The Brief
The house had great character and bags of potential, but the layout was confused. Previous renovations had left the space feeling fragmented and dark. We needed to undo the damage and give this large family some actual breathing room.
The Architectural Move
We found a stunning vaulted roof hiding above a false ceiling. The first job was to take that down. By knocking out the partition walls, we turned a gloomy corridor into a light-filled space.
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The Layout
Nobody likes being stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun. We built a banquette seat right into the island so the cook stays part of the conversation.
The Drinks Cabinet
To capitalise on the grand proportions and impressive height of the vaulted ceiling, we designed a bespoke home bar that anchors the dining area. Hidden behind bi-fold doors, the layout incorporates an antique-style mirrored back panel that pulls light into the room while highlighting its architectural lines.
Inside, the station is fully equipped for hosting, boasting a premium brass-finished tap, a prep sink, and twin under-counter units – one a dedicated wine cabinet, the other a drinks fridge for beers and mixers. Integrated warm LEDs illuminate the glassware for evening entertaining. When the night draws to a close, the entire unit effortlessly shuts to restore a clean aesthetic before Sunday brunch. Positioned directly opposite the classic round table and central dining area, it creates a self-contained entertainment space that keeps the host fully connected to the party.
Walk-In Pantry
Designed to avoid the trap of a dark, forgotten cupboard, this walk-in pantry adds genuine character and utility to the kitchen. A glazed Crittall-style door physically separates the food storage to keep clutter contained, while keeping visual sight-lines open. Inside, the space is flooded with natural light, balancing rugged grey flagstone flooring with natural oak shelving and soft off-white cabinetry. Complete with a practical worktop station and shallow shelving, it serves as a beautifully organised display case for groceries and small appliances.
Laundry Room
For the laundry, we wanted to respect the heritage of the original barn conversion – honouring the exposed timber beams and rugged flagstones while introducing a clean, contemporary edge.
Miele appliances sit under an expansive stone worktop, giving you a proper view out of the Georgian window while you fold. We added a deep Belfast sink for the soaking, but our favourite detail is the set of pull-out wooden sorting crates. They add texture and stop the whites getting mixed with the darks.
The Finished Project
This design respects the building’s original character while providing a contemporary environment for the whole family to enjoy. See more of our full house projects.
Questions About This Project
We found a vaulted roof hiding above a false ceiling, took the ceiling down and knocked out the partition walls.
So the cook stays part of the conversation instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
A home bar behind bi-fold doors, a walk-in pantry behind a Crittall-style door and a laundry room with pull-out sorting crates.
