A Colourful Cornish Barn Conversion Balancing Heritage and Contemporary Design

In this case study, we speak to Shell Mills of @our_cornishbarn about embracing colour and personality throughout the renovation, creating a seamless connection between indoors and out, and why our sculptural, wooden lighting felt like such a natural fit within the barn's characterful spaces.

Where did you first begin when transforming an old Cornish barn into your home?

Having grown up living in a barn my parents converted, I've always been drawn to barns and we were fortunate to be in the right place at the right time as we purchased the barn conversion at an early stage of the build, which meant we could influence the layout and many of the interior decisions before completion.

When we moved in, the barn was essentially a blank canvas with white walls, wooden floors and exposed beams. We deliberately lived in the space for a couple of years before making major decorating decisions, allowing us to understand how each room worked for our family. Initially, I thought I wanted a neutral Scandi-inspired interior, but I quickly realised that wasn't truly reflective of our personality. Once I embraced colour, pattern and texture, the transformation really began. We started with the kitchen and gradually worked our way through the house, creating spaces that felt warm, characterful and uniquely ours.

Barn conversions are notorious for the balance between character of the original building and a more contemporary interior style. How did you strike that balance?

Preserving the character of the original barn was incredibly important to us. Features such as the original granite posts, exposed stonework and beams provide a constant reminder of the building's history, so we wanted to celebrate rather than hide them. At the same time, we didn't want the interiors to feel overly traditional. We introduced contemporary elements through colour, wallpaper, bespoke joinery and modern lighting, creating what I would describe as a modern rustic cabin aesthetic. By layering bold colours, interesting prints and carefully chosen furnishings alongside the original architecture, we've created a home that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to its heritage.

What were the realities of juggling family life and young children alongside a major barn conversion?

Thankfully, the developer managed the majority of the building work, which made a huge difference while raising three young children. Even so, there were plenty of challenges. We often had to make significant design decisions within very short timeframes, which could feel overwhelming. Balancing family life, work commitments and countless choices wasn't always easy, but knowing the end result would give our children more space, both indoors and outdoors, kept us motivated. Looking back, it was a busy but exciting chapter, and seeing our family thrive here makes every decision worthwhile.

Your home feels very connected to nature. Was bringing the outdoors in an important part of your design vision?

Absolutely. One of the main reasons we moved was to give our family more outdoor space, so creating a strong connection between the house and garden was always a huge part of our vision. In our previous home we had very little garden, so being able to extend our living space outdoors has completely changed the way we live as a family.

We've created areas that allow us to enjoy alfresco living throughout the year, including outdoor kitchen spaces, entertaining areas and our vegetable garden, which has become a lovely place for the children to learn, grow and spend time outdoors. We wanted the garden to feel like a natural extension of the house rather than a separate space, so there is a real flow between indoors and out.

We use the Neap rechargeable lights both indoors and outdoors and love how versatile they are. During the summer they move effortlessly between the garden, outdoor dining spaces and inside the house, allowing us to create a warm atmosphere wherever we're spending time. Their portability means they adapt to how we live, while their beautiful sculptural forms feel inspired by nature itself. Combined with Tom Raffield's other lighting throughout the barn, they help blur the line between indoors and outdoors and strengthen the connection to the landscape that surrounds us.

Nature has also influenced many of our interior choices. I'm drawn to organic shapes and natural materials, which is one of the reasons we fell in love with Tom Raffield's lighting. The sculptural forms feel as though they've been inspired by nature itself, and they sit beautifully within the barn's rustic architecture. Their designs echo the curves and textures you find in the landscape around us, helping to blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Living in Cornwall, surrounded by such incredible scenery, it felt important that our home reflected that connection to nature in both the spaces we use and the pieces we choose.

How important was it for you to choose brands and pieces with longevity and craftsmanship in mind?

Very important. Whenever possible, I try to support small businesses, local makers and brands that value craftsmanship and sustainability. Throughout the barn I've chosen products from companies whose values align with my own, from ethically produced paints to handcrafted furniture and lighting. Many of our favourite pieces have been made by local artisans or independent businesses, and I love knowing there's a story behind them. Investing in quality craftsmanship means these pieces will stand the test of time and continue to work beautifully within our home for years to come.

How would you describe your interior style, and why did Tom Raffield's lighting feel like such a natural fit within your home?

My style at its heart is rooted in a love of cosy cabin interiors, natural materials and character-filled spaces. Our travels to Finland had a huge influence on me and I completely fell in love with the Nordic log cabins we stayed in. There was something about the warmth of the timber, the connection to nature and the feeling of comfort and calm that really stayed with me. I've also always been drawn to Western-inspired interiors, with their rich colours, layered textures and relaxed, lived-in feel. When we bought the barn, it felt like the perfect opportunity to bring those influences together. The exposed beams, stone walls and rustic architecture naturally lend themselves to that cosy cabin aesthetic, while colour, pattern and vintage-inspired pieces add personality and warmth.

Tom Raffield's lighting felt like a natural fit because it shares so many of the qualities I love. The sculptural wooden forms feel organic and handcrafted, complementing the beams and rustic features of the barn while adding a contemporary edge. I love how the designs are inspired by nature and craftsmanship, which are themes that run throughout our home. As a Cornish designer, Tom's pieces also help strengthen that connection between our interiors, the surrounding landscape and the creative spirit of Cornwall.

You have the Cove Skipper Pendants in Ember Red in your bedroom. What drew you to this colour and how does it complement the rest of the scheme?

Our bedroom is designed to feel calm and restful, but I still wanted moments of personality and warmth. I've embraced the red theory in a number of rooms throughout our home, the interior design idea that introducing touches of red can instantly elevate a space, making it feel more balanced, inviting and visually interesting. Even the smallest hint of red seems to bring a room to life.

The Ember Red Cove Skipper Pendants do exactly that in our bedroom. The rich red tone adds depth and warmth against the softer colours and natural textures, creating a beautiful contrast with the original timber beams. They draw the eye upwards and add a subtle energy to the room without taking away from the calm, relaxing atmosphere. I love that they're not only practical light fittings but also sculptural design pieces that bring colour, character and a sense of craftsmanship to the space.

Other Skipper lights can be seen throughout your home. What do you love about the Skipper?

I love how versatile the Skipper design is. It manages to feel contemporary while still having a handcrafted, timeless quality. The shape is elegant and understated, yet distinctive enough to make an impact. Throughout the barn, the Skipper lights add warmth, texture and visual interest without overwhelming the spaces. Their organic form works perfectly with our rustic surroundings and helps create continuity between the different rooms.

What role does lighting play in creating atmosphere and warmth in your space?

Lighting plays a huge role in how our home feels. The barn has wonderful natural light during the day, but in the evenings I rely heavily on layered lighting to create warmth and ambience. We use a combination of ceiling lights, wall lights and accent lighting to make each room feel cosy and inviting. Lighting allows us to highlight architectural features, add depth and create different moods depending on the time of day. For me, it's one of the most important elements of any interior because it completely transforms how a space is experienced.

Cornwall has such a strong creative identity. Has the local landscape or lifestyle influenced your interiors?

Without a doubt. Cornwall has inspired so much of what we've created in our home. The landscape, coastline and slower pace of life all influence the way we live and decorate. I love incorporating work by local artists and makers throughout the house, whether that's artwork, lighting or handcrafted accessories. The colours and textures we use often take inspiration from the natural surroundings, from weathered stone and driftwood tones to richer coastal hues. Living in Cornwall encourages creativity, and I think that influence can be seen throughout every room in the barn.

Posted: 19.06.26
Updated: 19.06.26