create an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space that felt grounded in the building’s past while offering the function and atmosphere of a modern family home.
As part of the material palette, we introduced Caesarstone’s 4033 Rugged Concrete surface on the cabinetry run because its depth, texture, and muted tones aligned with the clients’ wish for something understated and robust. They immediately connected with it, and it became one of the key materials informing the direction of the design. It works quietly with the architecture rather than competing with it, which is something I value deeply in my approach at Inglis Hall.
We selected slate flagstones, a natural soapstone island, and blackened, band-sawn oak to sit alongside the Caesarstone surface. These materials were chosen for their honesty, tactility, and ability to age well. Together they create a layered, grounded palette that respects the character of the house. The cabinetry was finished in Fenix in an earthy yellow tone, with a super-matt and eco-friendly finish that sits comfortably against the subtle movement of the Rugged Concrete run
During construction, we uncovered an old well beneath the floor. Instead of covering it, we decided to restore and reveal it beside the island. The interaction between historic stone and contemporary surfaces expresses the intention behind the design, where old and new are allowed to coexist without one overpowering the other.
Craftsmanship and longevity are central to our work, so choosing materials that reflect those values matters. The Rugged Concrete topped cabinetry offers reliability for a working kitchen, resisting wear while supporting the way the clients live. We also appreciate Caesarstone’s responsible production, which aligns with our commitment to creating kitchens that last, both in form and function.
As the space came together, it became clear that the success of the project lay in balance. The cabinetry, flooring, timber detailing, and the Rugged Concrete surface all contribute to a scheme that feels rooted in the building’s history while responding to how the clients live today. Nothing feels forced or decorative for the sake of it. Each material supports the next, allowing the architecture to breathe.
When we walk into the finished kitchen now, what we notice most is how comfortably everything sits together. The restored well, the oak, the slate, the soft matte cabinetry, and the Rugged Concrete run all speak to the same idea. This is not about creating contrast for drama, but about finding harmony between materials, people, and place. The surfaces play an important role within that story, but they sit as part of a wider whole rather than as the sole inspiration.
Photography by Leigh Simpson
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