The Barnes Project

The Design

When the owners first viewed the house, it was the location and character that immediately captured their hearts. Nestled in a quiet residential street, it had a certain charm, but also the unmistakable signs of a home in need of love. From the outset, they knew a comprehensive renovation would be essential to bring out its full potential.

The kitchen quickly emerged as the centrepiece of their plans. "We wanted it to be the place where we’d spend most of our time," they told us. "A hub for family life and relaxed entertaining." Their vision was clear, if they could get the kitchen right, it would set the tone for the rest of the house.

With space at a premium, one of the most challenging aspects of the project was working out how to create a kitchen that felt light, elegant, and practical, all within the constraints of a London family home.

"There were moments where we found ourselves going in circles, where to put appliances, how to balance tall cabinetry with more open, airy elements, and which finishes would feel timeless without being too minimal." Through close collaboration, we helped them visualise multiple layouts, offering suggestions that made the space feel generous and harmonious, without sacrificing everyday functionality.

The result is a kitchen that flows seamlessly into the surrounding rooms, with carefully considered storage and tactile finishes that bring a sense of calm to daily life.

While there are many elements the owners love, one feature stands out: a round table with an upholstered bench, set into a soft corner of the room. “It’s become our favourite spot,” they say. “Whether it’s breakfast with the children, coffee with friends, or just a quiet moment with a book, it draws everyone in.”

The curved seating adds a layer of softness and intimacy to the space, offering a contrast to the clean architectural lines elsewhere. It’s this balance, between function and feeling, that defines this project.

Previously, the home had a more traditional layout, with a separate dining room and a kitchen that felt disconnected and underused. Now, the entire ground floor flows together, with the kitchen as its natural anchor.

“We spend so much more time here now, cooking, helping with homework, or just enjoying a glass of wine while dinner’s on,” they reflect. “It’s completely changed how we live day to day. Everything feels more connected, more alive.”

The Details: Colours, Handles & Bespoke Details

The client chose Herringbone Paints Cathedral Stone for the cabinetry in the project, which work perfectly together! The handles are beautiful Corston handles in Burnished Brass.

The client sourced their lights from Pooky (brass pendants), Hector Finch (wall and island lighting). Their Dining table is Saarinen by Eames, Chairs are from Anthropologie, Stools from Otterhandmade via Etsy and the fabrics are from Christopher Farr and Perennials.

Our clients first came to Herringbone drawn by style and practicality of our designs. "We’d seen other projects and loved how they combined warmth with architectural clarity. From the beginning, the team understood what we wanted, even when we weren’t sure ourselves."

Through every stage of the renovation, from layout planning to final styling, the collaboration remained focused and intuitive. The result is a space that feels entirely bespoke, both classic and contemporary, and perfectly in tune with the rhythms of daily life.