A very tired and drab kitchen was given a huge makeover, by NB Interiors, which totally transformed how this family used the space.
A once very tired and dull space is now a very warm and welcoming kitchen that has both aesthetic and functionality at it's heart.
By adding a small extension to create a compact utility room meant the layout of the kitchen could be adapted to make space for a dining area, complete with banquette seating with some all important storage.
The addition of the seating area meant this room went from feeling cramped to spacious and a social hub of the home.
The pink colour on the walls actually made the space feel much bigger and brighter, plus opening up the chimney allowed the cooker to be relocated to this space and made the seating area possible. This has been a huge transformation and once that has totally transformed the family home.
About NB Interiors UK
I have a passion for colour and texture, I enjoy helping clients be brave and take the leap into injecting personality into their homes. Whilst keeping spaces cosy, welcoming and feeling like their home. I aim to create spaces that can be truly lived in, comfortable and that will stand the test of time.
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Amy Stoddart Studio were entrusted with the internal renovation of this listed Arts & Crafts home, tucked away in the leafy suburbs of Hampstead. While the exterior is unmistakably country in feel, the client was clear from the outset that they wanted the interiors to feel contemporary and considered, rather than overtly traditional.
The brief was to create a family home with charm and character that would stand the test of time, centred around timeless pieces the family could grow with rather than grow out of. As a result, the house has a calm, muted and pared-back aesthetic. A soft palette of creams, browns, blush pinks and gentle greens creates a consistent thread from room to room, while chevron tiles introduce a quiet modernity and a sense of ease underfoot.
References such as Heckfield Place informed the balance between refinement and warmth, with carefully chosen, brighter artworks layered throughout to lift the scheme and bring moments of personality. Subtle nods to our client’s background in classics are woven into the details - most notably in the pantry, where the ‘A Muddle of Jugs’ wallpaper adds a playful yet thoughtful touch.
"Amy was fantastic to work with and took a lot of the stress out of our renovation, from the big decisions to the many, many small ones. She fully understood the brief, which involved staying strictly within the confines of our listed building approvals, meaning some tricky spaces which called for problem solving and collaboration with our architect and builders. We wanted to be very involved, and Amy was brilliant at steering us towards and away from ideas as needed, transforming our vague sense of what we wanted into beautiful and practical spaces for our young family, which feel our own whilst being far more beautiful than we could have imagined." - Linnell House Client
About Amy Stoddart Studio
We are a leading interior design studio that is rewriting the rules of modern design. We bring a unique perspective to interior design that blends eclectic, bespoke, and classic styles. Our goal is to create spaces that tell a story with timeless design at the forefront of our brand ethos. Whether you’re looking to update a single room or transform your entire home, we are here to help bring your vision to life. Central to Amy’s work is a deep understanding of her clients' lifestyles. She takes a highly collaborative approach, building close relationships to ensure each space is tailored to their needs.
Working on The OWO Residences was both an honour and a profound responsibility for Dseesion Interiors. The building’s extraordinary architecture and remarkable history make it one of London’s most iconic landmarks, so being entrusted with creating a private home within its walls felt truly special. Walking through the halls, one can literally feel the weight of history—this very sense of legacy became the starting point for all our design decisions.
We always begin with a story—the character of the building, the spirit of the place, and the people who will live there. The OWO project completely embodies this approach. The family itself held particular significance in this case: they love spending time together, travel constantly, and place great value on cherished personal objects. As they like to say themselves, they are "citizens of the world." This global outlook naturally influenced our design concept: subtle Asian references can be found in the bedroom and dining area, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of the homeowner and her deep connection to those cultures.
Our task was to translate the building’s remarkable heritage into a contemporary language of comfort and elegance, where every detail carries meaning and its own place. An additional point of inspiration was the building’s storied connection to the world of James Bond, which added an intriguing layer of cinematic allure to the space. Special attention was given to the restoration of significant historical spaces, including the Old Library and the legendary Spy Bar.
The work required great sensitivity: because the building has Grade II listed status, many elements could not be altered. This became not a limitation, but a creative challenge—to find a balance between preserving the historic fabric and introducing a modern level of comfort and functionality.
For instance, one such heritage element is the original dado rail—a wall moulding that runs through the hallway. Our intention was not to conceal it, but rather to celebrate it. To do so, the walls were enveloped in a natural silk wallcovering by Fromental in a bespoke hue (colourway Elephant).
Overall, rather than competing with the original architecture, we designed bespoke furniture and finishes that delicately complemented it.
The original octagonal shape of the living room inspired a composition where refined contemporary details are skillfully balanced with architectural character. We framed the original fireplace with bespoke brass panels inset with mirrored glass and Alcantara, enhancing the natural reflections and amplifying the geometry of the room. The walls were dressed in Fromental’s Rain wallcovering: strands of hand-stitched silk threads cascading like raindrops, subtly elongating the height and adding a poetic rhythm to the space.
The bespoke wall panels behind the bed from Fromental’s Faisans collection (in custom finish: background dupion silk colourway Enoki and pheasants in Mahogany) are undoubtedly the focal point of the Master Bedroom. The hand-painted pheasants are gracefully in motion. These panels function not merely as decoration but as art pieces in their own right.
Custom joinery in the walk-in wardrobe provides both concealed storage and open shelving for displaying cherished accessories.
A particular highlight is the collection of bespoke carpets, all of which were designed specifically for this home based on our original sketches. In the living room, a circular rug by Tai Ping, measuring nearly six metres in diameter, features a sculptural, almost three-dimensional surface while remaining incredibly soft; its light background with shades of ochre and turquoise echoes the interior palette. In the bedroom, the rug—created in collaboration with Ice International—features a silk relief pattern woven at a higher pile. We designed it to gently flow around the furniture, much like water encircling natural forms, bringing a calming and meditative quality to the space. In the hallway, another silk carpet by Tai Ping with an abstract pattern evoking drifting smoke visually balances the complex curvilinear architecture and offers a sense of equilibrium.
To transform former government offices into a welcoming home, we chose not only tactile, sumptuous materials—velvet, silk, patinated metal, and wood—but also furnishings that combine timeless beauty with a contemporary spirit, creating a dialogue between past and present.
Many pieces, such as those by Promemoria, feature soft yet modern forms that perfectly reflect this philosophy. The unique Vincenzo De Cotiis sofa, acquired from Carpenters Workshop Gallery, completes the look of the octagonal living room. The Cora console, placed in the bedroom in front of a large floor mirror called Michelle (also by Promemoria), is crafted from wood and bronze and combines a sense of solidity with visual lightness. It brings a meditative quality to the space and subtly emphasises its architecture.
Upon entering the residence, one is greeted by a gracious hallway. As a focal point, we chose two elongated Collier chandeliers by Visual Comfort—their sculptural form and soft radiance create an impression of floating light, transforming the corridor into a true art piece. Special attention was also given to collectible design sourced from galleries in London, Paris, and Brussels. For instance, the sculptural llamas by Abel Cárcamo bring a sense of lightness and playfulness, acting as striking focal points.
Sustainability is an integral part of our philosophy. We approach it not only through the choice of materials but also through craftsmanship and longevity. In this project, we prioritised natural and enduring textures—wood, silk, and stone—elements that age gracefully and develop character over time rather than requiring replacement. We also collaborated closely with artisans and trusted suppliers who share our commitment to responsible sourcing.
Equally important is the focus on timeless design. By creating interiors that transcend fleeting trends, we ensure the space remains relevant for many years to come. To us, this is the most authentic expression of a sustainable approach.
In working on this project, our vision was to create a warm, welcoming home while honouring the unique character of the building—a space where grand architecture is organically connected to the lifestyle and personality of the family. We sought timelessness, where classic features harmoniously coexist with contemporary elements, resulting in an interior that is both elegant and deeply personal.
This project has become a reflection of our philosophy: for us, design is not about decoration; it is about working with emotion, atmosphere, and the feelings a space gives to a person. We are guided by a pursuit of balance—between history and modernity, beauty and function, restraint and expression. We believe that a truly refined interior should be both poetic and practical, creating a sense of quiet joy and a genuine feeling of home.
About Dseesion Interiors
Our story began in 2003 when Valeria Senkina decided to launch her practice in the sphere of sophisticated luxury interior design. Since then, we have created and conducted around a hundred projects in the UK, Continental Europe and other countries. At Dseesion, the living space is not just a beautiful environment, to be admired, it is also a place that can embody the spirit and life of the owner. The interior of a house can be beautiful yet functional. The interior creates a positive environment for the owner and the whole family to develop. It becomes a source of energy and strength. We respect and encourage intellectual luxury: our projects combine sophistication, culture, outstanding quality, art and functionality. Dseesion is committed to using natural and sustainable materials to benefit the planet. Our work to date has required about 80% of bespoke furniture and interior elements to be manufactured in the best, world class production facilities across the globe. Dseesion is thinking ahead, every day, so we already have significant experience in smart home technology and solutions for finer living.
Set within the former Terry’s Chocolate Factory - once home to the iconic Chocolate Orange, The Residence occupies one of the city’s most recognisable industrial landmarks. Carefully redeveloped by PJ Livesey, the historic factory building now offers expansive contemporary apartments high above the surrounding landscape.
It has also become one of our favourite places to work. Over the past few years, Middlethorpe Interiors have redesigned a number of properties within the development, each revealing its own character while responding to the building’s generous industrial proportions. With views stretching across York Racecourse towards York Minster, the Bishop’s Palace and the distant Yorkshire Wolds. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws the surrounding landscape into the interior, while impressive ceiling heights and wide proportions create an immediate sense of openness and light.
For our clients, relocating to York marked the beginning of a new chapter. After many years in a substantial family home in Kent, they were seeking a setting that felt lighter and more manageable while still reflecting their longstanding love of nature and the outdoors. The apartment presented a remarkable blank canvas. Yet with that opportunity came a clear design challenge. The principal room - conceived as a single open-plan living and dining space - was vast, and without careful intervention it risked feeling cavernous rather than welcoming.
Our task was therefore to introduce warmth and visual structure while allowing the openness of the architecture to remain intact.
The scale of the room quickly became the defining element of the project.
The clients brought only a small number of pieces from their previous home. However, when placed within the apartment, these familiar furnishings appeared almost miniature against the generous proportions of the room. Rather than filling the interior with numerous smaller pieces, the approach focused on introducing fewer, more purposeful pieces capable of anchoring the room visually while maintaining a sense of calm and balance.
At the centre of the scheme sits a bespoke media wall spanning the width of the room. Painted cabinetry in a soft olive tone frames a central ribbed oak panel housing a Samsung The Frame TV, allowing the screen to sit discreetly within the joinery and read more like artwork when not in use. Below, a linear fireplace sits within a marble surround, grounding the composition while introducing a refined material contrast. Recessed LED lighting integrated within the joinery provides a soft evening glow, highlighting the texture of the timber and bringing warmth to the room after dark. Open shelving above and to either side provides space for ceramics and woven objects, softening the scale of the cabinetry while introducing layers of texture and visual interest.
Lighting throughout the room was carefully designed to support the different ways the space would be used. A layered lighting plan combines atmospheric lighting with practical task lighting, allowing the room to shift easily between quiet daily living and evening gatherings.
This flexibility was particularly important for the clients, who regularly host groups within their home. Creating a setting that felt welcoming and comfortable for groups of guests therefore became central to the design. To support this, we retained the clients’ two existing sofas and introduced a bespoke oversized ottoman at the centre of the seating arrangement. The piece provides additional seating when required while also offering a practical surface for trays of drinks when entertaining.
The surrounding views and the clients’ love of the outdoors played an important role in shaping the interior palette.
A biophilic colour scheme draws inspiration from the landscape beyond the windows. Soft greens, natural textures and layered materials echo the tones of the Yorkshire countryside while bringing warmth and depth to the interior.
Rather than competing with the view, the design allows the surrounding landscape to remain quietly present within the apartment.
Throughout the day, shifting light and changing skies subtly alter the atmosphere of the room, reinforcing the connection between the interior and its setting.
Working creatively within both the scale of the apartment and the practical limits of the budget became one of the most rewarding aspects of the project. Between the study and the living room, poorly installed glass panels disrupted the visual rhythm of the interior. Our original design proposed bespoke doors to soften the transition between the two spaces, but this solution ultimately proved beyond the available budget. Instead, we developed a panelled partition designed to echo the proportions of traditional doors while introducing structure and architectural rhythm to the room.
The result allows the spaces to remain visually connected while bringing a stronger sense of balance to the interior - a reminder that thoughtful design solutions often emerge when creativity must stretch a little further.
What began as a vast open canvas has become a home that feels calm, balanced and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Carefully scaled joinery, layered lighting and a restrained palette allow the architecture of the converted factory building to remain the hero while introducing the warmth and comfort required for everyday living.
Above all, the apartment now reflects the lives of its owners - a place shaped by landscape, light and the simple pleasure of welcoming friends and family.
“We are delighted with the final outcome of the refurbishment, and it now truly feels like home. Thank you to the whole team for guiding us through the process - we’re looking forward to welcoming friends and family to enjoy our new home.”
About Middlethorpe Interiors
Middlethorpe Interiors is a York-based interior design studio creating calm, considered homes that feel natural, personal and enduring. Working across period properties, new builds, city apartments and countryside retreats, the studio offers a discreet, professional service tailored to how each client lives. Services range from full interior design for whole-home transformations to one-room decoration, colour consultancy, bespoke soft furnishings and virtual design support. Known for thoughtful detailing, balanced schemes and a structured, well-managed approach, Middlethorpe Interiors works closely with homeowners across York, Harrogate, Wetherby and the wider North of England to create interiors that feel both effortless and deeply lived in.
The small dark kitchen wasn't working for the client, it felt cramped, not organised and it was cut off from the dining and living room.
The connecting wall was removed and this instantly opened up this whole area. The new kitchen design by NB Interiors felt more spacious, more purposeful for how the client used and lived in the space.
Being north facing the brighter yellow colour worked at keeping this part of the room feeling brighter and warm. As well as being brave and feeling more energised, this whole space went from neutral and dark to brighter and warmer.
The mix of wood and yellow softened the space and added some texture. Balanced against the blue that leads into the dining and living area makes this a fun, cheerful and invigorating living area.
Set on the edge of the historic Failand Estate, this charming Grade II Listed Coach House sits within a tranquil country setting surrounded by National Trust farmland and Forestry Commission woodland. Approached via a long driveway, the property enjoys a rare sense of privacy and rural calm, despite its close proximity to Clifton Village.
Originally built as an ancillary estate building, the Coach House has evolved over time into a private residence, retaining the proportions and architectural character typical of historic coach houses found throughout Bristol’s rural fringes. Generous ceiling heights, original detailing and established gardens give the property a strong sense of place, with both a secluded rear garden and a characterful front courtyard featuring a striking loggia.
Prior to our involvement, the property had been modernised and had lost much of its original charm and individuality. The clients approached Khaya Studio to help make the house feel special once again - seeking a home that felt timeless, characterful and lived in, while remaining practical for contemporary country living. As interior designers specialising in period property renovation across Bristol, Bath and Somerset, this project offered the perfect opportunity to reintroduce warmth, heritage and quiet elegance to a historic home.
Our design approach focused on restoring authenticity, warmth and proportion to this grand home, while ensuring the spaces felt comfortable, practical and lived in for modern life. Our first recommendation was to establish a stronger foundation within the hallway and principal living spaces. The existing carpet felt at odds with the period of the property, so we proposed natural limestone flagstones - more in keeping with a historic coach house and ideal for layering textured rugs. Underfloor heating was incorporated to enhance comfort while discreetly supporting contemporary living.
The colour palette was inspired by the surrounding landscape and the clients’ love of gardening. Soft, dusty greens were paired with warm, earthy orange tones to bring the outdoors in, while maintaining a welcoming, cocooning feel. Although the living and dining areas are open plan, subtle distinction was created through colour: the living space wrapped in green to feel grounded and intimate, and the dining area finished in a pale neutral to keep it light and relaxed.
Proportion and scale were central to the design. With generous ceiling heights and expansive proportions, the existing furniture felt disconnected. The original fireplace - the heart of the room - was celebrated with an oversized antique mirror echoing the home’s leaded windows, flanked by brass candle sconces. A striped loveseat was positioned beside the hearth, appearing as though it had always belonged there.
A large antique sideboard was introduced to discreetly house the television and provide storage, while a three-seater sofa was positioned within the window alcove, flanked by antique side tables and anchored by a brass coffee table. A quiet reading corner was created opposite, complete with an armchair, floor lamp and a treasured portrait of the client’s grandfather, which was integral to the scheme. The living area was unified with a generously scaled patterned rug, drawing together the colour palette.
In the dining space, bespoke banquette seating was designed to maximise seating and hidden storage, layered with cushions for comfort. An antique dining table sits at the centre, crowned by a floral-inspired pendant, while a picture light highlights artwork of personal significance. Throughout the scheme we sought to balance respect for the building’s heritage with timeless interior design, ensuring the Coach House once again feels special, soulful and deeply personal.
The completed scheme is a home that feels deeply considered, timeless and full of quiet confidence - one that honours its historic origins while supporting the rhythms of modern family life. What was once a space that had lost its charm has been transformed into a layered, characterful interior that feels both elevated and entirely welcoming.
Natural materials, carefully balanced colour palettes and thoughtfully scaled furnishings now work in harmony with the architecture of the Coach House. Original features have been celebrated rather than overshadowed, and each space feels cohesive, warm and beautifully resolved. The result is an interior that feels as though it has evolved naturally over time, rather than being overly designed.
It was an absolute joy to work on this project with such wonderful clients, and we felt truly honoured to be invited into this beautiful home. The collaborative nature of the process, combined with a shared appreciation for heritage and detail, allowed the design to develop in a way that exceeded even our own expectations.
We hope the family will enjoy these spaces for many years to come - gathering, unwinding and creating countless new memories within a home that once again feels special, personal and full of life.
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.
This spacious living room in a Surrey home was completely transformed from a dull, underused area into something truly special. Anita de Villiers Interior Design reimagined the space as a luxurious yet comfortable room, designed for everyday family living as well as elegant entertaining. Thoughtful lighting design became the defining element, adding layers of warmth, sophistication, and subtle drama to this impressive space.
The original layout felt awkward and disconnected, with outdated furniture and harsh overhead lighting that left the room feeling uninviting. Despite this, it was clear the space had great potential to become one of the home’s most beautiful rooms. My clients wanted a complete redesign with a glamorous, modern aesthetic and luxurious finishes, and they understood that carefully planned lighting would be essential in bringing this vision to life.
They were inspired by luxury hotel interiors they had discovered during their travels, with warm, rich textures, natural materials and sophisticated spaces. Their goal was a living room that felt stylish and glamorous while remaining comfortable and inviting for family life.
"My clients had a clear vision inspired by the luxury hotels they'd experienced. The challenge was translating that sophistication into a space that worked for everyday family life." - Anita de Villiers.
The redesigned layout introduced two distinct zones: a relaxed family lounge for watching TV and a sociable seating area for entertaining. Each zone was carefully planned to feel both luxurious and practical. Layered lighting played a key role in enhancing the atmosphere, ensuring the room feels welcoming at any time of day.
One of the most impactful changes was removing the harsh overhead lighting. The existing downlights cast unflattering light across the floor and flattened the space. Instead, directional bronze spotlights were carefully positioned to highlight drapery, sculptural elements, and artwork, adding depth and visual interest.
Decorative coving with hidden LED lighting was introduced to define the lounging area while adding another layer of mood lighting. The soft glow from within the bespoke media units subtly highlights the beautifully displayed objects, creating a sense of depth and warmth.
The most striking features are the pair of Amber Sorrento Chandeliers from Pure White Lines, suspended centrally within each zone. Positioned above the conversational seating and lounging areas, they anchor the spaces and create an intimate atmosphere for gathering. Beautifully proportioned to the room's generous size and ceiling height, these sculptural fixtures cast a warm, inviting glow that brings instant drama and a sense of occasion. They have quickly become a favourite talking point.
Equally important are the quieter layers of lighting working throughout the room. The Mosman Bronze Linear Wall Sconces and Mosman Table Lamps from Pure White Lines add understated elegance through their sleek geometric lines and soft alabaster finish. A carefully placed floor lamp, from Andrew Martin, provides focused task lighting exactly where it is needed.
All fixtures are fitted with warm-toned bulbs and controlled via high-quality bronze dimmer switches, giving my clients complete control over the ambience for any mood or occasion.
"The right lighting can completely change how a space feels. It is about highlighting the details, enhancing comfort, and making every corner of a home feel inviting." - Anita de Villiers.
With years of experience designing homes across Surrey and South East England, I have learned that lighting is always worth investing in and that professional planning makes a significant difference. Lighting defines how a space feels and functions, and quality fixtures can instantly elevate an interior.
The Amber Sorrento Chandeliers are a perfect example. Their scale, craftsmanship, and the way the amber glass catches and reflects light throughout the day contribute to the room’s refined and sophisticated atmosphere. Even the best budget alternatives simply cannot achieve the same effect.
The difference that good lighting makes in this space cannot be overstated. Where harsh overhead lights once left the room feeling flat, it now has a beautiful balance of light and shadow that brings depth, warmth, and a sense of sophistication.
Whether the family is enjoying a quiet evening reading, watching TV, or hosting guests with ambient and chandelier lighting, the room adapts effortlessly. With full control via dimmer switches, the atmosphere can be adjusted to suit every occasion.
In this Surrey living room, lighting became the element that tied everything together, transforming the space into one the family genuinely loves to use every day.
Lighting should be considered early in any renovation to ensure your space feels both beautiful and functional. If you’re planning a home transformation, I’d love to help you get the design and lighting just right. Get in touch to discuss your project.
About Anita de Villiers Interior Design
Anita de Villiers runs a boutique interior design studio in Surrey, specialising in elegant, considered interiors for homeowners who value quality and personal connection. Providing a dedicated one-to-one experience, Anita personally manages every stage of the design journey. Her work is defined by a respect for architectural integrity and quiet luxury, creating layered spaces that remain timeless as trends evolve. Whether overseeing a full renovation or a single room, Anita guides her clients with a structured process that brings clarity to every decision. She creates sophisticated, functional homes designed around how you live.
This new-build property was given a renewed sense of character through the considered use of colour, wallpaper and furniture selected to suit both the scale of the rooms and the family’s lifestyle.
The brief was to move away from the neutral, generic feel often associated with new builds and create a home that felt warm, layered and personal.
Having lived in the house for some time, the clients felt the interiors weren’t working for them. Furniture carried over from their previous home felt ill-suited to the new layout, storage was limited and the spaces lacked cohesion and personality.
NB Interiors provided a full review of the ground floor, which allowed the layout and function of each room to be refined, ensuring the home worked harder for day-to-day family life.
Updated wall colours and wallpapers introduced depth and interest, while new, carefully proportioned furniture helped to anchor each space and create a more fluid, cohesive feel throughout the downstairs.
Practical design solutions were seamlessly integrated, from defined areas for coats and storage to a more inviting living space designed for relaxed entertaining. The result is a warm, colourful and thoughtfully considered family home that now feels both functional and distinctly their own.
Designing interiors for large country homes presents distinct challenges. Working across historic and listed properties in Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, our approach focuses on creating interiors that continue to adapt to changing family dynamics and contemporary demands, while remaining relevant long after fashions have shifted.
Many of the large country homes Barclay Interiors works on are Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian, each bringing its own spatial logic and constraints.
Berkshire Estate and Oxfordshire Living are two projects that demonstrate this approach. Both involved significant period property renovation, yet each resulted in a different design outcome. Berkshire Estate took a more robust, rustic direction, while Oxfordshire Living adopted a lighter and more eclectic character.
Working within listed and historic properties means design decisions are shaped early by planning and conservation requirements. A detailed assessment of original features, spatial relationships and structural constraints informs layouts, joinery and finishes from the outset.
Where existing structures impose physical constraints, design decisions often require more active intervention. At Berkshire Estate, a period property renovation, heavy beams, low ceilings, inglenook fireplaces and irregular proportions were treated as guiding elements. Furniture layouts, lighting positions and sightlines were adjusted to work with the existing structure, with visual balance achieved through centred furniture, layered lighting and carefully placed focal points where symmetry was not possible.
Larger interventions, including Crittall glazing and selective ceiling adjustments, were introduced to improve light and clarify views while remaining sensitive to the original building.
In contrast, Oxfordshire Living called for a lighter touch. Panelling added depth, while a palette of whites layered with blues, creams and marbled finishes brought subtle variation to the interiors.
Despite these additions, the design approach remained consistent. Opening up the kitchen, dining and living areas was carefully managed to maintain cohesion and balance within the home’s generous layout.
Bespoke joinery played a key role in resolving the properties’ complex geometry and practical requirements. Across both projects, custom elements were developed for kitchens, wardrobes, dressing areas and storage, allowing awkward beams, plant rooms, and services to be integrated discreetly within the interiors.
For Berkshire Estate, hand-forged lighting brackets were designed specifically for spaces without flat ceilings, enabling statement pendants to sit correctly within exposed structures. Curtain poles were individually fabricated to accommodate deep reveals and varying wall depths, while custom furniture pieces, including dressing tables, cabinetry and metal island detailing, were developed in direct response to the architecture.
At Oxfordshire Living, bespoke cabinetry was combined with carefully refurbished existing pieces, ensuring new joinery sat comfortably within the home’s established character. In the dining room, the original archway was reinterpreted through the introduction of a black-framed glass door, retaining the historic form while supporting a more contemporary use of the space.
At Berkshire Estate, lighting and colour were used strategically to offset low ceilings and heavy timber structures, improving usability without diminishing the home’s character.
New glazing and selective reconfiguration of openings strengthened visual connections to the surrounding gardens and courtyards, improving daylight and circulation while maintaining appropriate thermal control.
A similar approach was applied at Oxfordshire Living, through lighter-touch interventions. Existing features were selectively updated and complemented with contemporary elements, with fabrics and finishes chosen to be paired with traditional furniture. Internal layouts were refined to improve flow and clarity, reinforcing the sense of space across the interiors.
Across both projects, key architectural features were retained and expressed wherever possible. Original beams, brickwork, stone floors and structural features were preserved as part of the design, allowing material continuity and authenticity to remain central to the finished interiors.
Our approach to designing large country homes is rooted in respecting historic proportions while supporting each client’s vision for contemporary living.
Although both projects required a sensitive approach to historic fabric, their outcomes differed in aesthetic and character, reflecting the importance of considered decision-making at every stage of the design process.
Early design thinking can play a critical role in shaping both experience and outcome. If you’re thinking about starting a period property renovation, get in touch with us to explore the possibilities.
About Barclay Interiors Limited
Headquartered in the UK, Barclay Interiors has been a leading name in interior design for 25 years, with a global portfolio of residential and commercial projects. Known for a timeless and individual approach, the practice emphasises uncompromising discretion and transparency. The skilled team avoids a prescriptive style, creating beautiful, tailored spaces through close collaboration with architects, artisans, and contractors. Their proactive and responsive nature has made them a trusted partner for homeowners, investors, luxury hospitality operators, HNWIs, and developers.
When Kimble Roden Architect's clients purchased a large, detached Arts and Crafts property in Cheshire, they saw promise beneath years of fragmented additions and an inefficient internal plan. They wanted a forever home - one rooted in the character of the original house but fully reconfigured for contemporary family life.
At the heart of the transformation was a complete rethinking of spatial flow. We opened up the ground floor to create a generous open-plan kitchen and living area, supported by defined sitting and play spaces and a highly functional utility zone. Upstairs, four double bedrooms - each with ensuite - were carefully arranged across the first and second floors, while the previously under-used loft now offers long views across the rear garden and rolling Cheshire landscape.
A bespoke oak and black metal staircase provides a dramatic focal point and connects all levels, anchoring a newly opened entrance hall and reinforcing a clear spatial hierarchy throughout the home.
Architecturally, the design balances respect for heritage with contemporary clarity. A two-storey side extension reflects the language of the original Arts and Crafts façade at the front, while a more contemporary expression to the rear maximises glazed connections with the outdoors. Seamless access to garden play spaces and a garden gym enhances everyday living.
Inside, a warm palette of neutrals, oak and black joinery, alongside refined dark bronze details, creates a harmonious flow of materials. Each space is tailored to its function, resulting in a home that feels both purposeful and beautifully composed.
This whole-house transformation exemplifies Kimble Roden’s approach: thoughtful planning, architectural cohesion and interiors that balance elegance with practicality.
About Kimble Roden Architects & Designers
Kimble Roden’s practice mission is to create outstanding architecture and interior projects tailored to meet the needs of our clients. We will bring an outstanding level of creativity and technical brilliance to residential projects. Whether you are building a new home, renovating, extending or have an interior design project we can offer a turnkey solution for your project and bring a level of professionalism that sets the standards in client care. We will provide you with complete peace of mind and add value to your home.
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