Rhubarb House


Timeless Vibrancy, Buckinghamshire

394.53 sqm / 4,247 sqft

Rhubarb House is a family home nestled in a rural town in Buckinghamshire. The project involved a thoughtful rear extension, an eaves conversion into a dedicated dressing room and a full redecoration - all designed to bring out the home’s unique character while celebrating the family’s love for nature. The family temporarily relocated to the pool house during the works, allowing the renovations to be carried out seamlessly while ensuring minimal disruption.

Inspired by Nature

The design concept was inspired by the beautiful garden that had been carefully curated by the previous owner over many years, creating a rich tapestry of natural colours that we sought to incorporate into every room.

The colour palette flows naturally throughout the house, with soft greens and blues evoking a sense of calm, offset with pops of vibrant pinks and yellows adding accents of warmth and energy. This balance reflects the home’s connection to the outdoors, bringing the garden's seasonal beauty inside.

The Heart of the Home

The kitchen is a standout feature of the design, custom-built by our skilled joiners. We created a timeless shaker-style kitchen and matching walk-in pantry, which combines classic design with a modern sensibility. An antique mirror splashback was added, reflecting the surrounding garden and enhancing the sense of openness in the space. Subtle wooden details, such as the floating shelves and fluted wood leg on the island’s seating area and a touch of warmth.

The boot room exudes a calm yet functional charm with its blue-green joinery, complemented by warm wooden shelves and a heritage-patterned floor tile. A carefully considered space for the family’s outdoor gear, the boot room offers plenty of storage and is skilfully crafted by our joiners to ensure both practicality and elegance.

A Warm Welcome

In the ‘formal’ entrance lobby, the eye is immediately drawn to the beautiful herringbone wooden flooring and Crittall-style doors, painted in a soft blue-green colour which connects the adjacent spaces seamlessly. The shades of blue tones flow through to the music room and reception room beyond, creating a cohesive visual connection that ties the rooms together.

The reception room invites relaxation and conversation, featuring a stunning marble fireplace, balanced by light blue joinery on either side. Pops of vibrant pinks in the sofas bring a playful yet sophisticated energy to the room. Classic panelling enhances the timeless elegance of the space, ensuring that it feels both inviting and enduring.

The Sound of Music

In the music room, we designed a built-in window seat with storage, creating a cosy spot to enjoy the view - or a musical performance! Opposite, the bespoke joinery was designed around the family’s piano, allowing the children to entertain the family while their parents enjoy the show from the bench. This thoughtful design ensures the space serves as both a functional and intimate family gathering spot.

Space to Play

For the children, the playroom is a joyful, playful retreat. A bubblegum pink sofa adds a pop of fun, while built-in desks provide a dedicated area for homework. The joinery features a charming bobbin detail, bringing an element of playfulness and whimsy into the room.

Retaining the existing arches, we designed new classic joinery that fits seamlessly within the space in the family snug. With the back panels painted in a rich teal blue to match the velvet sofas, the space assumes a cosy, intimate atmosphere. A Samsung Frame TV, which can be used to display artwork, adds a modern touch without interrupting the room’s classic charm.

Main Bedroom Suite

The main bedroom embraces a soft pastel blue/green palette with textured silk wallpaper that adds depth and interest. A luxurious pink velvet bed anchors the room, with pops of bright pinks and soft blues woven throughout for accents. Pink bedside lights by Rotschild & Bickers add elegance and charm, while the LED reading lights are a practical addition.

The walk-in dressing room, cleverly tucked under the eaves, features a beautifully patterned wallpaper from
The Pure Edit, tying in the colours and textures of the room.

Main En-Suite

The main en-suite is a serene retreat, featuring deep blue tones and a custom vanity unit by Parker and Howley, with elegant fluted details. The built-in bath surround was custom-cut from marble, while zellige-style square tiles add texture and a modern yet timeless finish to the space.

Sweet Dreams

The two little girls’ rooms are designed with similar elements to create a cohesive yet personal space for each child. Panelling in both rooms is complemented by accent colours chosen to reflect each girl's personality.

Each child has their own en-suite, with bespoke vanity units designed to match their bedroom’s colour scheme and adding a custom touch that reflects their individual style.

The Loft Rooms

The loft area features a small study, a guest bedroom with a cute reading nook under the window, and a bathroom built into the eaves. Striking blue and yellow colours bring energy and warmth to the compact bathroom.

Space to Reflect

Facing the road, his study on the first floor features a more masculine olive colour scheme. Built-in desks and plenty of storage make this a practical and stylish space for work. Textured wallpaper adds warmth, creating a comfortable atmosphere that is both professional and personal.

Throughout Rhubarb House, we’ve aimed to create a living space that feels cohesive and harmonious, where the natural world and family life seamlessly intersect. This project is a celebration of thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and an admiration of nature.

 Photographer: Chris Snook

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