Discover Nkuku Totnes: Beautiful Spaces, Conscious Living

Discover Nkuku Totnes: Beautiful Spaces, Conscious Living

Nkuku Totnes barn showcasing timeless collections

I was first invited to Nkuku Totnes  Totnes in 2022 to explore their newly extended barn and refurbished café, a space that perfectly reflects the brand’s ethos of thoughtful craftsmanship, calm design, and conscious living. Visiting Nkuku Totnes again, I was struck by the seamless blend of sustainability and style, from the hand-thrown ceramics to the seasonal dishes served with quiet elegance.

Since that visit, Nkuku has continued to grow, most recently opening a beautiful new venue in Redbrick, Leeds. Revisiting this inspiring destination feels like the perfect way to celebrate timeless design, sustainable style, and the spaces that make us feel truly at home.

From the Totnes barn to the new Leeds venue, Nkuku’s journey reflects a beautiful balance of evolution and ethos , staying true to its roots while expanding its reach.

Nkuku based just outside Totnes in the glorious South Hams countryside in Devon. Originally a farmyard of barns housing cattle and was derelict for over 20 years before Nkuku discovered them and worked their magic. There is free parking, wifi and well behaved dogs are very welcome. There’s even a little treat waiting for them by the door. I might have to make this my new place to sit and write, it’s so lovely.

The barns are filled with collections styled so beautifully, it’s impossible not to imagine these serene, curated corners in your own home

I’ve created three mood boards showcasing my favourite pieces from Nkuku’s latest collection. The designs span a variety of styles and price points, making them easy to adapt to your own home. With their light, tactile and natural materials, each piece adds effortless warmth, texture, and character to any living space, whatever its size or location. I hope these boards spark ideas to bring a touch of Nkuku’s timeless style into your own home!

The Garden Room

Inspired by nature and natural surroundings, the garden room or conservatory is a perfect place for relaxing, reading and entertaining. I love candles and the braided hemp designs to bring the outside in and all the pieces together.

Nkuku Totnes barn showcasing timeless collections

The Ondal Round Braided Hemp Side Table

Adds a sturdy, neutral layer to living rooms or garden rooms. (top left)

The appealing braided pattern is expertly crafted by hand using the warm, golden fibres of hemp. This attractive side table feels solid and sturdy and works well as a neutral layer in a living room, garden room or snug area.. This table would also work well as a footstool or an occasional seat.

Planters

Bring greenery indoors for a refreshing touch.

Planters (centre) are a fabulous way to add green and a refresh to your garden or garden room, complementing other textured, tactile pieces.

Sia Lantern

Elegant lanterns to create a warm and striking ambience.

These lanterns are enhanced with an antique black metal finish, holding tall glass panels for the perfect silhouette for a church candle or tealight. Easily transported from home to the garden, creating a beautiful setting wherever they are. (top right and bottom centre )

Nkuku Totnes barn showcasing timeless collections
Halali Fire Pit

Halali Fire Pit Kadai with Surround

A statement piece to anchor your outdoor living space.

Generously proportioned and crafted from solid iron, this traditional fire bowl is surrounded by a practical table edge, perfect for warming plates or drinks. (bottom right)

Alwar Outdoor Wall Light

Adds grace and a soft warm glow to any outdoor setting.

The antique brass patina of the stylish swan neck and lamp head pairs elegantly with the clear glass shade. This iconic design works well in traditional and contemporary homes alike. (bottom left of the mood board)

Inspired by shades of white, neutrals, wood, touches of greenery and of course, living by the Devon coast a touch of blue. Cosy, comfortable and light is the feel of our room; perfect for cosying up in front of the fire and a good book in the winter and light and airy in the summer months too.

Nkuku Totnes barn showcasing timeless collections

Muturi Glass Floor Lamp – Antique Brass

Adds warmth and elegance to neutral or bold interiors.

I love the combination of warm antique brass and elegant clear glass. The striking mix of materials makes this a standout piece in any home.

The Deni Collection

Generous, comfortable seating in timeless design.

The Grand combines soft contours, luxurious comfort, and timeless design, in a stylish UK-crafted solid wood framework with pure Brera Linen upholstery and solid wood legs. Available in six muted shades, you can order a free swatch pack to see the fabric choices. (middle centre and bottom left)

Braided Hemp Rug

Adds tactile, understated style to any room.

Hand-braided from hemp in a traditional pattern, the warm gold hues make it perfect for any living space, conservatory, or family room. (bottom right of the above mood board)

Chara Hammered Bottles

Simple yet elegant styling for your home.

These bottles are decorated with a hammered glass finish and etched detail, skilfully created by blowing glass through a brass ring. Perfect styled alone or with fairy lights. (above right)

Kajala Cotton Cushion Cover

Soft, versatile cushions with subtle geometric design.

Crafted in monochrome with black thread running through the fabric in a softly broken line, these covers are calming and adaptable to a variety of interiors. (above left and top centre of the mood board)

Nkuku Totnes barn showcasing timeless collections

The heart of the home. The busiest space of the house. With two teens, this room needs to be practical, effective and with Nkuku’s styling storage jars and accessories, the new collection ticks many boxes. A place for everything and everything in it’s place! See my pantry makeover for more inspiration.

Nkuku Totnes barn showcasing timeless collections

Kamtha Water Hyacinth Tray

Adds texture and warmth to side tables or kitchen counters.

These round trays are woven from water hyacinth, a plant that grows in abundance in the waterways of Vietnam. The warm, golden tones and attractive braiding work make them a great accessory to add texture and a natural touch to your interior. I keep mine on a side table in the garden room/conservatory. (Above centre)

Recycled Glass Dome Cake Stand

Stylish display for cakes, cheeses, and other treats.

These elegant recycled glass domes slot neatly into a mango wood base, providing a polished yet practical way to store culinary delights.

Charal Storage Jars

Keep ingredients fresh while adding natural elegance to your kitchen.

The simple clear glass body and mango wood top of this Charai storage jar makes it the perfect everyday organisational accessory. Finished with a silicone seal to ensure that its contents remain fresh. Perfect for pulses, grains, herbs, and spices.

The Dura White Marble Wine Cooler

A tactile, luxury accessory for entertaining.

With striking variegated tones and a smooth finish, this marble cooler looks stunning on any kitchen island or table. (above left)

The Nkuku Café, Totnes was fully refurbished and extended in 2022 and is a haven of calm, perfectly complementing the curated collections. Opening out onto the courtyard, there’s a serene space to enjoy a coffee, iced tea, or a light meal.

Nkuku Totnes barn showcasing timeless collections

There is plenty of room both inside and outside for dining, relaxing, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

The menu celebrates the very best of local and seasonal produce, working closely with artisan bakers, farmers, and cheesemakers throughout the South West of England. Nkuku’s suppliers are carefully handpicked to ensure they share the brand’s commitment to sustainability and supporting independent producers.

Nkuku Totnes barn showcasing timeless collections
Full range of delicious homemade treats available in the new Lifestyle Cafe

Whether you’re local or visiting Devon, you’ll be greeted with a truly warm welcome.
A heartfelt thank you to Helen and the entire Nkuku team for a wonderful visit, it’s always such a delight to see you and experience your beautiful spaces. I could happily spend the entire day here!

I hope this post has given you a glimpse into the beauty and charm of Nkuku Totnes, a truly inspiring lifestyle store right on my doorstep, and that the mood boards have sparked ideas to bring a touch of its timeless style into your own home.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and any inspiration you’ve taken from it in the comments below.

Love

signature, claire

* This post was originally published in 2022 and has been updated in 2025 to include the latest collection and insights.

Little Mission ~ From South Milton Sands To Hope Cove.

Little Mission ~ From South Milton Sands To Hope Cove.

This little hike from South Milton Sands to Hope Cove along the South West Coast Path in South West Devon is one of my favourite walks. It lies in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and with the stunning views, you can see why.

This walk is a 1.6km moderately easy route, with an incline of 52m. (We love to walk into Hope Cove and back again, which equates to approx 3km)

The South Milton to Hope Cove is route popular with bird watchers, hikers and walkers. The path is mostly exposed so be mindful of the Devon sunshine and winds in the cooler months.

south Milton to hope cove

Getting There

By Train: The closest stations are Ivybridge 14 miles away and Totnes 17 miles away.

By Bus: Buses to South Milton and Thurlestone run from Kingsbridge. The 606 TALLY HO! service runs from Kingsbridge on the hour, taking around 6 minutes and dropping passengers 1 mile outside of South Milton.

By Car: 4 miles outside Kingsbridge. From Kingsbridge take the A381 towards Salcombe. Turn right to South Milton village, then turn left (signposted) to the beach. Please note, the approach road to the beach from the village of South Milton is a narrow lane with limited passing places.

Parking

Park at the National Trust car park at South Milton Sands. Remember your National Trust Card if you’re members and you’ll be able to park for free. It’s a small car park and can get really busy especially during the holidays, so plan your arrival time.

Maps

The route (below) can be found on the Ordnance Survey maps. Ordnance Survey have created an app so you can have unlimited OS Explorer and Landranger maps on any device making it easy for you to explore the great outdoors. (It even works when you are out of signal – perfect for our South West Coast path hikes!)

maps

I’m an old fashioned girl and love the option to print out your own custom routes and maps to take with you so you are never stuck without a map. You can choose the scale, orientation and size that suits you. Always with a waterproof carrier, the Devon weather can be interchangeable! Find out what else I take with me on my hikes here.

south milton sands to hope cove

The Route

The walk from South Milton Sands to Hope Cove, starts along the beautiful South Milton Beach or along the little main road if you prefer and is clearly signposted. Grid Reference: SX6769 4142

If you decide to start along the beach, be sure to take a look at the well known Thurlestone Rock. It’s a spectacular rock off the coast in the shape of an arch.

Follow the path, keeping the sea to your right. As the road comes to a bend veering left, follow the path to the right which takes you towards the sea and back to the coast path. You’ll be guided through a kissing gate and along a single file path past a house. (see below)

As the sea comes back into view, the path takes a gradually incline where the views become even more outstanding. this area is known as the Great Ledge. Looking back along the path, you’ll be able to see Burgh Island and the famous Burgh Island Hotel and on an extremely clear day, out to see you’ll be able to spot the lighthouse right out to sea.

The South West Coast path is narrow at times so single file is required. As you head out of South Milton you’ll notice a slow gradual incline, maxing 52m. There are a couple of stunning benches along the way should you wish to stop, take a breather and admire the view.

As you continue towards Hope Cove, there is a little decline before your final little climb which brings to to your first sighting of beautiful Hope Cove. Here you’ll start the gradual decline down the coastal path towards Outer Hope. The last few metres of the path take you down some steps and onto the pavement leading to Hope Cove itself.

Hope Cove

Hope Cove is a beautiful seaside village, full of thatched cottages, two sheltered beaches and stunning views. It’s what springs to mind when we think of the old fashioned “chocolate box” . Here you’ll find rock pools, kayakers and stand up paddle boarders, together with a couple of places to quench your thirst and take care of your appetite, before either resting and taking in the view or heading back to South Milton Sands.

This walk from South Milton Sands to Hope Cove is forever a favourite of ours and I hope you can see why. Have you ever walked this part of the South West Coast Path? I hope I’ve inspired you visit this beautiful stretch of the Devon Coastline. I’d love to know in the comments.

With love

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