Material-Led Living The Countryside Project with Havwoods

Set within a converted barn and contemporary extension, The Countryside Project demonstrates how thoughtful material specification can transform the atmosphere of a home. Interior designer Stefania Marchionni from SM Creatives focused on introducing warmth, texture and identity to interiors that previously felt overly white and lacked character.

Inspiring architects and interior designers for 50 years, Havwoods is globally recognised as a leading name in luxury wood surface design for floors, walls, ceilings, joinery, cabinetry, acoustics, curves, stairs, and profiles. 

The design approach focused on preserving as much of the existing structure as possible, both for sustainability and cost considerations. By directing attention to key moments within the home, the scheme demonstrates how targeted design decisions and material-led thinking can have a significant impact on the overall experience of a space.

Timber surfaces play a central role in shaping the interior. Havwoods’ Teak Fresato Elegante Veneer was specified to create bespoke hallway joinery, concealing doors and storage behind a continuous timber surface. When closed, the joinery reads as a single architectural element, introducing rhythm and texture while bringing warmth to what was previously a transitional area of the home.

The panelling continues alongside the staircase, where a timber slat screen was introduced to maintain visual connection between spaces while allowing natural light to pass through. The result is a sense of continuity that draws the eye through the interior and enhances the overall flow of the ground floor.

This timber language extends into the snug and bar area, reinforcing cohesion across the scheme. Originally an underused front room, the space has been reimagined as a more intimate social setting, where the richness of the wood surfaces helps to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Beyond the main house, two previously unused outbuildings were repurposed as a home gym and office. In the gym, Havwoods’ Allevard flooring from the PurePlank collection was selected for its natural warmth and matt finish. The flooring helps to define the character of the room, introducing a calm and grounded environment that supports both movement and relaxation.

The completed project illustrates how precise interventions and considered material choices can fundamentally reshape the feel of a home. By embracing the existing architecture and focusing design effort where it would have the greatest impact, the scheme achieves a sense of warmth, depth and longevity.

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