Old Grain Store Kitchen Transformation

Words barely do justice to this extraordinary kitchen transformation. From the moment you approach the grand, beautifully grained oak door, you sense that something special lies beyond it.

Step inside and the scale takes your breath away. Once part of an old grain store that housed cattle carts, this space in Mangotsfield has been reimagined as a magnificent modern country kitchen. Featuring soaring beams overhead, original stone walls full of character and a carefully balanced blend of heritage charm and contemporary craftsmanship.

Homeowner Liza had a clear vision from the outset. With a strong interior design background, she knew she wanted to preserve the building’s rustic soul while creating a light, airy kitchen that felt warm and welcoming. The dramatic ceiling height, framed by exposed wooden beams, gives the room incredible presence, while traditional shaker-style cabinetry in a rich green-grey hue anchors the space beautifully.

Working alongside our kitchen designer Alec, every detail was thoughtfully considered. The uneven original stone walls posed a challenge, requiring bespoke cabinetry hand-crafted to follow their curves precisely. The result is seamless — furniture that feels as though it has always belonged there.

Colour played a crucial role in tying the space together. Liza carefully matched the cabinetry to complement both the flooring and the warm orange-gold flecks running through the granite worktops. Visualising the granite wasn’t easy at first, so Alec suggested viewing the slab in situ before finalising the choice. Once seen in person, the decision was instant. The depth and movement within the stone add texture and life to the room, smooth to the touch yet visually layered and tactile.

A lovingly restored 1940s cream Aga now sits proudly within the space, contrasting beautifully with the darker cabinetry and keeping the vast room cosy in colder months. Underfloor heating adds further comfort underfoot, reinforcing the kitchen’s welcoming, lived-in feel. Even Eva the dog seems perfectly at home beside the Aga, a fitting symbol of how this space truly works for everyday life.

Storage was high on the priority list and has been cleverly integrated throughout. Deep drawers house pots and pans, while a generous walk-in pantry includes chalkboards inside the doors for shopping lists and notes. There’s even dedicated shoe storage by the back door to keep clutter under control. A specially designed low-level wine rack ensures bottles remain at the ideal temperature — thoughtfully planned with the underfloor heating in mind.

Modern features sit confidently within the traditional framework. A discreet boiling water tap on the island provides instant hot water without the need for a kettle, while a striking NEFF extractor rises smoothly from the island hob at the touch of a button — a dramatic and much-admired feature when entertaining guests.

Liza describes Alec as “brilliant” and fitter Paul as “a gem”, praising their attention to detail and clear communication throughout the project. Every curve, junction and finish was handled with precision and care.

The result is far more than just a large kitchen. It’s a space with presence, personality and purpose — a harmonious blend of old and new, rustic and refined. A kitchen that doesn’t just impress at first glance, but continues to reveal thoughtful design details the longer you spend in it.