Little Canfield Barn Conversion

LocationEssex, UKDesignHandmade Kitchen Company

When the owners of a traditional old barn in Little Canfield decided to undertake extensive building work to restore and renovate the property, the kitchen was central in their vision of what a perfect family home should be. The whole kitchen design was inspired by their love of spending time with both family and friends, and was to be a room that they’d love for many years to come. Aesthetically they wanted to create a traditional country kitchen that aligned with the historic feel of the old barn. Yet they also wanted modern, chic touches that kept it contemporary and practical to use.


The resulting space is a timeless mix of cool concrete floors, generous high ceilings and the original exposed wooden frame of the barn that adds both texture and warmth.

The new kitchen’s main feature is the vast L-shaped kitchen island.

Crafted from oak in a simple Shaker style, it is the largest island that Handmade Kitchen Company has ever installed. Featuring hand painted cabinetry in Farrow & Ball Down Pipe, this huge centrepiece is an extremely effective focal point that looks really impressive in the space. The perfect place to congregate, eat, prepare food or just relax with the morning papers, this beautiful island also provides the perfect contrast to the cabinetry around the perimeter of the room which is painted in Shaded White, also from Farrow & Ball.

Incorporating a breakfast bar.

The Bianco Eclipsia quartzite worktop overhangs one side of the island to create an informal seating area where the family can gather for breakfast. Open shelving at one end creates the ideal place to show off the fascinating pieces the family have brought back from their travels. The island also has enough room for a bespoke wine storage shelf and a Neff wine cooler to be neatly concealed inside.

The homeowners knew exactly where they wanted the sink to be in the new kitchen.

So as instructed, a handcrafted Shaker Double sink by Shaws of Darwen was positioned to take full advantage of the large windows within the room, allowing a perfect view of the outdoors while washing up in its deep spacious bowls. 

Perrin & Rowe brassware and accessories bring an unrivalled elegance to the space, and a touch of modernity to an otherwise traditional space. An Juliet monobloc mixer tap with useful side rinse sits alongside a contemporary deck-mounted soap dispenser, whilst shell and button kitchen handles can be seen across the cabinetry. 

The completed kitchen is a wonderful open-plan space that has been tastefully created with a great eye for detail, and provides everything you need for the perfect family kitchen.