This simple but soulful barn conversion in the English countryside perfectly fuses modern and rustic styles

This home was once an agricultural barn and while its working days are long gone, it still benefits from beautiful big-sky views across the unspoiled English countryside.

When house design experts Jessica Gibbons and Katherine Turner of Field Day Studio were asked to reimagine the converted barn’s style, they wanted to pay tribute to its magical setting as well as ushering in a modern aesthetic that suited their clients' lifestyles.

With the barn conversions' floor-to-ceiling windows letting light into the dining area and mezzanine above, the surrounding landscape is key. ‘We always strive to give our interiors a sense of place – but this home was particularly tied to its setting, with views so striking they almost function like artwork,’ says Jessica.

The redesign brought in the colors and textures from outside and worked in tandem with the ever-changing light. ‘We wanted the interior to feel like an extension of the environment and blur the boundaries between the two,’ adds Katherine.

With this aesthetic in mind, the organic color palette errs towards shades rooted in nature, from pale neutrals to forest greens and dusky pinks. Then there are glimmers of yellow and warm gold, expressed most clearly in the brass bench that runs along the width of the living area and was made by Maddison & Sons, contractors on the project.

‘The brass bench was inspired by our overarching concept of celebrating the golden hour, which is wonderful to witness here,’ says Jessica. Deciding to fabricate it in brass was the perfect way to ‘capture the glow and luminosity of this special time of day,’ she adds. Although this sculptural brass piece has a functional side, with integrated seating and hidden storage for fire logs, it also contributes to the range of textures within this home.

‘We love to create interiors that engage the senses,’ says Katherine. ‘Brass serves as a smooth, cool counterpoint to the more rustic, organic elements.’ Thus, its clean, gleaming lines are balanced by the deep corduroy of the sofa and the nobbly bouclé of two chairs. The textures of old wood are introduced with a well-loved vintage chest of drawers that also serves as a gentle reminder of the forested hills that lie beyond the windows.

The wall and floor finishes add to the gentle interplay of textures and this home’s ongoing connection to its wider environment. For the walls, Field Day Studio opted for a tinted clay plaster that is manufactured in Cornwall by Clayworks. ‘It’s a gorgeous sustainable material with a wonderful tactility,’ Katherine explains.

In this home, the subtle tonal variations in the plaster also help to diffuse the flow of natural light, which can be intense in the summer. This natural clay finish replaced previous expanses of flat emulsion and, as Katherine adds, ‘The handcrafted feel of the plaster adds to the sense of timelessness, quiet luxury.’

The pared-back furniture and the gleam of brass ensure that a modern mood runs through the space. ‘The minimal aesthetic helps us achieve a feeling of serenity,’ Jessica says. However, there’s also a sense of lived-in longevity, with vintage art and mid-century chairs.

Meanwhile, bespoke shelving on the mezzanine accommodates part of the family’s library, which adds a been-here-forever mood. In this way, timelessness and modernity, light and shade are brought together.

Because this home is a barn conversion, its spaces are a mix of double- and single-height and vaulted and there’s also a variety of window sizes, meaning that light is distributed in different ways. Field Day Studio played upon this dynamic, emphasizing how the shift in light is experienced as one moves from one space to the next.

‘The sitting room is a more intimate, cocoon-like space that opens into the beautifully light dining area where the landscape is suddenly very present,’ says Jessica. When the sun sets, it’s time to turn on the lamps and accent lighting that accentuates a coziness in both spaces. This means that, even by night, this is a home that pays tribute to the golden hour that first inspired its design.

Meet the designers

Founders Jessica Gibbons and Katherine Turner share their style inspiration

What part was the biggest indulgence?

The large chest of drawers from Pure White Lines. It’s an incredible piece that lends scale, impact and texture – and has bags of storage.

What small change has a huge impact?

Using handcrafted brassware by Studio Ore to reinvigorate the bathrooms. It has a beautiful materiality and understated luxury.

Your go-to color?

The clay plaster was the starting point for a palette of warm neutrals.

Any design heroes?

For this project, Alvar Aalto’s design philosophy resonates. He created spaces that were deeply connected to the way people used them and the environment.

Can you reveal a store we should know?

Perennials for resilient fabrics that are perfect for family life and Puckhaber for fabulous one-off antiques.

What's your favorite place to visit?

The Somerset town of Bruton has a sense of place that feels both elegant and authentic, with Hauser & Wirth plus smaller shops and galleries that champion local craftspeople.