Kitchen Feature
Timeless Design
It's the attention to detail that makes this furniture expert so special
6 July 2022
With over 40 years of experience in designing beautiful, bespoke kitchens along with furniture for the rest of the home, Devon-based Barnes of Ashburton knows what it means to blend a timeless look with the latest trends. This year, key themes include forest green hues, rich olive tones, muted grey palettes and plenty of natural wood, stone and brushed metallic to enhance a feeling of warmth and character.
Take this kitchen for instance, by Debbie Harradence of Barnes of Ashburton. Designed for a traditional 16th-century Devon farmhouse tucked away in an east Dartmoor valley, it shows how the company’s signature cabinetry complements any space, large or small.
When the owners first moved in, both the kitchen and utility room were in need of refurbishment. There was no hot water supply and there had been multiple leaks over the years, leading to rotting cabinetry and floors, coupled with poorly executed DIY. Despite all this, they could see two rooms with beautiful original features that they wanted to enhance to make this part of the house the heart of the home.
“We wanted a modern country feel,” says owner Anna, “with beautiful rooms that would also work well for a busy household. In terms of inspiration, we wanted to maintain the character of the house and give it a timeless quality. For example, solidly constructed cabinetry and flagstone floors that would last for years. We are surrounded by beautiful countryside, so we knew we wanted to use the colour green to reflect the outside environment.”
Keen to use local suppliers, Anna and her husband Gordon chose Barnes of Ashburton to take on the project, from initial planning and design through to manufacture and installation. The farmhouse setting is complemented by natural stone tiles from Devon Stone, while a fully integrated under counter fridge, fridge freezer and dishwasher provide state-of-the-art cooling and dishwashing.
“We were given plenty of time to consider the design and also opportunities to make changes throughout the planning and installation period to ensure the layout met our needs,” adds Anna. “The installation team were great to work with. Nothing was too much trouble, and their expertise and focus was second to none. The scribing around the stone fireplace was a particular achievement. We were also really impressed with the attention to detail that the team showed. For instance, in liaising with the flooring company to ensure that the joint lines between the limestone slabs aligned with the kitchen units.”
It’s this attention to detail that makes Barnes of Ashburton so special. A furniture expert who turns any house into a home.
