Converted Barn Remodel
The Cotswolds
Cotswolds Meets Contemporary
"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."
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, this converted barn was full of charm, with exposed beams and stunning Cotswold stone. However, the layout was tricky, and the interiors leaned heavily on dark wood. The owners wanted to adapt the property to suit their lifestyle and style while preserving its unique character.
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 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 sourced cabinets that were really good value and had just enough space to incorporate a central island. We designed a practical U-shaped layout with plenty of storage. 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 perfect spot to relax and take in the garden views. Blues and greens, reflecting the owners’ love of the sea and nature, flow throughout the room and the rest of the house. The compact en-suite bathroom was updated with large-format Onyx tiles to create a spa-like feel and the illusion of more 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.
