A Creative Renovation Rooted in Nature
Penelope Chilvers and Neptune are proud to reveal our latest collaboration, bringing Neptune's timeless craftsmanship into Penelope's idyllic Cotswold farmhouse.
With a focus on artistry, timeless design, and meaningful detail, Penelope's creative approach reflects many of the same values that define Neptune. "I am delighted to be invited to be an ambassador for Neptune," she shares. "As a creative whose work celebrates tradition and craft, there's a lot about my own artistic and creative practice that aligns with Neptune's approach to design and production."
This deeply personal project reimagines a modest country kitchen, "more of a cosy parlour for two," as Penelope describes, into a space designed to welcome a growing family. "Suddenly, the house had a new purpose" she explains.
Penelope imagined a kitchen with children running around the table constantly, but for this to happen, a wall had to be taken down and the dining room and kitchen merged into one space.
When Penelope visited the Neptune showroom in Cheltenham and saw how timeless, long-lasting and sympathetic their designs were for a small Cotswold farmhouse like hers, she started dreaming of designing a kitchen to suit the next 30 years of her life...
The design combines Suffolk cabinetry in Polenta, Neptune's warm seasonal shade, with the rich grain of Henley oak, a layered, enduring palette that complements the natural tones of Penelope's home. The family kitchen balances elegance and utility, heritage and future.
A standout is a glazed cabinet, personalised by Penelope with a delicate, hand-painted interior inspired by nature. Soft botanical motifs and subtle butterflies nod to the garden and bring a gentle storytelling element.
"I wanted to create something that felt intimate and reflective, a moment of nature captured indoors. The butterflies are a symbol of beauty and fragility, and a quiet reminder of the responsibility we all share to protect the natural world. Painting the inside of the cabinet pays homage to nature itself and brings my garden indoors in the winter months."
More than a personal design choice, the collaboration reflects a shared belief in creating spaces with meaning, ones that connect generations, honour the landscape, and invite stories to unfold. "And I imagine with hopefulness, as my baby grandchildren grow they will look forward to returning to the house with the 'butterfly cabinet' throughout their childhoods" Penelope shares.
Finishing touches, such as the made-to-measure merino wool curtains by British textile brand Tori Murphy, further soften the space and frame the garden beyond, reflecting Penelope's thoughtful, layered approach to home.
To celebrate the collaboration, Penelope hosted a lunch in the garden of her freshly designed Cotswold farmhouse.
Fred Horlock, Design Director at Neptune, adds: "Collaborating with Penelope Chilvers felt like a natural extension of Neptune's philosophy. Her dedication to traditional craft, sustainability, and storytelling through design perfectly echoes our commitment to creating spaces that endure and inspire. Together, we've crafted something truly special that reflects our shared belief in beauty, longevity, and respect for the environment."
Inspired by the past, with respect to the future. Click below to read more about our commitment to sustainability.
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