The Barn in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire is the new flagship showroom for Olive & Barr, British makers of handmade Shaker kitchens. It’s beautifully positioned within a 6,500 sq ft Grade II Listed Jacobean barn, in the Kyre Park privately owned estate. Founder Al Bruce talks us through the story of this splendid new showroom…

OLIVE & BARR’S FLAGSHIP SHOWROOM, THE BARN

Q: Who designed the concept and layout of The Barn showroom?

It was a combined collaboration of myself and our talented Design Director Nicolle Whyte. She designed the layout of the kitchen displays, and I created the concept, designing the space and the kitchen room sets. Each display is arranged in life-like room sets, crafted to evoke different atmospheres through a mix of colours, textures and scents which we believe enables our customers to visualise an Olive & Barr kitchen in their own home.

OLIVE & BARR HANDMADE SHAKER KITCHEN IN PITCH BLACK AND RECTORY RED BY FARROW & BALL

Q: Was this showroom a long time in the planning? It’s a very different concept from regular ‘high street’ showrooms, what sparked the idea? 

I had been on the search for our next kitchen showroom for a little while. I wanted a space that could bring my vision to life, where we redefined how customers shop for their kitchen. As soon as I viewed this beautiful barn, I knew it would make an incredible showroom and after many hours of contemplation, I began visualising how our kitchens would fit within the space.

The Barn has now transformed from a former antique barn to a flagship kitchen showroom. It is Grade II Listed, so the space was necessarily sympathetically designed to preserve the original architecture.

THE WAX-FINISHED OAK DINING TABLE HAS A BRASS WORKTOP, TEAMING WITH THE BRASS LIGHT FITTINGS

Q: How important was the idea of the ‘immersive experience’?

Very important! We wanted to create an experience where visitors feel they are stepping into a fully immersive kitchen set, without distracting from the character of the barn. Each display appears to float, like a stage set in a theatre, completely separated from its surroundings. Every kitchen is uniquely designed to showcase the versatility of the furniture while inspiring the customer to experience it as if it were their own. Meanwhile, the open spaces between the displays are largely untouched, paying homage to the beauty of 15th  century architecture.

RECTORY RED INTERIORS MAKE A STAND-OUT FEATURE FOR THE GLAZED CABINETS

Q: What do you think is particularly special about this venture? 

This location, Kyre Park in Tenbury Wells,  provides a unique experience for our customers. Away from the hustle and bustle of a town, we’re situated in a historic and truly picturesque setting that offers a relaxing environment from the outset.

The Barn is the perfect setting to view our handmade kitchens and it’s hard not to be blown away by the character and scale of the building. Open yet immersive, we have created an experience that allows customers to take their time, touch and feel the quality of the cabinetry and picture how each kitchen could look in their own home.

The location also allows us to offer a complimentary night stay in a beautifully appointed self-contained apartment within the country estate of Kyre Park, for those visiting the barn to place an order – something that we’re incredibly excited to offer.

THIS PART OF THE SHOWROOM FEATURES LONDON CLEY AND STIRABOUT COLOURS BY FARROW & BALL

Q: The showroom is very elegantly styled, do you have particular products and accessories that were absolutely going to be included?

Throughout the space, light fittings by The Soho Lighting Company provide a welcoming ambience, and we have a dedicated display area showcasing different options including switches and sockets. There are glass pendants and wall lights included throughout the showroom too. We also have displays from Ca’Pietra and Bidbury & Co kitchen taps. As far as all the drawers within the showroom are concerned, we use Blum MOVENTO runners as standard throughout.

PRACTICAL AND CLEVER UNDERSINK CABINET WITH PULL OUT DRAWER AND DOOR RACKS

Olive & Barr was founded in 2018 by Al Bruce, and the recognisable signature handmade Shaker style is a way of combining traditional joinery construction with modern techniques that result in elegant and timeless cabinetry that can adapt to all settings. This style can add a classic Shaker look to a contemporary surroundings, or can fit in just as well in a traditional home. There are also showrooms in South London, at 131 Lavender Hill, SW11 5QJ and also in Cheltenham. Find all the contact details here and follow the team on Instagram: @oliveandbarr

TALL CABINETS ACCOMMODATE BUILT-IN OVENS, TONGUE & GROOVE PANELLING GROUNDS THE TRADITIONAL LOOK

We Love: The calm and neutral colour palette of this roomset is a clever contrast to the bolder colours of Green Smoke and Pitch Black sets. The contrast is supplied by the painted tongue-and-groove panelling which allows the upstand, tap and simple eye-level shelf stand out perfectly …

CUPBOARDS AND DRAWERS FOR PERFECT STORAGE AND ORGANISATION

This section of the showroom highlights cabinetry in Green Smoke by Farrow & Ball, sitting comfortably on the pale stone flooring. The interior of the larder cupboard can be designed and arranged to suit each individual customer – perhaps it’s destined to be a Breakfast or Small Appliance Cupboard, requiring sockets. Oak drawers are perfect for everyday provisions or fruit and vegetable storage and naturally, all the required spices and condiments can be stashed in the door racks.

AN ELEGANT BAKERS TABLE WITH BRASS FITTINGS

The Green Smoke perimeter cabinets are perfectly positioned to draw the eye towards the bespoke Bakers Table, which has a dark natural oak stained finish and a brass worktop. Once again, the touches of brass are complimented by fittings from The Soho Lighting Company.

INTERESTING DETAILS INCLUDE THE POT-FILLER TAP AND RECESSED STORAGE SHELVES

Visitors to the showroom will definitely be able to visualise themselves cooking for friends and family in their own Olive & Barr kitchen. Al Bruce adds ‘We’ve given a fresh take on how our customers shop and visualise their new kitchens. Each of our guests can fully immerse themselves and discover the quality, style and bespoke elements we offer. Our designers are able to guide clients seamlessly through the design process, in our dedicated presentation area. We look forward to seeing old friends and new clients!’.