Rachel Usher Interior Design Transforms a Luxury Private Residence

Rachel Usher Interior Design were commissioned to design a large contemporary family kitchen and open plan living space.

The multi-disciplinary interior architectural team re-defined the existing format, opening up apertures allowing an abundance of natural light to fill the property and playing to the scale of the buildings vernacular.

Synonymous with a Rachel Usher Interior Design is the interaction of materials evident throughout all of the bespoke hand-crafted joinery, including shadow gap detailing and hidden light sources to highlight texture and contrast.

The final scheme was brought together with the appropriate application of light, texture and materiality.

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In the Spring of 2021, amidst the global pandemic, Consult by FD were appointed to support the renovation of a two-storey town house for a growing young family.

This project was our lockdown project baby. We were able to strike up a great rapport with our lovely clients, Ben and Georgie over early morning weekend calls and socially distanced site visits. FUN FACT: Due to covid rules and restrictions, we didn’t meet our, now trusted builders face to face until the project was complete and we were launching into project number two with them across the other side of Town. As we always harp on - through drawings and thorough documentation, our communication was clear and the design intention was executed perfectly even though meetings were distant and group site visits were non existent.

So, I guess we’ll start at the very beginning... A classic Victorian terrace entrance straight into the main living area and without the luxury of a hallway, this growing family had a very understandable gripe with what they were often welcomed with on arriving at home. A young toddler and another on the way meant that there was always an evolving collection of shoes; coats and bags and this was only going to become more apparent with the inevitable pushchair addition. This was one of the first things on our design solution radar and we couldn’t wait to get our teeth stuck in.

We designed and specified full height built in storage with a closed cupboard deep enough to store shoes and the slimline push chair the family were acquiring ahead of their newest arrival. By taking the structure all the way to the ceiling but leaving some full height open shelves, it brought the right balance of partition and openness that was needed for it to not feel misplaced or imposing on what would become the cosy family living room.

The main Living area now had sufficient separation from the entrance and with further zoning throughout the ground floor living area, we were able to distinguish clear spaces for family time socialising and an evolving multipurpose space for the whole family to enjoy. An abundant wall of open shelving and closed storage provided the perfect dual purpose space - displaying a beautiful collection of things that represented the family, whilst generous wall to wall cupboard space allowed for accumulated items to be placed behind closed doors and as the younger members of the family grow, there is space for their things too. Having the option to tidy things away and close the door proved to be another storage hit for this growing family.

When we first spoke with Ben and Georgie about how they used this space, they had told us that originally the sofa was on the other half of the room whilst the window side was more of a play area for their little one. They were not really using the full length of the room due to inadequate seating and feeling like there wasn’t any real purpose to the other half of the room. Quite quickly we were able to identify their personal challenge with the living space and decided we needed to create clear purpose for the two spaces. Whilst the window side would be the relaxed, more evening social space the other side of the room - where the storage for the kid’s items would be going - would become the multipurpose play area and an extension of the other half of the room when needed. Bringing the play area closer to the kitchen, they would be able to get on with tasks in the kitchen or even enjoy a meal for two whilst being in earshot of their little one playing.

To differentiate the spaces within the living area we added another modern
architectural feature in the form of an extruded fireplace surround so that there was a nice shelf that could house more personal treasures; the tv sound bar and also framing the wall mounted Art TV so it wasn’t just floating on a mass of white wall. This worked a treat and our builders did an amazing job seamlessly adding in this feature by following the skirting all the way around the new fireplace.

Now there are two very distinct areas for the family to enjoy for different settings and needs as the household dynamic evolves. We did not and had no intention of touching the original shutters - they were already so beautiful and we are not designers that change things for the sake of change-sake. Ben and Georgie really loved how this half of the room now felt much more purposeful and intentional and the shutters as they were, now had a new lease of life.

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To mark the second chapter of the “Re-enchanting Villa Medici” project, the historic rooms of the French Academy in Rome have been re-imagined and rearranged by the French-Iranian designer India Mahdavi.

Frequented by popes, princes, poets and artists, Villa Medici dominates the capital from the Pincio Hill with the austere elegance of its fortress-like façade.

Embracing the requirements of modernity, the rebirth of Villa Medici highlights all of its surrounding beauty and history, in the name of continuity with a glorious past.

India Mahdavi plays with geometric forms and bright colours, which give a sense of intimate warmth to the rooms while mingling in a triumph of styles and surprising colour combinations.

Dedar fabrics contribute to renewing the spirit of the rooms, where elements with a contemporary flair dialogue with the villa's heritage.

Discovered in the archives of Mobilier national, the sofas designed by Jean-Albert Lesage in the Lili Boulanger salon are adorned by Tabularasa cotton satin in the shade of Giallo bombo.

Dedar has also contributed to the development of the print defined by an octagonal decorative motif, used on the four-poster bed in the Galileo Room.

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Overlooking Lake Garda, EALA is a luxury hotel designed in every detail to give its guests a one-of-a-kind experience. The choice of Foglie d'Oro flooring, different in design but united by the quality and comfort of wood, creates a clear identity for each room - from the suites and the bistro to the wonderful hall.

In the elegant hall, the Matita modular system, in the Ca' Bollani finish and with Marquinia marble and brass inserts, creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where the natural light from outside creates a play of reflections on the dark marble.

In the refined lake-view bistro, the Tricot modular floor in Ca' Melli finish creates an evocative geometric composition. The tones of the smoked oak wood create a pleasant play of chiaroscuro, giving the surface and the room dynamism and character.

The Spina Jazz in Ca' Gabriel finish brings the rhythm of the herringbone parquet to the bedrooms, revisited by Foglie d'Oro with a contemporary soul: its serial interlocking corners create an airy, embracing design, perfect for creating a synthesis of comfort and luxury.

Our know-how allows us to meet the demands of customers and designers even beyond the wide range of floors in our catalogue, and Foglie d'Oro has created custom-made products for this project too.

Visit the Projects section of our website to see the complete gallery dedicated to EALA and discover, in the Bespoke section, how we can customise floors and panelling in a completely original way.

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Albion Gate is an interior-architectural project that Supremati designed for a developer in central London, Hyde Park.

The property is set in a lavish, historical art-deco building and consists of two-bedrooms, both with their own en-suites. Most of the furniture and artwork was already the client’s, so Supremati was responsible for designing the joinery, such as the doors, and all of the finishes. The studio was also responsible for the design management of the property and the entire space has been co-ordinated under Magda’s creative direction.

The completed project exudes luxury, while simultaneously being comfortable and spacious. Inspiration was taken from the art-deco building itself; the bespoke details are taken from that time period and are thoroughly checked to be held to the highest standard. Meanwhile, the colour palette of green undertones is inspired by the property’s location, Hyde Park. This creates a nice balance between the minimalism and luxury of the interior.

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The magnificent Grade II listed Georgian Cuckney House on the Welbeck Estate, one of the UK's largest and historically important country estates, has been given a complete interior makeover by Rachel McLane Ltd as part of a substantial renovation project.

Yorkshire-based Rachel McLane Ltd, one of the country's leading interior designers, formed part of the team that has just completed the two-year project to convert the vacant Cuckney House into luxury 15-bedroom holiday and event accommodation.

The 15,000-acre Welbeck Estate on the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire border near Sherwood Forest has a history that can be traced back nearly 900 years and is run by The Welbeck Estates Company.

The early Georgian Cuckney House was purchased by the 4th Duke of Portland in 1844 and was once home to the 6th Duke and Duchess of Portland while repairs were carried out to Welbeck Abbey in 1901 and was used as a set for the feature film Testament of Youth, Vera Brittain's coming-of-age story during World War I.

As a prominent historical House on the Estate, it has been thoroughly but sensitively transformed during the substantial renovation project to provide a single high-spec property for extended holiday and event-related stays.

Its 15 bedrooms include family suites and a bridal suite, allowing the House to sleep more than 30 people, and it has three reception rooms, including a 28-seat dining room and a 40-seat function room. There is a large, well-appointed kitchen, games room, snug, butler's pantry, and outside there is a large terrace with two BBQs and a wood-fired pizza oven, a walled kitchen garden and a tennis court.

The transformation of Cuckney House is part of the long-term Welbeck Project to re-purpose and breathe new life into the Estate's collection of historic buildings.

"Welbeck Estate already owns eight self-catered holiday cottages but wanted to develop Cuckney House to accommodate guests of the Hazel Gap Wedding venue, which is based on the estate, and for longer extended family stays, including big birthday celebrations, small wedding receptions, self-catering holidays and corporate events," said Rachel, who started work there in the pre-Covid winter of 2019 with initial meetings.

"The entire project was managed by the Welbeck Estate, which made it run like clockwork as the Estate has incredibly skilled teams across different departments. The Estates team clearly care very much about their work, and it was a real privilege to work with them on this project which went from concept stage through to building completion."

Working closely alongside the Estate team, Rachel McLane Ltd was part of the design team that helped see through internal and external structural design changes that included a reconfiguration of the walls on the first and second floors, complete re-roofing, insulation throughout, refurbishment of all flooring, including reinstated parquet flooring, and the raising of the ceiling height in the top floor rooms, as well as electrical drawings, lighting designs, colour scheme and fabrics.

"We were able to respect Cuckney House's listed status while giving each room its own identity and personality, reflecting the original use of the building as a Manor House. The design intent was to make Cuckney House feel like it had evolved rather than an overly designed modern interior. The overall look is eclectic and traditional, with a contemporary twist suited to today's living expectations," added Rachel, who headed up her own team of specialists, all of whom have worked on Cuckney House at some point in the project, including three procurers, five designers and finance manager.

The interior design also features a new art collection that the Rachel McLane team procured to make it look like the collection had evolved.

"We worked with the Estate's collections team on scans of artwork from the collections and also with a commercial art gallery, mixing traditional and contemporary artwork on the walls and around the rooms."

An added feel of the area's landscape also comes from the work of Kyra Cane, a ceramic artist who rents a studio from the Welbeck Estate and whose work is on display in the House.

The restoration of Cuckney House has also been emphatically sustainable with the provision of electric car charging points, renewable energy heat sources, and solar panels. In place of energy-consuming kettles in each room, each floor was designed with a communal coffee and tea pod.

Nigel Porter, Property & Rural Estates Director, said, "For me, the interior design and the quality of the craftsmanship stand out. But of course, it is the backdrop of the Welbeck Estate and all that it offers here on the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire border that adds that magical quality and sets it apart."

Rachel McLane Ltd has won and been a finalist in numerous awards, including the Northern Design Awards Best Hotel Interior Design 2020, for their interior design work on the Bike & Boot Hotel in Scarborough.

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Designing a luxury hotel in one of the most vibrant metropolises means creating functional environments with a refined design, finding solutions capable of ensuring guests the best conditions of comfort, with a focus on sustainability.

It is with these premises in mind that for the Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, in London, the modular flooring Frammenti was chosen, made of oak from well-managed and responsible forests.

Thanks to its extraordinary versatility, Frammenti is the perfect solution for every type of environment. The geometric design of the modular floor, which makes it resemble an abstract, contemporary mosaic, is reminiscent of the creative flow and dynamism of the metropolis.

The customised finish was realised by Foglie d'Oro to indulge the creative intuition of the designer and contribute to building the aesthetic identity of the spaces of a luxury hotel, whose attention to detail is one of its most distinctive aspects.

The ability to create customised floors, starting from the designer's drawing and the client's needs, is one of the reasons why Foglie d'Oro is chosen by architects and interior designers all over the world.

Would you like to choose a Foglie d'Oro floor or realise your own customised solution in both finish and format? Discover more here.

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Rachel McLane Ltd has given a stunning new contemporary look and environmental focus to the interior design of the restaurant at The Hertsmere, Elstree, called Script: Restaurant and Bar. The full-scale refurbishment forms part of The Hertsmere's ambitious plans to progressively become the home of family golf in Hertfordshire and North-West London.

A challenging, picturesque 18-hole golf course in the middle of the Hertfordshire countryside, The Hertsmere has recently installed a new high-tech, state-of-the-art 26-bay golf driving range, and opened a golf academy which is ground-breaking in its approach focused on customer outcomes. Built about ten years ago, the clubhouse provides facilities to serve food and drink in a restaurant setting which can also be used by golfers and for public gatherings. Award-winning interior design consultancy Rachel McLane Ltd started work on the interior design concepts behind the new-look restaurant about 18 months ago.

"One of the main things that stood out to us about The Hertsmere was the setting of the course and clubhouse, which are amazing and exceptionally beautiful; the course and the driving range have real character and are of a high quality, which we wanted to capture and reflect in our designs. The clubhouse is quite literally that, a place for everyone to meet and socialise and talk over their game with friends, families and children. We wanted to add a bit of a 'wow' factor to help match the very high standards of the rest of The Hertsmere."

Stuart Ritchie, the business's director, said: "The Hertsmere is a leisure business which owns a golf course, an award winning driving range and now an amazing restaurant which has been separately branded Script: Restaurant and Bar. We wanted to create our own narrative with our ‘fresh approach to golf’ and to give everyone the opportunity to get involved with golf and enjoy our facilities, hence our standalone restaurant in the centre of the facility."

"Our restaurant is key to this and we wanted it to be welcoming, accessible and appealing as well as reflecting our high standards and the importance we attach to our surroundings. Rachel McLane Ltd has created a stunning space where I hope people will enjoy spending time, be that for a bite to eat after a game of golf, or as a get together of family and friends for a meal. We felt that 'Script: Restaurant and Bar' was the perfect name for the restaurant as it combines the idea of us setting our daily changing menu of locally sourced ingredients – which, just like a fantastic script, provides the foundations for an outstanding experience. We are looking forward to welcoming customers to enjoy the new stylish design, stunning views and great menu."

North Yorkshire-based Rachel and her team of interior designers have created a concept that draws on the importance of landscape, countryside and environmental sustainability, without detracting from the view of the course. "The Hertsmere has a vision to help make golf more sustainable, minimising waste, the use of water, chemicals and fertilisers, and to develop an environment that has a positive impact on local wildlife and supports the wellbeing of its community."

"The course has a network of public footpaths and trails across its 160 acres. We felt there needed to be a real sense of how rural and parklike The Hertsmere is and to reference environmental and sustainability aspects in the designs - not just in the design look, but also in the materials we used. Whilst the new look of the interior is one that has been very carefully considered with contemporary lighting and seating, we didn't want it to overpower the positive details of the building, including the views out over the golf course."

A dominating sloped timber ceiling has now been painted over and a flattened bulkhead area created on the ceiling helps to break up the room into zones. A custom bespoke tree-like structure forms a new centrepiece to the room and is constructed from solid oak, and littered with random lights to break up the mass of ceiling.

An innovative, subtle tiered effect seating system has created booths on a raised deck at the rear where people can look across the curved dining booths by the central tree-form which in turn looks over the lower sofa-type seating at the front window. This was all done to ensure uninterrupted views of the course. A mix of timber seating and upholstered booths separated by fret-cut screens break up the room further to create the sense of different areas within one larger space. The fret-cut detailing is also applied to the glazing using The Hertsmere logo, which must be one of the best now in use in the world of golf. The colour palette is one of subtle tones with punches of colour based on The Hertsmere's branding.

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The UK’s market leader in luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Designflooring, has introduced a comfortable human scale experience to an uncompromisingly modern office building with a soft industrial style bespoke floor that compliments the large open plan space and reflects its iconic cityscape views.

With an unrivalled panorama across the city, Argyll’s Nova North offers a prestigious office environment in the heart of London’s Victoria. Looking to re-imagine part of the building to provide high end office and co-working spaces, Argyll opted for a clean minimalist look with a focus on acoustic benefits.

Karndean partnered with interior designer Emma Turner to create a high-end coworking space and lounge area in what was previously an underused bar area on the double height mezzanine 11th floor. Combining the practicality of Karndean LooseLay with the versatility of its Opus gluedown range, the bespoke floor balances the industrial nature of the building with timeless elegance and ensures that the updated interior is instantly understandable so customers can easily identify how to best use and navigate the space.

Fleur Carson, commercial sales director at Karndean Designflooring, said: "Karndean flooring is a perfect choice for busy workplaces. With an authentic look of stone flooring but without any of the downsides, Karndean offers a tough surface for high traffic areas that’s undemanding when it comes to maintenance. Its consistent thickness makes it eminently suitable for bespoke designs, either by blending complementary stone designs as at Nova North or even combining wood and stone designs alongside each other."

“As part of the project proposal, our design service graphically conceptualised the flooring within the interior, simulating every detail of the user experience so that the client could visualise the end result. By specifying a combination of gluedown and loose lay formats, we have been able to provide the triple benefits of a practical durable surface, bespoke design and superior acoustic benefits.”

With a paired back scheme in shades of warm grey and natural biophilic elements in tune with the building and its locality, the bespoke floor features a clean look of poured concrete alongside a statement 3D tile effect.

Emma Turner explained: “It was clear that the design of the 10th and 11th mezzanine floors had to start and finish with the spectacular views across central London. It was important that the interior should not distract from what lies outside the windows but feel at one with the skyline. This defined how the space was split into different activity zones, how we orientated seating and also set the colour palette.”

The multi-dimensional pattern of Cubix from Karndean’s Kaleidoscope range has been created with three shades of grey from the Opus range, Mico, Luna and Ombra. These striking geometric lines has brought the coworking area to life, introducing interest and depth to balance the clean angles of the bold contemporary building.

Sitting alongside this working zone, Quebec from the Karndean LooseLay range creates a restful seating area and walkway to the board room at the rear of the mezzanine. Opting for extra-large scale tiles (1000mm x 1000mm) in a block pattern has resulted in a seamless poured concrete effect that’s highly realistic.

With sustainability high on the agenda, many of the existing features were repurposed and upcycled within the new design. The large back bar has been remodelled as a kitchenette, painted in charcoal grey to harmonize with the black industrial staircase, while some of the lighting has been reused and other joinery reinvented within co-working stations.

The durability of Karndean flooring is integral to meeting the project’s sustainability targets. Using a loose lay format along the main walkway, where wear and tear is heaviest, is an effective strategy as each tile can be relifted and replaced if necessary, thus reducing waste over the lifespan of the interior.

Emma concluded: “The floor was the key element for the mezzanine level. We are delighted how the Cubix introduces a sense of fun and breaks up the huge floor space with an interesting pattern yet also links together all the elements of the colour palette without overpowering the overall effect. The mezzanine floor now feels comfortable despite being a large open area and the more time you spend there, the calmer and more positive you feel.”

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A home is more than just a physical structure; it is a living sanctuary that evolves alongside its residents' ever-changing lifestyles. Recognising this profound truth, the perceptive owners of a plot of land in Kuala Lumpur embarked on a quest to create a haven that would adapt to their evolving needs and desires. Retired and in their 50s, they turned to Nu Infinity with a clear vision: to construct a communal block adjacent to their existing home, seamlessly integrating the old and the new.

With the future in mind, the owners sought a personalised touch that would set their new space apart from their current abode. They desired a slightly smaller area, meticulously tailored to their lifestyle and preferences. The architectural plan encompassed a secondary kitchen and a spacious study area on the upper floor, with the potential to transform into a luxurious bedroom complete with an attached bathroom, ample wardrobe space, and a convenient makeup table. Entrusting their dreams to Nu Infinity, they embarked on an extraordinary collaboration.

As avid art collectors with refined taste, the owners prioritised an environment that exuded sophistication and individuality. They envisioned a space that would not conform to generic standards but would instead showcase their cherished art collection while maintaining a harmonious and tasteful ambiance. A particularly striking element in their brief was the request for a signature staircase that would gracefully complement the breathtaking full-height glass window, providing an unobstructed view of the mesmerising surroundings.

Impressed by Nu Infinity's portfolio, the couple's daughter warmly recommended their services and graciously introduced them to her parents. The designers at Nu Infinity were captivated by the project's potential, as the owners welcomed new ideas and gave them creative freedom to interpret and advise on the best solutions to bring their practical requirements to life. Stepping onto the construction site, still in its skeletal form, the designers envisioned transformative changes that would not only meet but surpass the clients' expectations, adding immense value to their home. The element of surprise became a vital component in delivering an exceptional outcome.

Initially destined for the current kitchen area, the dining table took on a bold new position overlooking a tranquil swimming pool, framed by generous folding door openings. To establish a seamless flow between the living and dining areas, the kitchen was relocated to the center of the communal block. While serving its primary function as a kitchen, the space transcended mere practicality. The designers crafted the upper part to feature a captivating preserved moss aquarium, a testament to the harmonious fusion of nature and design.

Creating a serene retreat that catered to the needs of a retired couple while seamlessly integrating with the existing house posed an exhilarating challenge. The concept of interchangeable spaces, guided by the designers' vision of a functional and progressive home, presented an enticing opportunity for innovation. Adjacent to the kitchen, an area was thoughtfully planned to be sealed off and transformed into a dedicated wet kitchen in the future, ensuring optimal functionality. Every inch of space was meticulously crafted to ensure optimal proportions and a well-defined hierarchy of usage, guaranteeing a harmonious flow throughout the home.

At Nu Infinity, leaving a lasting impression lies at the heart of their design approach. They take immense pride in their unconventional use of elements, such as preserved moss, which introduces a touch of nature and texture to this project. The seamless integration of different materials, including the striking high-ceiling wall, the warm wood veneer, and the sleek marble, embodies the core essence of their design philosophy.

Thrilled with the remarkable transformation, the clients eagerly anticipate growing old in their newly re-imagined space. In this inspiring case study, Nu Infinity successfully transcended the boundaries of architecture and design, crafting a home that not only meets the evolving needs of its inhabitants but also stands as a testament to the art of adaptability. As the homeowners' lifestyles change with each passing year, their sanctuary will evolve in harmony, becoming a true reflection of their ever-transforming journey through life.

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