Studio LBI Deliver a Cosy But Thoroughly Modern and Functional Holiday Home

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

The property occupies a stunning plot overlooking the Kyles of Bute with gardens reaching to the shore. The property was tired and overrun with tartan carpets and dark corners. The brief was to breathe new life into this period property and deliver a restful, cosy but thoroughly modern and functional holiday home, with an understated, luxurious and timeless aesthetic. The brief ran from soft furnishings through to kitchen and bathroom design, bespoke cabinetry and the selection of art and accessories throughout the house. For the clients this was a turnkey project and handed over complete and ready to move into.

What was the client’s brief?

Our clients had recently purchased a holiday home in Argyll, set on the banks of the Kyles of Bute. Whilst surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the interiors felt dated and disconnected from their natural surroundings. Heavy tartan carpets and dark wall coverings closed the house off from the beauty outside.

The brief was to transform the property into a bright, welcoming retreat, that invited the outdoors in and embraced natural light. Above all, the clients wanted an open-plan space that would allow them to entertain and host family in a relaxed, elegant setting.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our inspiration came from the surrounding countryside. We designed the interior in neutral, earthy tones with luxurious soft furnishings to create a cosy feel. The countryside in Argyll is so beautiful that we paid particular attention to window dressings so that the eye is drawn to the spectacular views.

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

The remote location brought some logistical challenges, but with such a beautiful journey to the property, it was hard to see travel as a burden.

The greater challenge lay in the property’s outdated electrical system which simply couldn’t support the requirements of a modern home. This was a significant hurdle, but through close collaboration with the builders, the system was successfully upgraded, ensuring the house could meet the clients’ needs both now and in the future.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The true highlight came when we handed the completed home back to our clients and saw their reaction. They had entrusted us to oversee every detail, from managing the trades and coordinating the installation of the kitchen and bathrooms to commissioning bespoke joinery by our cabinet maker. Every piece of soft furnishing and accessory was carefully sourced by the Studio LBI team to ensure the house felt cohesive and complete.

The installation itself was a memorable week, set against a rare Scottish heatwave with blue skies and temperatures in the thirties. Despite the challenge of moving furniture in the heat, the atmosphere was electric as everything came together.

When our clients finally walked into their turnkey-ready holiday home, their delight and emotion made all the effort worthwhile.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We value the recognition that comes from our industry peers and the credibility that the SBID Awards bring to our brand. To be considered among such a high calibre of finalists is both an honour and a privilege and it reflects the passion and dedication that goes into every project we deliver.

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

Being a finalist is a powerful recognition of our team as serious, professional designers within a competitive industry. The interior design market is crowded and standing out requires both creativity and credibility. Winning the SBID Award in 2023 elevated our profile within the industry and continues to give prospective clients confidence, as the award serves as a trusted mark of quality and excellence.

Questions answered by Louise Bramhill, Founder of Studio LBI.