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An Old French Barn Becomes a Modern Home for Extended Family

01.12.23 | By
An Old French Barn Becomes a Modern Home for Extended Family

Tasked with renovating an old barn in Igornay, France, the Faure & Miniau Agency recently completed the Les Greniers de Babel house after two years of work. The clients had a desire to transform the barn to accommodate their family when they come visit on vacation. The project consisted of restructuring and repairing the framework; removing floors, floorboards, and interior walls; and installing windows on the front wall. The renovation allows more natural light to flood the interior while creating views of the nearby park.

modern renovated kitchen with wood cabinets and turquoise walls with geometric tile

Throughout the interior, shades of greens and blues fill spaces with a playful energy. The kitchen is modern overall with light wood cabinets and medium grey floors setting the tone. Deep green mosaic tiles form the island countertop while geometric white and emerald green tiles fill the backsplash with a random pattern. Teal and turquoise cover the two main walls, with another green shade enveloping the spiral staircase.

view of open turquoise staircase in modern home

view from dining room to turquoise kitchen in distance in modern home

angled living room view in modern home with cartoon like mural in yellows and greens

The main living space is open, connecting the kitchen, dining room, and living room. A graphic wall mural in complementary tones lives on the wall that separates the living room and adjacent reading room. The bright scene represents the family’s vacations by the sea and their travels.

angled living room view in modern home with cartoon like mural in yellows and greens

The ceiling was removed in this area to create a double-height space with a cathedral ceiling.

down view into modern living room

view of sitting room of modern home

angled view of sitting room in modern house

angled view of sitting room in modern house

corner view of dark modern bathroom with red chair and accents

upstairs view from balcony over double height living space

With the double-height space, the upstairs is open and filled with natural light. A walkway with a glass railing overlooks the living room and dining room below.

upstairs balcony hallway with striped carpet

A cabin-like bedroom clad in wallpaper that looks like wood is suspended over the kitchen. The room’s windows give the occupant’s views of the downstairs.

angled view of kids bunkbed room in modern house

A children’s room with a green bunk bed and built-in bookcase benefits from glass walls that let light in. Green curtains help add privacy when needed.

angled view of kids bunkbed room in modern house

angled view of green chair in room with window looking out to main living space

angled view of green chair in room with window looking out to main living space

simple modern bedroom with turquoise walls

simple modern bedroom with turquoise walls and patterned bedding

simple modern bedroom with patterned bedding and colorful mural

corner of modern bedroom with black wire chair and colorful mural on wall

modern bathroom with red bathroom console and shower basin with yellow shower with floral wall

Photos by Philippe Charlot.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.