Some projects are a real pleasure to be involved in, and The Threshing Barn was certainly one of them. Set in a small village on the outskirts of Nottingham, this beautifully renovated barn conversion provided the setting for a newly installed bespoke kitchen, complete with a walk-in pantry, utility room and boot room.
I was delighted to be invited to hand paint the kitchen and cabinetry throughout these spaces. Working alongside other trades, I carefully planned my work around the wider renovation, keeping things moving efficiently while giving the cabinetry the time and attention it deserved.
A Bold Colour Choice That Works Beautifully
Choosing colours for a kitchen isn’t always straightforward. There are often plenty of tester pots, a few changes of mind and much deliberation before the final decision is made. On this project, I think the kitchen designer got the balance absolutely right.
Rather than the more familiar combination of lighter kitchen cabinets and a darker island, the colours were reversed. The main cabinetry was finished in an Off Black equivalent, with Skimming Stone providing a softer, lighter contrast on the island.
The darker cabinetry gives the room depth and character, while the island creates a lovely focal point. Alongside the natural wood tones and surrounding décor, the combination feels warm, welcoming and perfectly suited to the building.
It’s the Details That Bring Everything Together
There is much more to this kitchen than its striking colour scheme. Behind the island, wine racking with illuminated back panels and integrated wine chillers makes an impressive feature, bringing together practical storage and thoughtful design.
Antique brass handles and knobs add warmth against the dark painted doors. These finishing touches make such a difference to the overall appearance of bespoke cabinetry. My recommended Cabinet Hardware Suppliers are Slingers1858 and carry a huge range of instock Ironmongery for next day delivery.
Illuminated display shelving on the island, together with lighting beneath the cabinets, adds another layer of warmth. It is easy to imagine this room being just as inviting for a quiet evening with the family as it would be when entertaining friends.
A Hand Painted Walk-In Pantry
Adjacent to the kitchen is a generously sized walk-in pantry, with plenty of shelving and storage for everyday essentials.
Concealed strip lighting makes it easy to see what is stored on the shelves, while the hand painted cabinetry carries the quality of the main kitchen through into this practical space.
I used the same paint specification as the kitchen, with durable, hard-wearing finishes chosen to suit everyday use. A pantry needs to work hard, but there is no reason it shouldn’t look beautiful too.
A Welcoming Boot Room and Spacious Utility
Just off the main entrance is a boot room, providing a useful place to leave wellies, coats and wax jackets before heading into the house.
Tongue-and-groove panelling forms the backdrop to a seating area, with storage underneath. It is a simple, well-considered arrangement that feels very much at home in a converted barn.
The adjoining utility room offers generous storage and working space. Finished in the same Off Black equivalent as the darker kitchen cabinetry, it also ties in with the architraves and trim throughout the property.
Giving these supporting rooms the same care and attention as the kitchen helps the whole installation feel connected.
Why Choose a Hand Painted Finish?
For me, hand painting is about bringing out the character of cabinetry through careful preparation and skilled finishing. Whether I am working on a newly installed bespoke kitchen like this one or repainting an existing wooden kitchen, that attention to detail matters at every stage.
With over 40 years of decorating experience, I know that a beautiful finish begins well before the final coat of paint. Preparing the surfaces, choosing suitable primers and applying the finishing coats carefully all contribute to a result that looks good and stands up to everyday use.
A hand painted finish also has a character of its own, complementing the craftsmanship of bespoke joinery.
There are practical benefits too. Should the cabinetry become chipped or damaged, a hand painted surface can often be repaired locally. And when the time eventually comes for another colour change, sound cabinetry can be prepared and repainted, extending its useful life.
The Threshing Barn is a lovely example of how hand painting can bring together a whole collection of spaces, from a statement kitchen to the pantry, boot room and utility beyond.
Thinking About Your Own Kitchen or Cabinetry Project?
Whether you have a new bespoke kitchen ready for painting or an existing kitchen you would love to refresh, I would be happy to discuss your ideas.
At Russ Pike Interiors, I offer specialist hand painting for kitchens and painted bespoke cabinetry across Nottingham and the surrounding East Midlands, as well as projects further afield throughout the UK.
Get in touch to tell me about your project, discuss suitable finishes and arrange a detailed quotation.