30th December 2025 | IN INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn The Roath Park House project presented a wonderful opportunity to explore the intersection of heritage and modern living – a design philosophy at the heart of everything we do at Khaya Studio. This distinguished period home, with its elegant proportions and recent extension, offered the perfect canvas for a sensitive transformation. Our clients approached us seeking a home that felt cohesive, warm, and deeply personal – one that would embrace contemporary functionality without compromising the property’s original spirit. Khaya Studio Khaya Studio Reimagining heritage for modern life As with many homes of this era, Roath Park House possessed a natural grandeur – high ceilings, generous windows, and beautiful architectural detailing – but also certain constraints that reflected a more formal way of living. The elongated layout created a sense of distance between spaces, leaving the home feeling disjointed and slightly austere. Our brief was to soften this sense of formality, creating flow and balance while ensuring that each room retained its unique identity. We began by defining a clear sense of arrival. The long entrance hallway, once a simple passageway, was reimagined as a welcoming transitional space. A striking piece of artwork now anchors the view upon entry, complemented by a carefully styled sideboard that adds warmth and personality. These elements not only bring visual interest but also introduce a feeling of calm – setting the tone for the rest of the home. Khaya Studio Balancing elegance and practicality Further into the property, we turned our attention to spaces that had been overlooked or underused. The “back room,” once little more than a utility area, was transformed into a multi-functional gym and laundry space – a design solution that elegantly balances practicality with beauty. We introduced custom joinery to conceal appliances and equipment, paired with tactile materials and a soothing palette that elevates the room far beyond its utilitarian purpose. The result is a space that feels purposeful and uplifting, proving that functionality and design integrity can coexist seamlessly. The home’s rear garden – previously a cold, paved expanse – also underwent a complete transformation. Inspired by the clients’ love of entertaining, we designed a lush, green oasis perfect for alfresco dining and intimate gatherings. Layered planting, warm lighting, and natural materials now create a space that feels like an extension of the interior – a private sanctuary that encourages connection and rest. Khaya Studio A study in light, proportion, and harmony Every element of the Roath Park House redesign was guided by a deep respect for the property’s 1920s origins. Throughout, we curated a selection of furnishings, art, and objects that bridge the decades – each piece chosen to feel authentic and enduring. A light, refined palette of soft neutrals and warm woods provides the backdrop for moments of quiet drama – a sculptural lamp, a bold abstract painting, a statement armchair. Furniture was chosen for its graceful proportions, ensuring that each room feels airy and balanced, with enough negative space for the architecture to breathe. The overall effect is one of quiet confidence: an interior that feels layered and lived-in, yet considered and cohesive. Khaya Studio Designing for emotion One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was witnessing how the clients reconnected with their home. What was once a house of formality is now a place of comfort and expression – a home that reflects the rhythm of modern family life while celebrating the beauty of its past. At Khaya Studio, we believe good design should feel effortless. It should tell the story of the people who live within the space, and it should evolve naturally over time. Projects like Roath Park House remind us that great design is not about reinvention – it’s about reinterpretation, finding beauty in the dialogue between old and new. Khaya Studio A reflection on the process Working on period homes requires patience, adaptability, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. There’s a certain poetry in working within constraints – finding creative solutions that honour what’s already there. Whether through the subtle detailing of a cornice or the placement of a contemporary artwork against a time-worn wall, each decision at Roath Park House was made with the aim of balance – where heritage and modernity coexist in harmony. About Khaya Studio Kate Fryer is a qualified interior designer with over 15 years of experience creating elegant, timeless interiors across Bristol, Bath and the wider Somerset region. Kate brings a professional yet personal approach to every project. Through her studio, Khaya Studio, Kate specialises in the transformation of period and heritage properties, blending classic architecture with contemporary comfort. Her work is defined by warmth, balance, and a deep respect for craftsmanship – creating homes that feel both sophisticated and lived in. Khaya Studio offers a range of tailored services, from colour consultancy to full turnkey renovation and project management. Every detail is carefully handled, ensuring a seamless process and a truly enjoyable design experience for each client. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.