A Contemporary Twist on a Kitchen for a Yorkshire Barn Conversion

When most people imagine a kitchen for a barn conversion, they tend to picture a traditional, country-style space filled with warm tones and rustic charm. But Simon Thomas, Showroom Manager at Kitchen Design Centre Barrowford, had a different vision when tasked with creating a new kitchen for Hayley and Michael in their Yorkshire home.

Rejecting the typical country kitchen aesthetic, Simon opted for a fresh, contemporary approach. He chose a soft, muted Ravenna Cashmere colour for the cabinetry, paired with sleek matte black handles and accessories. This design choice not only transformed the look but also made the previously dark kitchen feel brighter and more inviting. 

Throughout the design process, Simon carefully considered the natural character of the timber in the space. He chose colours that would highlight these features and incorporated matching wood elements throughout the kitchen, in the form of Natural vintage Oak effect in the pantry and bar to create a harmonious, cohesive look.

The addition of 30mm Utopia Quartz worktops, extending the full length of the deep stone window sills, also enhances the kitchen’s light, airy, sleek, contemporary feel.Simon made the most of the available space by incorporating a large island and a spacious pantry cupboard, which helps keep appliances and food items neatly out of sight.

A standout feature of the new kitchen is the walk-in larder, utility, and drinks room, tucked behind a sliding glass door. This clever design allows the space to be seamlessly integrated into the kitchen or closed off for privacy, depending on the occasion.

Other thoughtful details Simon incorporated into the design include floating illuminated shelves and a double Belfast sink paired with a Quooker tap—another perfect blend of traditional charm and contemporary style.

As an avid cook, Michael was particularly focused on high-quality appliances. Together, they selected Neff for all the kitchen’s major appliances, balancing both performance and style. Their choices included the Flex design oven and combi oven with sleek graphite trims, together with a Neff fridge and wine fridge.