The clients, a family of four with three children, bought two neighbouring apartments with common floor area 300m2. The main task was to connect apartments, reorganise the space including individual bedrooms for each of the three children, a room and kitchen for the staff, and a private area for the parents.
The head of the family is a professional cyclist, so it was also essential to create a well-equipped home gym.
The clients are active people who travel often and have a well-developed visual sensibility. They frequently visit London and are drawn to English classics as well as American style. Their preferences blended harmoniously with the approach of AIYA Bureau, which favours a contemporary aesthetic mixed with classical elements. Modern furniture, lighting, and decor were combined with traditional details like ornate cornices, herringbone parquet flooring, and refined door frames.
One standout feature of the apartment is its deep-set windows. For the reveals, the designers created classic-style wood paneling, with the frames extending up into the decorative cornice. Curtains were avoided to keep the space light and airy, and wooden blinds were used instead. The combination of decorative molding, woodwork, and blinds gives the space a distinctive and individual character.
The apartment is divided into three main zones. The first is the formal area: the kitchen-dining room and a spacious living room are placed symmetrically and connected by a wide opening, forming an enfilade. Between them, a small hallway houses a guest bathroom and a technical space with storage and refrigerators. The second large zone is the parents’ suite, and the third is dedicated to the children: three bedrooms for the boys of different ages, a shared children’s bathroom, a guest room, a technical area, and a staff room. This part of the apartment has a separate entrance.
What makes this interior particularly impressive is its cohesiveness. Across all 3000m2s, a consistent palette of materials, style, and colours is maintained: cool wall tones are balanced by the warmth of the flooring. Even the children’s rooms are fully integrated into the overall concept. Every detail has been carefully considered and refined.
About AIYA Bureau
In AIYA Bureau, we always stand for a good balance of aesthetics and functionality, the designer's vision and the client's individuality. For clients with the highest standards, we create stylish, timeless interiors filled with natural materials, featuring a calm, nature-inspired palette, and equipped with the latest technologies. Additionally, we are passionate about art and have strong relationships with the best art galleries in different countries. Carefully curated art pieces are the final touch in almost every AIYA Bureau project. Global operations are important for us. Recently, we have set our expertise in the UK, Europe, Russia, and the UAE, which are now our main focus areas. But we are excited to start a new project anywhere in the world.
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Nestled within the tranquil Cotswolds countryside, Bowmore Lodge stands as a testament to Manuela Hamilford’s visionary approach to design, where contemporary architecture seamlessly coexists with its natural environment. As the founder and Creative Director of Hamilford Design, Manuela’s latest project exemplifies her commitment to creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also ecologically sensitive and deeply rooted in their surroundings. This is a project close to Manuela’s heart, as her family and friends spend a lot of time in the property.
Bowmore Lodge underwent a comprehensive transformation that included a full architectural extension and interior reconfiguration. The goals were to maximise natural light, enhance spatial flow and strengthen the home’s connection to its landscape. The extension was carefully designed to accommodate Bowmore Lodge’s unique lakeside setting, built on a screw-effect platform that allows the structure to move with fluctuating water levels, ensuring long-term stability while respecting the conservation lake’s delicate ecosystem.
Manuela’s design philosophy centres around the idea that modern architecture can be both bold and environmentally considerate. The design features clean, bold lines and natural finishes that reflect the home’s rural setting. The palette draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, with earthy clay tones, local stone, weathered timber, and brushed metals creating a textured, harmonious rhythm throughout the home. Inside, a muted palette of natural hues is enlivened by jewel-like accents that add warmth and richness. The bespoke kitchen, with solid wooden units and marble worktops, anchors the open plan living space; a large, light-filled area that encourages relaxed gatherings. “We wanted a space to entertain and bring people together”, says Manuela of her country home. “I opted for architectural pieces, which are sculptural and purposeful. They provide visual interest and serve as statement elements within the rooms, contrasting beautifully with the softer, tactile finishes of linen and velvet soft furnishings."
The interior layout has a natural flow, with spaces designed to maximise natural light and views of the surrounding water and wildlife with biophillic principles in mind. Oversized upholstered headboards and bespoke joinery in the bedrooms add comfort and weight. Bathrooms echo the natural theme, featuring stone basins, marbles, aged brassware and tactile materials that add textural layering and a connection to nature. Throughout Bowmore Lodge, every detail has been thoughtfully considered- from carefully placed lighting that plays with shadow to subtle tonal shifts in materials. The effect is a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both modern and rooted in its environment.
Critical to the project was respecting the ecological integrity of the lakeside setting. Strict restrictions ensure minimal disturbance to local wildlife. The design and construction process prioritised the sourcing of sustainable materials and eco-friendly solutions, reflecting Manuela’s belief that contemporary design can and should coexist with nature. Local tradespeople were also used to echo this ethos.
Reflecting on Bowmore Lodge, Manuela says, “This project demonstrates that contemporary design can be both bold and respectful of the natural environment. The use of natural materials and strong architectural lines creates a home that feels solid yet connected to its surroundings.” She emphasises how the rich jewel tones and natural textures build a warm, inviting atmosphere, transforming the house into a true retreat.
Throughout her work across the UK, Manuela aims to craft spaces that are functional, beautiful and sympathetic to their context. Bowmore Lodge encapsulates this ethos, serving as a model for how modern architecture can enhance a landscape rather than dominate it. It is a sanctuary that celebrates simplicity, strength, and ecological sensitivity—an inspiring example of sustainable luxury in harmony with nature.
Bowmore Lodge embodies the future of modern country living - elevated by bold, elegant design.
About Hamilford Design
Founded in 2005, Hamilford Design offers a range of services from all aspects of creative interior design through to new builds and renovations with an expert team of contractors and architects. Creating elegant, luxurious and warm interiors is what reflects the essence of Hamilford Design. With projects globally, ranging from listed residences in London, to townhouses in New York and from large country estates to commercial projects across Europe, Hamilford Design has a wide portfolio. With no strict ’studio style’ all of our spaces are totally unique, we keep the client at the heart of all our projects.
Manuela Hamilford, Creative Director at Hamilford Design, has given her insights into the industry.
My journey into interior design was shaped by my early experiences growing up in Italy and then working for Italian interior brands in New York, they instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and the way a beautifully designed space can enhance everyday life. Growing up in Vicenza, surrounded by classical Italian architecture, I developed an understanding of proportion, materials, and timeless elegance. When I moved to New York to begin my career, I was exposed to a more contemporary, dynamic approach to interiors, as well as the importance of bespoke home furnishings in creating spaces that feel personal and refined.
Founding Hamilford Design in 2005, in London was a natural progression—allowing me to use my experience and create warm interiors that are sophisticated, with a sense of individuality. My studio strives to bring to life spaces that enhance our clients’ lives and tells their own unique stories. My business grew organically through word of mouth, with people recommending us to friends and acquaintances. My clients drive my passion.
There are so many aspects of interior design that I find rewarding, but mainly it's the variety - curating bespoke spaces, rather than copy and pasting a strict studio style. I love sourcing exceptional pieces, whether it’s unique antiques from dealers that I’ve met in London or custom-made furniture designed specifically for a client’s home. Every project is an opportunity to create something special, and I find immense satisfaction in working closely with trusted artisans, craftsmen, and suppliers who share my passion for quality and attention to detail. On that point - I also love the collaborative nature of this industry—each project involves working closely with tradespeople and the clients themselves.
Over the past year, we have worked on some incredible projects, but one that stands out was the completion of a beautifully restored listed townhouse in Barnes. The project was particularly special as it required a delicate balance between preserving the building’s historic charm and introducing modern luxuries. We carefully reinstated period details such as a mosaic tiled floor, sourced exquisite antique pieces and layered in contemporary design elements.
Another highlight has been expanding our work in the Cotswolds, where we have had the opportunity to design a number of countryside retreats. There’s something very rewarding about creating a sanctuary away from city life—spaces that embrace nature and craftsmanship. Each home has its own unique stye, which is important to me.
We have recently been asked to design more commercial projects over the last year or so, this is an exciting challenge for the studio and winning a Restaurant and Bar Design Award shows that we’re on the right track!
I also enjoy designing residential projects that allow for a high level of personalisation. Luxury is not just about grandeur—it’s about comfort, warmth, and creating an environment that feels truly personal.
One of the biggest challenges in interior design is managing expectations while ensuring that every detail is executed to the highest standard. This means working with meticulous attention to detail, coordinating with multiple suppliers, and ensuring that craftsmanship and finishes are impeccable, whilst a timeline is adhered to.
Timelines and logistics can be complex, particularly when working on international projects or listed buildings with strict regulations. We handle a lot in house, such as planning permissions, so are able to control these timelines to an extent. However, overcoming these challenges is part of what makes the process so rewarding.
I am always learning! Although, I wish I had known just how much of interior design is about project management. Creativity and strong vision are important of course and sit at the heart of what we do, but delivering a high-end project requires exceptional organisation. From working with builders and suppliers to managing budgets and timelines, a successful designer needs to be a great project manager too.
Develop your eye and your taste, then trust in them. Interior design is about refining your sense of style. I’m inspired by my travels, trade shows, galleries and even books. Immerse yourself in design!
The industry is shifting towards a more conscious, considered approach to luxury. Sustainability and biophilic design, which integrates nature into interiors through materials, lighting, and greenery, will continue to gain momentum, as people seek homes that promote wellness and tranquillity.
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer is such an honour. The SBID provides a platform for connecting with like-minded industry professionals and staying at the forefront of industry innovations.
I am excited to be involved in panels and taking part in peer discussions. Being involved with an organisation that champions quality, expertise, and ethical design is something I am incredibly proud of!
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