Kitchen of the Week: A Tiny Reclaimed Kitchen, Designed in a Wink

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Justine Cook of Harp Studio is deft at imbuing spaces with what she calls “detailed minimalism”—so much so that she designed her own kitchen in half an hour.

“We had to unexpectedly remove an 1980s kitchen we were going to ‘make do and mend’ with during renovation,” she says of that project. “So it was all using materials we had.”

The result was so appealing that, when it came time to design the kitchen at one of her rental properties, called Mole Cottage—a diminutive holiday let in Wales—Justine looked at back at that thirty-minute kitchen: “I was happy with the look, so I transferred the style to the cottage,” she says.

Once again, Justine worked within tight restraints—a small space; only reclaimed and secondhand materials—yet the limitations led to a kitchen that’s poetic yet efficient.

Have a look around:

Photographs by Harry Crowder, courtesy of Harp Studio, except where noted.

&#8\2\20;mole cottage is medieval, with solid stone walls,&#8\2\2\1; sa 17 — Above: “Mole Cottage is medieval, with solid stone walls,” says Justine (hence the “super deep ledge” on the kitchen window). When she first bought it, it was “very floral, very 1980s,” she told us in our original post on the place. Photograph by Harry Crowder.

the kitchen design hinged on a bit of happenstance. &#8\2\20;a few years ea 18 — Above: The kitchen design hinged on a bit of happenstance. “A few years earlier we’d sourced a zinc sink for a client, but it had to be rejected due to its size,” Justine says. “We were gutted, as it’s gorgeous, and I wished I could buy it on spec anyway. Years later, when planning for Mole Cottage, I was searching for oddities and saw a corner of a similar zinc sink in a reclamation yard and grabbed it. Later I went through photos that showed it was actually the same sink. I couldn’t believe it hadn’t been sold.”

(“It’s way oversized,” Justine says of the sink, “but that’s what makes it magical.”)

&#8\2\20;the \1950s french anglepoise wall light means light wherever you n 19 — Above: “The 1950s French Anglepoise wall light means light wherever you need it, as it can be used over the zinc sink or the work top,” says Justine. The light sockets and switches are from Corston. Photograph by Justyna Kulam.

&#8\2\20;the rest of the kitchen was then made around the sink,&#8\2\2\ 20 — Above: “The rest of the kitchen was then made around the sink,” says Justine. “Scaffold boards were used for shelving and worktops as I wanted a chunky profile on a tight budget. The kitchen has an induction hob and a hide-and-slide door that conceals a combination oven/grill/microwave. A small cupboard disguises pipework over the hob and provides extra storage and adds depth to the quirky space.”

mole cottage kitchen by harp studio, photo by harry crowder 21

mole cottage kitchen by harp studio, photo by justyna kulam 22

Above: In a small space, even the storage containers are attractive. “Baskets and old drawers hold pans and baking trays,” Justine says; earthenware pots corral cutlery; bread boards are displayed out in the open. Photograph at right by Justyna Kulam.

justine fitted an existing alcove with reclaimed scaffolding, which now holds c 23 — Above: Justine fitted an existing alcove with reclaimed scaffolding, which now holds crockery.

note the cabinet cut outs, a no fuss solution for a tiny space. photograph by j 24 — Above: Note the cabinet cut-outs, a no-fuss solution for a tiny space. Photograph by Justyna Kulam.

The cottage is currently available to rent on weekends through summer. To book a stay, email [email protected], and to take a full (virtual) tour, see Mole Cottage in Wales: A Calm, Creative Holiday House.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Tiny Kitchen Mole Cottage?

The Tiny Kitchen Mole Cottage is a small kitchen renovation project done by Justine Harp Studio, which features reclaimed materials.

Who designed the Tiny Kitchen Mole Cottage?

The design of the Tiny Kitchen Mole Cottage was done by Justine Harp Studio, a renowned interior design firm.

What type of materials were used in the renovation project?

The renovation project utilized reclaimed materials such as salvaged wood, vintage tiles, and recycled fixtures.

Why did Justine Harp Studio choose to use reclaimed materials?

Justine Harp Studio believes in sustainable design and the use of reclaimed materials aligns with their commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Did the Tiny Kitchen Mole Cottage go through any structural changes?

Yes, the renovation project involved some structural changes to optimize the use of space and create a functional kitchen area.

What are some notable features of the Tiny Kitchen Mole Cottage?

Some notable features of the Tiny Kitchen Mole Cottage include open shelving, a farmhouse sink, a vintage stove, and a reclaimed wood countertop.

Is the Tiny Kitchen Mole Cottage a practical and functional space?

Yes, despite its small size, the Tiny Kitchen Mole Cottage is designed to be practical and functional, making the most of the available space.

Can I get design inspiration from the Tiny Kitchen Mole Cottage for my own kitchen renovation project?

Absolutely! The Tiny Kitchen Mole Cottage serves as a great source of design inspiration, particularly for those interested in using reclaimed materials.

Where can I see more pictures of the Tiny Kitchen Mole Cottage?

You can find more pictures of the Tiny Kitchen Mole Cottage on the Remodelista website at https://www.remodelista.com/posts/tiny-kitchen-mole-cottage-justine-harp-studio-reclaimed/.

Can I hire Justine Harp Studio for my own kitchen renovation project?

Yes, Justine Harp Studio offers design services. You can contact them through their website or by reaching out to them directly.

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