A soulful kitchen rooted in countryside living

For C Sophia of Eleven Hill House, interiors are about creating spaces that feel warm, layered and deeply personal. Currently studying with the Interior Design Institute and aspiring to become an interior designer, her recent kitchen renovation reflects a design approach shaped by countryside living, craftsmanship and thoughtful functionality. 

Originally from Portugal and now living in a village in North Hampshire, Catarina draws inspiration from both Portuguese and English rural life. Memories of slower living, rolling landscapes and welcoming family homes continue to influence the spaces she creates today. Her aesthetic centres around colour, texture, pattern and layering - all elements she believes bring character and soul into a home.

Reimagining the heart of the home

The kitchen renovation had been planned for several years, driven by a need to improve both functionality and flow within the home. Although no structural changes were made, the existing spaces were carefully redesigned to work harder for everyday living while introducing the warmth and character Catarina felt the property was missing. 

Backing onto open farmland with views across the Hampshire countryside, the setting naturally influenced the overall design direction. While the home itself is a modern new-build, Catarina wanted the interiors to feel timeless and lived-in, balancing traditional countryside charm with contemporary finishes and materials.

Designing for everyday life

Practicality played an important role throughout the renovation. With both Catarina and her husband frequently working from home and regularly hosting family and friends, flexibility within the layout became essential.

One of the most successful additions was the transformation of the former utility room into a multifunctional service space incorporating a laundry area, pantry, boot room and additional storage. Elsewhere, the dining room was designed to double as a home office, allowing the space to transition easily between work and entertaining.

A consistent colour palette and repeated design details throughout the home helped create cohesion across each phase of the renovation.

Craftsmanship, nostalgia and timeless detail

A defining feature of the kitchen is our Delft Birds collection, chosen for both its craftsmanship and nostalgic quality.

The hand painted tiles immediately resonated with Catarina, capturing the relaxed elegance and easy country living aesthetic she wanted to achieve. After visiting our showroom and seeing the traditional handmade process behind the collection, the connection felt even stronger.

Blending heritage craftsmanship with a contemporary feel, the charming Delft Birds tiles in Sylvia Blue became the focal point that brought the entire kitchen scheme together - adding artistry, personality and a sense of timelessness to the space.

Lessons from the renovation

Looking back, Catarina believes taking time during the planning stage was invaluable. Although challenges inevitably arose throughout the project, having a clear vision helped guide decisions and maintain consistency throughout the renovation.

For Catarina, the project was ultimately about creating a home that feels both functional and full of character - a space that supports everyday living while reflecting the warmth that inspires all her interiors.

A warm thank you to C Sophia from Eleven Hill House for sharing the vision and inspiration behind her kitchen remodel. Keep up with her work on @elevenhillhouse.

Explore the Delft Birds collection