Small spaces can be tricky to design especially when they’re open plan and have several key areas to accommodate. But this charming cottage on the Burrow Farm Estate in the Chiltern Hills is a masterclass in how to zone a tiny ground floor.
The estate has 6 properties, including Barley Cottage, each individually designed by interior designer Fleur Liversidge to create modern spaces that feel comfortable, stylish and most importantly authentic. In Barley Cottage, the challenge was always going to be the size and layout, but to zone the tiny ground floor in a way that felt comfortable and luxurious.
‘The inspiration for Barley Cottage was to create a refined yet deeply comfortable countryside escape – something that feels instantly familiar, but elevated. We wanted it to embody that “home from home” feeling, while still offering a sense of quiet luxury.
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So how do you begin to create this harmonious feel?
1. Create a cohesive colour scheme
‘The cottage’s character and heritage were key starting points, allowing us to build a narrative that feels authentic to the rest of the estate while layering in warmth, personality, and a subtle connection to the surrounding landscape.’
It’s important to create a colour palette that enhances each space yet creates cohesion. Fleur chose paint colours from Farrow & Ball. The idea was to create impact, but subtly.
The kitchen, dining and living room wall colour is Setting Plaster, small bedroom Sulking Room Pink, the large bedroom Treron and the rest is Mouse’s Back.
2. Use a mixture of pattern and plain fabrics
‘The design process was highly considered and evolved organically over time. We began with the architecture of the cottage itself, allowing its history to guide the direction, before layering in materials and furnishings.
‘Commissioning bespoke elements meant the process was naturally slower and more curated. It wasn’t about rushing to a finished look, but about creating something that feels cohesive and thoughtfully put together,’ explains Fleur.
3. Zone with different flooring types
Because the cottage was small and all one level, it was important that each area was zoned. Stone tiles were used throughout, apart from in the bedrooms, which have coir carpet.
To differentiate the living areas, rugs were used – a monochromatic design in the living room – for a similar style try Dunelm’s Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Dolce Vita rug, currently £63.20, and a more traditional cottage style in the living room, try the Gabriella washable rug, from £23.20, also from Dunelm.
4. Choose a two tone kitchen
Fleur chose the Shaker-style kitchen from Harvey Jones, to copy the cabinet colour, paint the units in this vibrant Sap Green from Farrow & Ball.
Pink and green are a winning combination and really do add a modern feel to this space, whilst managing to retain the cottage’s authenticity.
5. Layer design details
‘One of the most transformative elements was the introduction of layered materials and carefully considered design details. These choices completely shifted the atmosphere, bringing depth, warmth, and a strong sense of identity to each room,’ says Fleur.
‘Combined with bespoke finishes, this approach turned the cottage into a space that feels both curated and deeply personal.’
‘Each room has its own distinct identity, bringing a sense of playfulness and memorability across the cottage.’
The bathroom has a characterful feel with plenty of textures. A traditional shower sits over the bath and the tongue and groove gives a nod to cottage style as do the stone flags.
For a similar basin try B&Q’s Plum & Clay Violet traditional basin and pedestal Victorian ceramic two-hole bathroom sink, it’s got a classic design that will suit this style.
Shop the look
Dunelm
Zoe Folkestone Stripe Square Storage Footstool, Yew Green
You can’t go wrong with a classic striped footstool and if it comes with storage you’re on to a winner.
John Lewis
Hidcote Weave Made to Measure Curtains, Rosa
This damask style fabric in rosa can be make into curtains or blinds to your specifications – ideal if your windows aren’t a standard size.
B&Q
Top Ceramics Light Blue Gloss Flat Bumpy Metro Ceramic Wall Tile
Copy Fleur’s bathroom style with these pretty blue metro tiles made from high-quality ceramic. The gloss finish catches the light and will make a small space feel larger.
‘It’s the overall feeling you get when you walk in – the balance between comfort and refinement. There’s a softness to the space, created through textiles, tones, and materials, that makes it feel immediately welcoming – and this is exactly the feel we wanted to achieve,’ says Fleur.
Turn to these great style and design tips to transform your small open plan space into one that’s zoned yet cohesive.
If you’ve fallen for this gorgeous space, you can stay at Barley Cottage at the Burrow Farm Estate it’s one of six properties in the beautiful Hambleden Valley, Henley-on-Thames.
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