Kitchen Tour: A Simple Shaker Kitchen In a New-Build Barn
Natural materials and muted tones create a Shaker-style kitchen filled with beautiful and useful pieces
The Shaker ethos of creating artisan furniture that is functional, simple and beautiful holds as true today as it did when it originated in the 18th century. So, when the owners of this new-build barn decided to extend out and install a new kitchen and family space, they were clear they wanted a Shaker-style design that was practical, timeless and a considered mix of classic and contemporary.
“The customers already had a beautiful utility room from us and got in touch regarding their kitchen project,” says Helen Robson, senior designer at bespoke kitchen manufacturers, deVOL.
“The customers already had a beautiful utility room from us and got in touch regarding their kitchen project,” says Helen Robson, senior designer at bespoke kitchen manufacturers, deVOL.
The clients had a clear idea of what they wanted: an open and simple Scandinavian style, rows of open shelving for display, a big range cooker and a large island with seating to chat to friends while cooking.
“The lovely large island with tongue-and-groove panelling is the perfect spot to relax and chat away to whoever’s pottering about in the kitchen,” explains Robson. “As well as the breakfast bar area, the island houses a microwave, a double bin, pan drawers plus a sink.”
Flori tarnished silver pendant lights, Rowen & Wren.
“The lovely large island with tongue-and-groove panelling is the perfect spot to relax and chat away to whoever’s pottering about in the kitchen,” explains Robson. “As well as the breakfast bar area, the island houses a microwave, a double bin, pan drawers plus a sink.”
Flori tarnished silver pendant lights, Rowen & Wren.
The Shaker-stye units are handbuilt by deVOL using a painted plywood interior and solid hardwood doors, finished in a beautiful bespoke pale-grey paint, specially mixed for the customer.
The mix of open and closed base cupboards creates plenty of storage, but still allows the family to display their collections of crockery and glassware.
“Two white Shaker shelves run along the back wall, removing the need for any wall cupboards,” says the designer. “We always love the look of simple shelves and encourage our customers to go for one whenever possible; they keep the kitchen feeling uncluttered, light and airy.”
Walls painted in Strong White, Farrow & Ball.
The mix of open and closed base cupboards creates plenty of storage, but still allows the family to display their collections of crockery and glassware.
“Two white Shaker shelves run along the back wall, removing the need for any wall cupboards,” says the designer. “We always love the look of simple shelves and encourage our customers to go for one whenever possible; they keep the kitchen feeling uncluttered, light and airy.”
Walls painted in Strong White, Farrow & Ball.
Even though the space looks like a traditional barn, it is actually a brand-new building designed by the owners.
“There were a few restrictions, but as it’s a modern extension using reclaimed wooden beams, planning issues weren’t as difficult as it might appear,” says Robson.
“There is an amazing walk-in pantry just off the kitchen which is part of the reason that the design is able to be so open and simple, as a large proportion of storage, and even a big American-style fridge-freezer, are tucked out of the way.”
“There were a few restrictions, but as it’s a modern extension using reclaimed wooden beams, planning issues weren’t as difficult as it might appear,” says Robson.
“There is an amazing walk-in pantry just off the kitchen which is part of the reason that the design is able to be so open and simple, as a large proportion of storage, and even a big American-style fridge-freezer, are tucked out of the way.”
The choice of sleek, bright-white quartz worktops combined with the soft neutral colour palette adds to the cool and uncomplicated feel of the kitchen.
“Quartz is always a great option for families with small children, or for people who don’t want to have to give their worktops too much attention,” explains Robson, “It’s super hardwearing, durable and non-porous so you won’t end up with pesky marks everywhere!”
A second sink on the island unit is perfect for prepping food.
Mayan deck-mounted taps in a pewter finish, Perrin & Rowe. Round fireclay undermounted sink, Shaws.
Want to know which worktop to go for? Follow this guide to help you choose
“Quartz is always a great option for families with small children, or for people who don’t want to have to give their worktops too much attention,” explains Robson, “It’s super hardwearing, durable and non-porous so you won’t end up with pesky marks everywhere!”
A second sink on the island unit is perfect for prepping food.
Mayan deck-mounted taps in a pewter finish, Perrin & Rowe. Round fireclay undermounted sink, Shaws.
Want to know which worktop to go for? Follow this guide to help you choose
The long run of units features a large range cooker, a dishwasher and a mix of pan drawers and cupboards to cope with the storage needs of a busy family.
“The extractor fan was constructed by the client’s builders on site, which is why it matches in with the beams,” adds Robson. “I really love this thoughtful and subtle feature.”
Combi-microwave oven, Smeg.
“The extractor fan was constructed by the client’s builders on site, which is why it matches in with the beams,” adds Robson. “I really love this thoughtful and subtle feature.”
Combi-microwave oven, Smeg.
One of the biggest challenges of the job was lining up the sink with the window and the range cooker with the beam to ensure the extractor fan housing could tie in.
Vintage-style wall lights and deVOL’s own pewter cup handles highlight the modern-rustic vibe.
Range cooker, Mercury. Fabulous wall lights, Rockett St George.
Vintage-style wall lights and deVOL’s own pewter cup handles highlight the modern-rustic vibe.
Range cooker, Mercury. Fabulous wall lights, Rockett St George.
The classic, Shaker-style kitchen has a modular design which resembles individual pieces of furniture.
Shutters were sourced by Vintage Barn Interiors, a company co-founded by the homeowners.
Farmhouse 80 double bowl ceramic sink, Villeroy & Boch.
Check out some of the best Shaker-style kitchens on Houzz
Shutters were sourced by Vintage Barn Interiors, a company co-founded by the homeowners.
Farmhouse 80 double bowl ceramic sink, Villeroy & Boch.
Check out some of the best Shaker-style kitchens on Houzz
A vintage wooden dining table and a couple of mismatched chairs finish the space off perfectly.
“It nods to the cool mix of old and new that runs throughout this family home,” says Robson.
“It nods to the cool mix of old and new that runs throughout this family home,” says Robson.
The light-filled space is wonderfully tranquil and calm.
“I love the light and open layout,” adds Robson. “It’s something so lovely when you walk into a room and it instantly makes you feel a little bit better, a little more relaxed and at ease – and that’s just how this space feels.”
What do you think of this new-build barn with a vintage, Shaker feel? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
“I love the light and open layout,” adds Robson. “It’s something so lovely when you walk into a room and it instantly makes you feel a little bit better, a little more relaxed and at ease – and that’s just how this space feels.”
What do you think of this new-build barn with a vintage, Shaker feel? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who lives here A family of four
Location Oxfordshire
Property New-build barn
Size 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Designer Helen Robson, senior kitchen designer, deVOL kitchens
The owners bought an old bungalow in the countryside with a hope to renovate and make the property more barn-style.
“After speaking to the architect though, they realised it would cost more to renovate than to rebuild, so they decided to knock it down and rebuild to their own design,” says Helen Robson, senior designer at deVOL who was brought on board to design the new kitchen.
It took 20 months to build the barn, during which time the family lived in the annexe which was built first.
As for the new kitchen, it sits in the new extension at the back of the main house where it gets most light.