A previously somber, restrictive kitchen has been rejuvenated into an airy, seaside-inspired room
Transforming a Dark Barn Kitchen into a Bright Coastal Haven
A once dark and dreary barn kitchen in Dorset has been transformed into a bright, fresh space that exudes coastal inspiration, thanks to a bespoke design by Nick Anderson of Guild Anderson. Liney and Jonathan, a family of five who recently returned to the UK, sought a new home and found the perfect one in a Dorset village, complete with a spacious barn kitchen that immediately caught their eye.
The kitchen layout avoids fitting cabinets into corners, providing a garden view spot and accentuating the room's size and height. Liney, the homeowner, requested a "bulletproof" kitchen with a large island for family use and a classic yet light aesthetic. The designer delivered by creating beautiful cabinetry with a "freestanding" look, suited to the room's proportions.
The bespoke kitchen design was delivered by Guild Anderson, known for their unique craftsmanship including metalwork pieces made in their Dorset workshop. The use of Little Greene's Hicks' Blue added to the color scheme, complementing the light and fresh feel. The Everhot range cooker was incorporated for cooking performance and style. Notably, the kitchen includes a hidden extraction system, which maintains clean sightlines and an uncluttered look by concealing the cooker’s ventilation mechanism discreetly into the design.
The finished kitchen is full of natural light and well-equipped to cater to a busy family. Stools are a great addition to the large island, increasing functionality and bringing a more informal air. Liney chose curtain and blind fabrics at Compton Smith Interiors, where she was recommended bespoke kitchen company Guild Anderson. The kitchen was renovated before moving out of their rental house in Salisbury.
Handmade glazed brick tiles in Fired Earth's Landscape Dusk were used as a splashback, mirroring the cooker and complementing the blue finish of the island and dresser. Liney added half-height tongue-and-groove panelling along the back wall to create balance in the kitchen space and provide a backrest for bench seating. The overmantel's clean and simple look is a natural fit with the traditional Shaker cabinetry.
Yellow brass pendant lights positioned above the island instantly uplift the space and add a luxurious feel. The kitchen renovation exemplifies high-end bespoke kitchen design combining functional innovation and elegant aesthetics in a Dorset setting.
Holly Reaney, a content editor for our platform, shares Liney's passion for traditional and country-inspired interiors, especially kitchen design. She is happiest exploring the countryside and is a strong believer that you can never have too many houseplants.
The homeowner, Liney, who shares a passion for traditional interiors and houseplants, introduced some greenery in her newly renovated coastal-inspired kitchen to elevate the home-and-garden ambiance. With the completion of the kitchen transformation by Guild Anderson, Liney's home, now a bright and spacious coastal haven, also became a suitable setting for her growing collection of houseplants, enhancing the overall lifestyle appeal of her home-improvement project.
