KITCHEN

A distinctive lavender-hued wash and tactile beauty strike the perfect balance between modern and rustic in this converted barn

Simple wood cabinetry with a lavender wash is perfect for this converted barn.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROJECT?

This is the kitchen of a beautifully restored barn overlooking the South Downs National Park in Hampshire. The original conversion from barn to home, though nicely done, was ready for a revamp – the kitchen was worn out and the owners felt that the flow of the layout could be improved.

WHAT WAS YOUR BRIEF?

To be mindful of the property’s original features, which include some magnificent beams that must be hundreds of years old. Everything we did had to work around these, but seamlessly, so that the new kitchen felt like a natural fit. Above all, the scheme had to be interesting, contemporary, light and airy, like the rest of the barn. This is the heart of the house so it was important for it to feel relaxed. The owners requested an island that would act as a hub, somewhere for guests to perch, plus an informal dining space. They were happy to have under-counter appliances to keep the walls clear of cabinets.

WHY DID THE OWNERS CHOOSE THIS CABINETRY?

I first met the owners at our Tysoe Street showroom in London,

where they’d come to see our Sebastian Cox Kitchen displays. They had read about the company’s British heritage – its kitchens are not only handmade in the UK but consist entirely of native timbers. This particular design appealed for its relaxed, mismatched look, which works well with the barn’s rustic charm. We played on this by switching from vertical to horizontal grain on the drawer fronts and mixing the handle options.

WHAT INSPIRED THE COLOUR?

Lavender has always been in our Sebastian Cox palette but this is the first time anyone has chosen it. The colour is more of a “wash” than a flat tone so you see the texture of the wood coming through. The clients went for a much higher percentage of natural rough-sawn beech fronts than most, using the wash to add interest rather than dominate the space.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE WORKTOPS?

They are made from solid-oak staves, jointed for strength. We discussed bringing in some stone, maybe marble on the island, but the owners felt that wood was a more natural choice – the barn is oak framed. Wood worktops are also easier to scribe to the walls. Upstands were on the cards but the owners decided to go without, so giving the beams more space to breathe.

WHAT MAKES THIS KITCHEN SO SPECIAL?

The clients were open to the idea of it being a bit different and that’s always exciting. The industrial-look lighting and exposed electrics are perfect in this space and help to create a cohesive urban-rustic kitchen in a wonderful historical setting.

OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE

FROM BOTTOM LEFT An integrated extractor clad in rough-sawn beech makes for a discreet cooker hood; the island unit has a generous overhang to provide plenty of space for bar stools on three sides; simple box seating, with lift-up storage, creates a cosy dining space.

THIS PAGE, FROM ABOVE LEFT The Sebastian Cox glazed freestanding cupboard, with its woven-ash interior and imperfect vintage glass, is a beautiful piece for displaying cherished earthenware; the pillarstyle taps feature an aged-brass finish that DEVOL has created in collaboration with Perrin & Rowe.