Studio 95 Interiors Honours Original Character Whilst Introducing a Contemporary Aesthetic

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Studio 95 Interiors.

Studio 95 Interiors, a West London-based design studio, was commissioned to add contemporary style to this charming 1930s family home in Ealing. Central to the project is a spacious new kitchen, dining and living area created as part of a generous rear extension. The fully refurbished entrance hall retains key original features, blending classic character with modern functionality to create a welcoming, open space adorned with tribal masks inspired by the family’s extensive travels. The newly designed master suite boasts an high pitched ceiling and a striking oriel window seat, offering serene garden views and a sense of retreat.

What was the client’s brief?

The clients had decided to update and extend their large 1930’s semi-detached two-storey family home in Ealing. As part of the refurbishment and extension project, they wanted a new contemporary kitchen which was to be situated in an open plan kitchen, dining and living space at the rear of their south facing property. They also wanted an updated entrance hall with new stairwell, a new master suite on the first floor along with refurbished rooms throughout. The following requests were raised by the client as their design brief.

– Generally: To honour the home’s original character while introducing a contemporary aesthetic tailored to modern family life.
– Kitchen, Dining & Living Area: Create an inviting, multifunctional space that balances elegance with everyday functionality and one that enhances the connection to the large south-facing garden. Create a cohesive lighting plan layout and specification for the rear extension incorporating feature lights along with functional downlights. Create a media wall with shelving.
– Entrance Hall & Stairwell: Create a striking entrance hall to reflect the home’s original character but in a contemporary way.
– Master Bedroom Suite: Create a calm elegant room that enhances the newly designed architectural features of the high pitched ceiling and oriel window. Create a place of retreat which also connects with the outdoors.

What inspired the design of the project?

On the ground floor, at the rear of the property, the open-plan ground floor kitchen, dining and living area was envisioned as the vibrant heart of the home, offering a generous, light-filled environment that opens onto the south-facing garden. We wanted to make the most of this wide 10 metre space and for each designated area to flow and work well with each other.

The entrance hall was to serve as a transitional space, subtly nodding to the home’s 1930s heritage while embracing a contemporary design approach. It was a transitional space where you move from the reinterpreted original architecture at the front of the property to the modern extension of the kitchen, dining and living area at the rear. As a nod to its 1930s heritage, we added a classic monochromatic scheme of art-deco inspired black and white geometric flooring, black doors, grey painted wall panelling and a glamourous glass bauble chandelier. These reflect the overall design language of the home.

On the first floor, the master suite was designed to celebrate architectural volume and light. The pitched roofline was left open to enhance a sense of airiness. The feature oriel window which has a bespoke built-in window seat, creates a serene corner for relaxation and making the most of views and natural light.

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

There were a number of hurdles in this project, the main one was working within the budget that had been allowed. It was a large home and the client was refurbishing the entire house. So, with clever and imaginative use of the budget, we were able to make the budget stretch to achieve the thoughtfully curated look throughout and making some existing pieces work with the new.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The design carefully balances old and new, respecting the character of the original home while introducing light-filled, modern living spaces. Key highlights include:
– Seamless Integration: A contemporary extension that harmonises with the existing architecture while offering a bold modern identity.
– Maximising Light & Space: Open-plan layouts, large glazed panels, and thoughtful spatial planning bring natural light deep into the home, creating a sense of openness and connection to the garden.
– Contemporary Living: Flexible spaces designed for modern family life, with a focus on flow, comfort, and functionality.
– Craftsmanship & Detail: High-quality materials and refined detailing elevate the design, ensuring both durability and elegance.
– Sustainability Considerations: Energy-efficient solutions and sustainable materials contribute to the longevity and environmental responsibility of the home.

The result is a home that redefines a traditional property for 21st-century living, blending heritage with innovation.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Entering the SBID Awards is an opportunity to push creative boundaries and showcase work to a global audience. Being shortlisted by a panel of highly respected industry experts is both an honour and a testament to the quality of a studio’s design. The awards not only provide valuable benchmarking against peers but also open doors to significant marketing opportunities, particularly when recognised as a finalist.

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

Being shortlisted for the SBID Awards is a significant milestone for my studio. Having a project recognised in the residential category for the third consecutive year affirms the consistency and quality of our work. The recognition serves as a powerful showcase, attracting attention from peers in the interiors industry as well as prospective clients, while reinforcing our reputation for professionalism, reliability, and design excellence. Beyond visibility, the awards have strengthened relationships with clients, suppliers, and media partners. On a more personal level, the journey highlights the evolution of the business – its beginnings, its growth over the past five years, challenges and achievements – making the experience both rewarding and invaluable.

Questions answered by Stephanie Gilsenan, Founder of Studio 95 Interiors.