Inside No.17 Design's Project Barnes
A first look inside our beautiful latest design project, Project Barnes.
Our Project Barnes is a celebration of beautiful, natural materials — oak, marble and brass — each chosen for its timeless appeal and inherent quality. The warmth of oak runs through the space, grounding it with a sense of quiet luxury, while marble add a sculptural elegance, catching the light in a way that feels both refined and effortless. Every material was selected with longevity in mind, ensuring a home that doesn’t just look beautiful but feels like it has always been there. At No.17 Design, our ethos is rooted in a deep respect for craftsmanship, materiality and balance. We believe that spaces should be as functional as they are beautiful, with a quiet confidence that allows them to evolve over time. Design should never feel forced or overly complicated — it’s about creating homes that breathe, where every detail has been considered but nothing feels overworked.
In this project, the interplay of texture and tone was key. The rawness of natural materials was allowed to shine, layered with soft, ambient lighting to bring depth and warmth. Warm white walls provided a subtle, organic backdrop, allowing the oak and marble to take centre stage. This careful layering of elements created a space that feels serene yet deeply lived-in — a hallmark of what we always strive for in every project.
The marble in our Project Barnes was all sourced and fabricated by the incredible team at Porter. Every slab was hand-selected for its unique veining and depth of character, ensuring that no two surfaces are ever the same. There’s something about beautifully figured marble that brings an almost sculptural quality to a space, making it feel layered, luxurious and truly one of a kind. The bespoke oak vanity was handcrafted and finished by the Porter team to sit seamlessly alongside the beautiful Trunk Floor character oak herringbone floor, a perfect pairing of craftsmanship and materiality. Its natural grain and warmth bring a softness to the bathrooms and kitchen-living space, a counterpoint to the cool elegance of the marble. And then there’s the raw unlacquered brass from Waterworks — true masters of luxurious bathroom fittings. Over time, this brass will develop a rich patina, adding even more depth and character to an already considered space.
Elsewhere in the home, playful wallpaper wraps the walls of a very special little boy’s bedroom, bringing charm and energy while sitting above elegant panelling for that perfect balance of fun and sophistication. It’s these kinds of details — contrasts, layers and a deep respect for materials — that make a space feel truly lived-in and loved.
We’re so excited to delve further into this project and share more with you soon.
