Duncan Cleere 
Extending our business across the many rural areas that encompass the West Country, we often find ourselves answering enquiries from clients who live in barn conversions.
Coming from a background in Interior Design, we regard ourselves as specialists in this field.
Such buildings are always an inspiration to get our creative juices flowing.
I wanted to explore through this article some of the design inspirations and thought processes that we bring to bear in mind, in order to answer the unique challenges, with specific reference to a number of projects that illustrate what is possible.
Visiting a barn conversion for the first time, the initial design thoughts that enter my mind are from the outside approach rather than what we’re looking at from inside.
I’m mindful to specify a colour or stain that will best complement the windows, the stone facade or timber cladding (or combinations of both).
Once inside the barn, I’m also taking in elements of the interior decorative scheme which encompass flooring, decorative items, painted furniture, soft furnishings and of course, the window frames themselves.
I’m looking at how large the windows might be and what size slats on a shutters would be best proportionate.
And considering which type of timber would work best…
We have a really nice range of smooth grain finishes and those that present something more ‘textural’, which can be perfectly suited to a more rustic setting.
I’m examining how painted shutter colours appear from inside and considering how those same colours will appear on the outside elevation as well.
As well as considering the option of using a stain finish, which offers some beautiful possibilities.
Looking at options for finishes on hinges and how such details can be brought to bear.
All of these elements are key to the design process that we really enjoy going through with clients in order to create something that’s truly bespoke and unique to the character of your home.
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