Post-pandemic, renowned interior designer, author and ex-BBC Dragon Kelly Hoppen dreamed of escaping to the country… as long as she could take a little bit of the city with her.
She took possession of the broken-down shell of a Cotswolds lambing barn, turning it into a 2,500sq ft home with three wings facing on to a central courtyard. It has been her weekend retreat for two years.
‘The barn’s interior is a mix of inspiration from the city and country, a nice medium,’ says Kelly. ‘You feel like you’re definitely in a rural environment, but you also feel like a part of you is from London.
‘It’s reflective of my post-pandemic lifestyle. When we first viewed it, it was pure rubble and I just made a decision then and there as I had been looking for so long and wanted a space like this in the country.’
Downstairs it’s light and airy with high ceilings and exposed original wood beams. The big, multifunctional living area is great for when guests visit. Kelly wanted the kitchen to have a classic barn-style feel with neutral tones and textures and large windows: ‘I do a lot of cooking in the barn and I really wanted to enjoy the courtyard and landscape while doing so.
‘I was never into cooking before and it was always a joke that I had beautiful kitchens but never cooked. However, I have spent a lot of time in the kitchen since the pandemic and I have begun cooking regularly and really enjoyed it.’ After lockdown, she slowly started inviting friends and family.
Our kitchen and dining room truly are the heart of the home. It’s a very important space for me, not just how it looks but as a practical space, too. Just to be clear, I am not a great cook. But I cook tasty simple food, quickly.’
Hanging lamps by Fritz Hansen make a statement between the original beams, while Kelly’s trademark neutral colour palette brings a contemporary finish to the classic layout of the space.
The kitchen leads into the open-plan dining and living area. Kelly brought in a classic-style Smeg fridge, wicker baskets – and an InSinkErator 4N1 Touch tap and InSinkErator Evolution 250 food waste disposer. This kitchen is simple and practical. ‘It juxtaposes old and new.
Colour accents can easily be added with plants or a bowl of fruit, says Kelly. ‘A neutral colour palette is always a great base to start. The palette I used throughout features oak beams and floors, grey, black, off-white and sand.
Hanging lights over the kitchen island creates a focal point. Having lots of natural light in a kitchen is the best.’
To create your perfect kitchen, pinpoint your specific needs early on, advises Kelly. ‘From here, you can determine what you need to prioritise in your layout and fixtures, and highlight must-have features.
‘This is a space where we meet, eat, cook and entertain. Personality and detail are important in the design, but don’t underestimate the importance of functionality and practicality.
‘The last thing you want is to be nudging guests out of the way to reach for serving utensils.’
Let the light in with some pendants
Instant-heat tap
InSinkErator® 4N1 Touch tap: ‘It’s so practical, I can make a cup of tea in seconds.’ Available from retailers for around £1,449.
Kelly also likes the InSinkErator® Evolution 250 (£555) food waste disposer, saying: ‘It keeps my kitchen clean, smelling fresh and fly free and means that I don’t need to use a bin caddy.’
Smeg fridge
‘I just love the classic Smeg fridge, it’s perfect for a cottage or country property like mine.’
Serving platter
Nespresso Coffee Machine
White Smeg Toaster
‘I love white appliances, it can really soften a kitchen look with hard surfaces.’
Buy the Smeg TSF01 2-Slice Toaster in white for £149 from John Lewis.
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News Source : Metro 50
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