Private Residence

Redesigning a country Arts and Crafts-style house to create an understated yet luxurious home.

We updated a detached 1930s property to create a relaxed and stylish home that’s perfect for entertaining throughout the year.

Over the years the existing property had gradually been extended to accommodate the changing needs of a growing family. The result was a house of many parts, which although comfortable and homely felt a little disjointed. The brief was to unite the different spaces with a fresh and modern look and feel, making the most of the quirky architecture while fostering a sense of calm and wellbeing.

Our design response was to celebrate the Arts and Crafts details of the original house, reinstating a sense of authenticity and place.

A key aim was to open up the space and bring in as much natural light as possible. The former extension was demolished and replaced with a larger, openly modern building to house an open-plan kitchen and dining area. Using 3D modelling software, we carried out sun studies to watch how the light fell across the building, morning to evening, summer to winter. The fenestration is designed to enhance this natural light and open up views across the large garden, incorporating a large corner aspect window and window seat. Predominantly glazed, the extension establishes a strong relationship between the inside and outside.  

A muted colour palette of off-whites, warm greys and soft wooden tones creates a pared back aesthetic that’s punctuated by the rich greens of the trees and gardens outside the windows. The material palette includes stone, timber, wicker and leather while concrete adds a modern edge, and brass touches give a nod towards a luxurious hotel feel. As with the furniture, the subtle choice of materials was carefully chosen to seamlessly blend classic and contemporary, so that as you walk through the interior you are unaware that you are crossing between the older and newer areas of the building. 

To celebrate the Arts and Crafts feel of the original house, we added details such as a new fireplace in the heart of the living room, traditional handmade shutters on the inside of the windows and reclaimed timber flooring throughout. All the furniture, lighting and rugs were specifically selected to be a mix of old and new, contrasting styles and references from traditional British classics to Scandinavian and more contemporary handcrafted pieces.

Throughout the whole process we worked collaboratively with the client to create a holistic and seamless design aesthetic. The result is a chic and timeless home that embraces both past and present.