BARN CONVERSION
Crafted for a truly bespoke design
While working on plans to convert this old timber-frame barn in Surrey from scratch, into a home, the clients were recommended by their architect to take a look at several of Sola Kitchen’s projects on social media and inspired by what they saw, visited one of the showrooms to discuss their ideas.
The Brief
The clients envisioned placing the kitchen at the center of their beamed barn’s open-plan layout, with glazed bi-fold doors opening to the countryside at both the front and back of the house. While a separate walk-in pantry was being built behind the kitchen, they wanted ample storage within the kitchen itself to accommodate cooking paraphernalia, all with a contemporary look that would offset a black Aga. They preferred clear surfaces, with the sink positioned in the island to allow for views of the wider room and garden, rather than facing a wall. Having fallen in love with Sola Kitchen’s signature Skog style, they requested a very dark finish instead of natural oak, seeking a bold, modern contrast to the ancient timber structure without creating a stark effect.
The designer's solution combines flat-fronted tall and base cabinets with a run of wall-mounted Skog cabinets, all in black. These cabinets were spray-painted rather than hand-painted, creating a lighter finish that showcases the wood grain and allows the slatted oak to contrast with the flat fronts, adding texture and preventing a harsh look. A lightly white-veined quartz with polished, mitred edges was selected for the waterfall island and worktops, while plain off-white tiles with an undulating mother-of-pearl effect add another layer of texture and movement to the design.
Special Features
Organic fit: so as not to break the visual impact of the Skog cabinetry, nor lose any height or storage space, Sola's skilled installer carefully cut the doors so they fit around the beams precisely and can still be opened.
Finishing touches: the clients had originally wanted brass finishes for the fixtures and fittings but agreed with Sola Kitchen's suggestion that the effect might jar with the beams. Instead, they opted for plain black iron door furniture by Handle Påarp and a Quooker with a matte black finish.
Materials & Finishes
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3.- St Laurent Quartz
- Spray Painted Skog in Deep Black
- Spray Painted Oak in Deep Black
The process
