We are so excited to share Rustic Devon, a project that captures everything we love about design — authenticity, natural materials, and interiors that feel just as welcoming for everyday life as they do for entertaining. This rustic barn, located right by the sea in South Devon, was transformed into a family home and luxury holiday let that celebrates its heritage while feeling light, warm, and uplifting.
Reimagining the Layout
The house originally had three bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen and living space, and just one bathroom. By extending to the side, we were able to create a new kitchen with a master suite above, complete with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. The old kitchen became a flexible chill-out space for the children — with its own ensuite, it can easily adapt into an additional bedroom.
Upstairs, we reconfigured the layout so that each room felt generous, sacrificing a small, impractical bedroom to improve circulation. The result: a home that balances function and flexibility, designed to adapt to both family life and visiting guests.
Honouring the Barn’s Character
Although the house sits by the sea, we avoided a predictable coastal theme. Instead, we celebrated the rustic beauty of the barn itself. Using the original stone walls for the extension gave us the opportunity to bring stone into the interiors, leaving sections exposed and lime plastering the rest for balance.
The beams, once heavy and oppressive, were carefully washed in softer finishes and textures. This retained the charm of the oak while lifting the ceilings, making the rooms feel airy and inviting. Throughout, material choices were guided by both aesthetics and practicality: durable LVT flooring, sofas with washable covers, and scrubbable paint to suit the home’s use as a luxury holiday rental.
Layers of Warmth & Softness
Throughout the house, we introduced soft textures to balance the rustic architecture. Linen curtains by Harlequin, in their Seaspray fabric, added movement and warmth while quietly nodding to the coastal setting. Used in varied tones across window treatments and soft furnishings, this fabric tied the spaces together without feeling thematic.
The living room, though unchanged structurally, was dramatically transformed. Previously dominated by dark beams, the washed timbers now make the space lighter, calmer, and more inviting. Layers of linen, muted colour, and tactile textures make it the perfect family hub — hardy enough for holiday living yet warm enough to feel like home.
Rustic Elegance in Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Storage was cleverly concealed in the guest bedroom behind a wall of timber cladding, proving that practical needs can be met with beauty. A vintage tan leather armchair, paired with a side table crafted from a sea-worn groyne, added both history and character.
The family bathroom was designed with simplicity and impact in mind: a single tile used in three different formats created subtle variation and rhythm, while faux plants and rustic LVT brought life and practicality.
The master suite became a sanctuary. The exposed stone wall was the star, complemented by a floating bespoke bed in rustic timber with integrated side tables. Woven baskets added texture and storage, while layered linens kept the room soft and welcoming. The vintage tan armchair appeared here again, tying the palette together with warmth and continuity.
A Home with Soul
Rustic Devon is a home that embraces contrast: light and airy in summer, cocooning and warm in winter. By weaving together stone, timber, and patinated metals, we created interiors that feel timeless and deeply connected to place. Every detail — from durable finishes to bespoke joinery — was designed with authenticity, practicality, and joy in mind.
✨ Rustic Devon is a project we are immensely proud of — an interiors scheme that celebrates craftsmanship, natural materials, and the lived experience of home. It reflects our philosophy at SP Interiors: creating breathtaking, authentic, and intentional spaces that not only inspire but also enrich everyday life.
If you are planning a project in Surrey, London, or beyond — whether a rustic restoration, luxury holiday let, or family home — we would love to collaborate. Book a discovery call with us and learn more about our design process
