The Great Barn | MUNRO

Interior designer Erik Munro has transformed a historic threshing barn in the Wiltshire countryside into a warm, light-filled family retreat that balances rustic character with refined contemporary living. Undertaken over several years and across a carefully phased renovation, The Great Barn was redesigned for a client seeking a calm countryside escape with the atmosphere of an LA studio blended with the comfort of a cosy Verbier chalet.

Working sensitively within the existing structure, Munro opened up the previously dark and compartmentalised interiors to create soaring, open-plan living spaces filled with natural light. The reimagined barn now features a dramatic show kitchen complete with a hidden “dirty kitchen”, seven ensuite bedrooms, sculptural mezzanine levels, and a custom micro-cement fireplace anchoring the main living area. Throughout the project, a tactile palette of pale timber, painted surfaces, natural stone and layered textures reflects the surrounding landscape while softening the scale of the historic building. The result is a richly atmospheric home that feels both expansive and deeply intimate, and a contemporary interpretation of modern country living.

Open Plan Living as the Heart of the Design

“Envisioning an informal dining area and breakfast nook, we pictured a medium-sized space with a lofty ceiling adjacent to the main kitchen, offering a scenic view of the gardens through expansive doors and windows. Serving as the heart of the home, this family space is one of the most frequented areas, accommodating various activities such as snacking, homework, tea, lunch and gossip. It requires a delicate balance of versatility and durability while maintaining a warm and welcoming charm. Our approach involves seamlessly blending modern furniture with classical elements, exemplified by the exquisite ceiling rose and antiqued mirror wall, imparting a sense of spaciousness and a touch of historical allure.” -  Erik Munro, Director and Interior Designer at Munro Design.

Depth and Rustic Character: The Power of Layering Timber

“In shaping this open-plan living space, we were drawn to the idea of creating something grounded yet inviting; an environment that feels both lived-in and considered. A layered palette of wood finishes became central to the scheme, with each tone carefully chosen to bring depth and a sense of rustic charm without feeling overly styled. The space called for a natural cohesion—where textures, materials and light blend to create an easy sense of flow.”

Soft Kitchen Design Rooted in Nature

“Pastel kitchens work best when the colour is rooted in nature. In this kitchen we chose a soft earthy green for the joinery because it reflects the surrounding countryside and brings the landscape indoors. Pairing a pastel tone with natural materials like timber or stone helps ground the colour so the space still feels warm and timeless."

Bathrooms as Sanctuary Spaces

“We wanted the bathroom feel like a quiet sanctuary. An escape from the world that was also deeply connected to its surroundings. A  wall-length window became the defining feature, framing the outdoors to bring light, movement and a sense of calm into the space. The composition leans into geometry and symmetry to create a feeling of order and stillness. The room felt both structured and relaxed, seamlessly creating a connection from the outside in.”

Designing for Colour, Mood and Atmosphere

“My recommendation for most clients when designing a bathroom is to choose an overall colour, mood or energy you want first. If you’re after calming and neutral, go earthy; if you want something that feels fresh and full of vitality, go green; soothing and serene calls for blues; while reds and browns create something warmer and cosy. Bathrooms can either be a dramatic showpiece or an escape from the world, so deciding what you want it to feel like is always the first step.”

Tranquil Bedroom Space and the Art of Cocooning

“The primary bedroom needed to feel both cocooning and deeply connected to the neighbouring countryside. We used a neutral palette layered with soft textures and gentle tonal shifts to build warmth without overwhelming the senses. We incorporated the house’s large architectural windows to draw in natural light and frame the outside in a way that softens the room’s edges.”