Georgina Robertson Interiors Maximises Storage Solutions to Create a Calm and Multi-Functional Space

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a rich and relaxing residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Georgina Robertson Interiors.

Georgina Robertson Interiors was chosen to design and specify the layout, lighting design, finishes, furniture and soft furnishings for Bullfinch Way. Maximising storage and decluttering this multi-functional kitchen, dining, and living room extension were key to the success of the project to create a calm but bright space to relax and entertain in. As a compact space, custom joinery was crucial to the design as well as clever lighting design to enhance the ambience in the evenings. Layering textures and prioritising hard wearing materials such as LVT and quartz were essential in this highly utilised and functional space.

What was the client’s brief?

The owner had hastily furnished the kitchen and extension when it was first built around 15 years ago, but it was never quite what she wanted, so she asked for my help. The client wanted to maximise storage and declutter the space entirely as well as having the perfect space to entertain and relax in the evening and at weekends.

She explained that she wanted the space to feel calm but bright even though she loved darker tones with minimal colour.

What inspired the design of the project?

The client was inspired by Scandinavian and Japandi styles which heavily influenced the design direction from the beginning. The space needed to work hard to incorporate everything the client wanted so I approached the design trying to maximise every inch of space without making it feel overwhelming.

The slatted panelling that now frames the kitchen was the starting point for the dark accents and it links the cabinetry on either side of the living space. There’s a dramatic bulkhead over the island and into the extension so instead of trying to hide it, I decided to make it into a feature. You can see how the rich, dark elements in the design are set amid off-whites, adding definition while keeping an airy feel.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The main design hurdle was how to incorporate all the storage the client needed without making it feel cluttered or too full again. When installing, we pulled the tiles off the wall in the kitchen, the whole wall came down. The existing flooring had also been laid on top of old floor tiles which were both big setbacks which we weren’t expecting but were easy to overcome. They did delay the project but not hugely.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was seeing how well we had maximised a relatively small space and given the client everything she needed and more – with it still being beautiful and functional. The client had a bad experience with the initial extension build so to transform the space into something she loved was incredibly rewarding.

As a standalone, the pantry was a fantastic design choice and use of space – especially with the wine rack incorporated!

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I felt this project was worthy of recognition on a wider scale. What we achieved with this size of budget is unheard of. We transformed a kitchen, snug, and dining space with all custom joinery, quartz worktops, new appliances, furniture, and lighting all for under £50,000 to an exceptionally high standard which we pride ourselves on.

The client was over the moon, so it only felt right to enter this project to the SBID awards.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

We’ve had some amazing engagement on our social media from old and new followers, supporting the achievement in itself and also voting for us in the awards. Just to be recognised as a finalist in such a prestigious award is incredible and we feel privileged to be involved this year.

Questions answered by Georgina Robertson, Founder of Georgina Robertson Interiors.