Jaye Garcia

The clients approached our designer with a vision of transforming their current kitchen space, which was dark, small in size and had poor access to their existing home’s layout. They wanted a kitchen with quality cabinetry, a large island, energy-efficient appliances, ample storage, seating and interior features that would make the room a beautiful, yet functional hub for their whole family. 

To achieve their dream kitchen, the clients sought permission from the conservation officer and planning office. Once approved, they commissioned builders to remove the barn’s top floor to create a vaulted ceiling, knock down an internal wall, and remove non-structural wooden piers to create more space and light. 

Our designer faced the challenge of balancing interior and architectural features in the project. Whilst the clients wanted to preserve the barn's rustic ambience with its characteristic wooden beams and framed doors, they also expressed a desire for the kitchen to exude a soft, and organic feel. 

The clients also wanted their new kitchen to serve as the hub of their home, so our designer created distinct zoned areas for cooking, dining, socializing, playing, and working. The removal of the first floor revealed a vaulted ceiling, which had created extra height and lift and to maximise this, a large picture window was added to bring in more light. 

Within the centre of the room, our designer had considered including two islands to increase flow but later decided that one large island would be the preferred option as it would allow the clients to have easy movement and access to all the integrated appliances and allow cooking on one side and comfortable seating on the opposite side. Adjacent to the island is a dining area with a round table for easy weekly dinners. 

A timber effect laminate door in Cottage Oak with contrasting cabinetry in an Umbra-toned lacquered shaker door from SieMatic’s cabinetry range was chosen and contrasted with a bronze-handled shaker door at the breakfast bar and drinks section. 

The worktop was a challenge in the design process due to the size of the worktop needed, as it needed to feature a seamless join with two pieces of the stone, so to overcome that 12mm Neolith Abu Dhabi worktops (and splashbacks) were chosen so the worktop veining was book-matched to look as though it was one large piece. 

Since the clients wanted ample storage dedicated drawers and overflow storage were added to the internal side of the door and utility cupboards. A worktop space under the window was also included for making coffee and soft drinks from the Liebherr pull-out fridge below. 

The result is a luxury family kitchen that merges contemporary elegance with the rustic charm of the barn. It now offers a welcoming well-zoned space where the family can cook, dine at the large round table next to the dual-sided fireplace, unwind, and connect with the local area’s beauty. 

Project cost: £76,680.84

View this retailer's profile