Converted Barn Remodel
The Cotswolds
Modern rustic interiors, bespoke joinery, and open-plan family living for a converted barn
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, this converted barn project by Ivywell Interiors marries rustic charm with contemporary design. Exposed beams, natural stone, and modern finishes come together to create a warm, inviting family home that respects its heritage while embracing modern living.
The interiors leaned heavily dark wood and the layout was tricky. With some creativity and clever thinking, the team designed a scheme to update the property to the owners’ style whilst preserving the unique character.
"This project was all about finding the perfect balance—honouring the home’s original character while tailoring it to the owners' tastes and lifestyle. From reimagining the mezzanine to designing a kitchen that feels fresh yet timeless, every detail was considered. This is exactly what we strive for—designing spaces that feel effortless, functional, and truly lived in."
Before the renovation
Preserving character while
creating a home with a heart
We began with a bold move: replacing the wooden mezzanine with a contemporary steel and glass staircase and balustrade. This instantly set the tone for the rest of the space. A muted colour palette allowed the sandy hues of the Cotswold stone to shine, while the black beam over the wood burner was kept for contrast. With the mezzanine blending into the now lighter ceiling and beams, the true volume of the space could finally be appreciated. This room is proof that contemporary and traditional can coexist beautifully when they complement each other.
Modern technology was seamlessly integrated into the design with a hidden cinema screen and projector transforming the room into the ultimate entertaining space. Knowing the owners love watching live sporting events with friends and family, we designed a bespoke sofa in a soft but hard wearing velvet from Warwick Fabrics, to comfortably accommodate large gatherings where everyone can cheer on their favourite team together.
A Fresh and Functional Kitchen
Although the kitchen needed a complete overhaul, the owners were keen to minimise costs, they just wanted a clean, fresh update. We opted for a Howdens Kitchen as it was good value and had options to customise it with the fitter. We designed a practical U-shaped layout with plenty of storage and managed to accommodate a compact kitchen island. A relaxed dining area overlooking the rear garden with a wood burner adds to the space’s charm. To keep the ceilings from feeling low, we used a light colour scheme, accented with touches of colour inspired by the owners’ artwork.
A Master Suite Inspired by Nature
The master suite was designed around a cosy reading nook—formerly a walk-in wardrobe—offering a peaceful spot to unwind while enjoying views of the garden. Made-to-measure voile curtains in Kai fabrics were added to soften the space, while a textured blue wallpaper from Casadeco created a calming focal point behind the bed. A palette of blue and green hues flows throughout the room, echoing the owners’ love of the sea and nature, and connecting seamlessly with the rest of the home. The compact en-suite bathroom was refreshed with large-format Onyx tiles from Mandarin Stone, introducing a spa-like atmosphere and enhancing the sense of space.
A Playful and Versatile Guest Room
The guest bedroom quickly became one of our favourite spaces to design. With creative freedom, we envisioned a fun, versatile room that could accommodate both children and adults. Darker shades create a cocooning effect, while the adjacent bathroom takes on a funky monochrome look to balance the colourful bedroom.
Seamless Project Management
With the owners splitting their time between London and abroad, and a long list of items to source—tiles, sofas, beds, furniture, lighting—communication was key. Led by our ever-efficient Kirsty, the project was broken into clear phases and milestones to keep everything on track. After five days of installation, the owners finally saw their new home in person and said it looked even more beautiful than they’d imagined from the designs.
Looking to blend old and new in your home? Whether it’s a full renovation or thoughtful updates to enhance your space, we’re here to help. Get in touch to see how we can create a home that feels effortlessly stylish, functional, and uniquely yours.
