WINDOW ON THE WORLD
Stunning views over rolling hills steal the show in this minimalist barn conversion, where contemporary style meets rustic character
This dreamy home has breathtaking views
WHO LIVES HERE
TV presenter and garden designer Katie Rushworth lives in this three-bed barn conversion in Hawksworth, Leeds, with her husband, Ed, daughter, Polly, stepdaughter, Schyler, and dogs Ziggy and Yoko. When the couple took on this barn with no water or electrics, it was a learning curve, but they loved the views and saw potential. After two-and-a-half years, they’re delighted with the home they’ve created, which blends mid-century modern style with Japanese minimalism and boutique hotel influences. ‘We wanted a living space on the first floor to make the most of the views,’ says Katie.
HEART OF THE HOME
The open-plan kitchen, diner and living room, with three large picture windows, is a real showstopper. It is kept uncluttered thanks to the utility room and cloakroom hidden behind sliding doors. Katie and Ed have achieved their aim of creating a multifunctional space, perfect for eating and relaxing. Smoked Oak flooring from Birbek Floors was chosen throughout, as the darker hue hides a multitude of sins, while a beautiful terrazzo marble floor is a hard-wearing choice for zoning the kitchen area.
SUPPER TIME
Katie collaborated with a designer friend on the lighting throughout the house and has chosen a mix of options. She loves the string lighting by Flos as it can be dimmed by touching the cone diffuser. Chairs from Made.com with a mid-century shape work well with the contemporary table. It has a wooden top made by a joiner friend and metal legs by Iron Octopus.
NEUTRAL PALETTE
Katie chose a neutral sofa from Boconcept so it wouldn’t detract from the views, but picked a teal swivel chair and footstool for a pop of colour. The low coffee table is also from Boconcept, but Katie made the taller one herself with leftover terrazzo and legs fabricated by Iron Octopus. In the evenings, a swing light by Mobelaris casts a softer glow.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
Exposed stone pillars and wood beams lead the eye towards the views. Plaster boarding accommodates blinds from Hudson Blinds so they can’t be seen when rolled up. The top half is more sheer than the bottom, giving privacy while retaining the views.
WARM IT UP
Katie designed the fireplace as she wanted a fresh plaster look. A large flue makes the most of high ceilings. The wood burner is from Decorum Fireplaces. The concrete shelf has been fixed to the wall with brackets by Iron Octopus. Laying the flooring in a chevron formation has given this space its own identity.
SPACE SAVER
Not wanting to waste space, Katie asked her joiner to create sliding doors behind the sink. It keeps the kitchen uncluttered.
WORKING FROM HOME
‘I hate clutter, so there’s a place for everything,’ says Katie. ‘I was ruthless about selling things on ebay and taking stuff to charity shops.’ A wall of folding doors hides Ed’s office.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Inspired by a hotel in Barcelona, Katie chose wooden pendant lights on either side of the bed. She really liked the streamlined look, with no trailing wires on the floor.
CONTEMPORARY BATHING
Katie found a dual-head gold shower at Livinghouse and made a pendant light from a Heal’s ceramic bulb and a gold fitting found online. A seemingly flat mirror conceals storage set into the wall.