THDP Blend Bespoke Craftsmanship, Tactile Materials, and Immersive Sensory Elements

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a refined wellness experience by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, THDP.

De Montel: Terme Milano is a transformative spa project by THDP, restoring Milan’s historic 1920s Scuderie into the city’s largest urban thermal complex. Merging Art Nouveau elegance with sustainable innovation, the design honors the site’s equestrian past while showcasing Milan’s only certified thermal waters. Spanning 16,000 sqm, the interiors blend bespoke craftsmanship, tactile materials, and immersive sensory elements inspired by water, nature, and heritage. Every detail—from custom lighting to spa layouts—creates a refined wellness experience. This unique restoration sets a new benchmark for heritage-led design, fusing tradition, well-being, and environmental responsibility in an urban sanctuary.

What was the client's brief?

The client asked us to restore and transform the historic Scuderie De Montel into a contemporary urban thermal spa for Milan, while preserving the soul of the building. The brief was to create a place dedicated to relaxation and well-being that would balance tradition and innovation, respect the Art Nouveau heritage, and integrate the unique thermal waters into a modern wellness journey.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our inspiration came from three pillars: the elegance of Milanese Art Nouveau, the equestrian heritage of the stables, and the transformative power of water. These themes guided the interiors, where bespoke details recall the building’s equestrian past, Art Nouveau forms celebrate its architecture, and water-inspired materials immerse guests in a sensory journey.

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

The greatest challenge was balancing faithful restoration with contemporary functionality. Working under the supervision of the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape meant every design choice had to honour the original architecture while still delivering modern wellness spaces. Integrating innovative solutions into a protected historic building required sensitivity, creativity, and precision.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the transformation of the abandoned Scuderie into a vibrant wellness destination was the true highlight. The moment the bespoke lighting installations (such as the Venetian glass discs and floating glass bubbles) came to life, we felt we had captured both the history and future of the space. Bringing light, water, and heritage together into a harmonious experience was incredibly rewarding.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

THDP deeply value the recognition of design excellence on an international level. The SBID Awards provide a platform to showcase projects that combine heritage, storytelling, and innovation. For us, entering was about sharing the journey of De Montel: Terme Milano with a wider audience and celebrating the collaborative effort behind it.

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

Being a finalist is both an honour and a validation of our approach to design. It affirms our commitment to creating immersive experiences that respect history while embracing the future. For our studio, it strengthens our international profile, motivates our team, and builds confidence in our clients that we can deliver meaningful, world-class design.

Questions answered by Claudia Mazzucato, Associate Director & Project Leader of THDP.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an earthy family home design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Lucy Goldbart Interior Design.

Lucy Goldbart Interior Design carried out a full renovation and extension for Project Ten. This included updating the homes layout, specifying the interior architecture, furniture and soft furnishings. Lucy Goldbart's goal was to transform a previously lifeless and tired space into warm and striking home, with a nod to the earthy tones and retro shapes on the 1970s.

What was the client's brief?

The home originally featured stark white walls and white painted floorboards which contributed to a rather cold atmosphere. The goal was to breathe new life into the space, transforming the dated designs into a home that reflected warmth and character, with a nod to the earthy tones and retro shapes of the 1970s. Key to the brief was delivering this elevated luxury feeling on a more approachable budget.

What inspired the design of the project?

We were heavily inspired by the gorgeous warm, earthy colour palettes and laid-back vibe of the 1970s. We wanted the space to feel comfortable, inviting and a little bit moody, so we blended our signature effortless, California-cool aesthetic with rich caramel tones and added interest with sculptural furniture.

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

Our main challenge was the compact bathroom spaces on this project, ensuring that they packed a punch and delivered a striking yet restful feeling. In the Master Ensuite we used large scale Patagonia slabs in the shower area to provide maximum impact without overwhelming the space, and colour washed the rest of the room in a deep ochre paint to add warmth.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the Master bedroom transform from a small, impractical space, to a generous light-filled room with floor-to ceiling windows was an absolute highlight. That space is by far the most transformed and is now such a beautiful warm and welcoming space.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I chose to enter the SBID Awards because they represent a respected benchmark of excellence in our industry. I’ve been a member of SBID since setting up my company and these awards give us a platform to share our work with an incredible global audience, who enjoy celebrating each other’s creativity.

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

Being recognised as an Award Finalist has been an incredible honour and gives validation to hard work that goes into each project. This gives our company an increased credibility which is great for attracting clients, and on a personal level, it has motivated me to continue pushing creative boundaries and having fun with design.

Questions answered by Lucy Goldbart , Founder and Director of Lucy Goldbart Interior Design.

Our full-service design packages

To keep things simple, we offer three levels of full-service design, each matched to different needs, budgets and expectations.

Essentials - streamlined interior expertise. Ideal if you want clear, professional guidance but plan to manage some elements yourself. Includes floorplans and detailed room layouts, mood and direction boards, curated finishes and material palettes, lighting and electrical plans, flooring and decoration choices, and furniture and accessory selections with purchase links.

Guide prices: 3-bed £18,950 + VAT · 4-bed £25,560 + VAT · 5-bed £28,500 + VAT.

Signature - our most popular package. For clients who want a little more detail and involvement: a creative partnership that elevates your ideas with our expertise. Includes everything in Essentials, plus curated, cohesive design concepts, additional technical drawings and elevations, and key meetings and collaborative design sessions.

Guide prices: 3-bed £25,560 + VAT · 4-bed £30,600 + VAT · 5-bed £36,000 + VAT.

Premium - a complete, end-to-end service. Perfect if you want us to take care of absolutely everything, from initial concepts to final styling. Includes everything in Essentials and Signature, plus full technical drawing packs, photorealistic CGI visuals, extended design meetings and presentations, and comprehensive product sourcing from furniture to the finishing touches.

Guide prices: 3-bed £42,600 + VAT · 4-bed £51,000 + VAT · 5-bed £60,000 + VAT.

All guide prices are based on a typical full-home project and may vary depending on the specific requirements of your space.

Flexible consultations and ad-hoc services

Not every project needs a full-service package, and that's okay. We also offer consultations and ad-hoc support — whether you want help with a colour palette, a layout rethink or sourcing soft furnishings. You can book our time on an hourly basis, and we'll give you a clear estimate once we understand your needs.

Choosing the right level of support

"Which package is right for me, and what will it cost?" That's exactly what a Discovery Call is for. During this initial chat we'll talk through your home, your vision and your priorities, give you a ballpark cost, and help decide which tier suits you best.

Get in touch to book your Discovery Call: [email protected] · 01829 271 585

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an eco-conscious office design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Space Matrix Design Consultants.

Donglong Fintech Park is a 13-story office building located within Zhengzhou’s prestigious Longhu Financial Island. Designed by Space Matrix, the 21,000 sqm interior promotes a healthy, eco-conscious, and tech-enabled workplace. Drawing inspiration from water—a symbol of prosperity in Feng Shui—the design integrates reflective materials like mirror-polished stainless steel to create a dynamic and immersive environment. Key features include a shared conference center and a premium Entrepreneur’s Salon, supporting collaboration and executive networking. With integrated smart systems for lighting, access, and navigation, the project blends innovation with cultural context to deliver a future-forward workspace for leading financial enterprises.

What was the client's brief?

The Donglong Fintech Park project, commissioned by Donglong Group—a major state-owned enterprise spearheading the Longhu Financial Island development—was envisioned as a future-ready, green, and technologically advanced office hub that would attract top-tier financial institutions and global talent. The brief called for the creation of a youthful, eco-conscious, and vibrant workplace within a 13-story, 40,000 sqm building. Our scope included the interior design of approximately 21,000 sqm covering the lobby, public spaces, shared conference center, staff cafeteria, office floors, and a premium Entrepreneurs' Salon. The aim was to support a new era of financial innovation through an inspiring, user-centric, and highly functional environment.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of the project was inspired by the symbolic and literal presence of water. In Feng Shui, water represents prosperity and abundance, and flowing water symbolizes income. This became the central narrative of the design—positioning the building as a magnet for financial capital and global talent. By leveraging water’s unique qualities—transparency, fluidity, and reflection—we created a space that embodies openness, innovation, and modernity. The water features connect seamlessly with the artificial lake at Longhu Financial Island, reinforcing coherence with the broader Fintech Island development.

Beyond symbolism, water also inspired the material palette and spatial forms. Mirror-polished stainless steel, high-transparency glass, and light-reactive finishes mimic water’s depth and movement, while ceiling undulations echo the philosophical concept of “round heaven, square earth.” Together, these elements established a design that feels both technologically advanced and culturally grounded, aligning with the client’s vision for a modern financial anchor point.

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

The toughest hurdle we faced was balancing multiple layers of complexity—symbolism, user experience, and technology—while ensuring that the design aligned with both cultural meaning and modern functionality. Interpreting water as the core design inspiration required us to go beyond aesthetics: we had to translate it into spatial forms, material choices, and smart-building systems that were not only beautiful but also practical. Another challenge was coordinating the needs of diverse stakeholders—from state-owned enterprise headquarters to financial tenants and property managers. Through immersive user journey simulations and advanced digital modeling, we were able to harmonize these demands, optimize light and flow, and ultimately deliver a design that is both culturally grounded and technologically forward-looking.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Donglong Fintech Park integrates sustainability, innovation, and advanced technology to set a new benchmark for modern financial workplaces. The project has earned China’s Green Building 2-Star Design Label and a LEED Gold Certificate, underscoring its commitment to environmental responsibility. Key sustainability features include energy-efficient lighting systems, intelligent HVAC controls, low-flow water fixtures for conservation, and the use of recycled or locally sourced materials where possible. From an innovation standpoint, the project redefines traditional office typologies. For example, the main lobby replaces a conventional reception desk with a welcoming café bar, creating a social anchor for visitors and tenants. Multifunctional zones support events, product launches, and informal gatherings. The top-floor Entrepreneurs’ Salon is a standout feature—a luxurious, multi-use space blending business, leisure, and culture through amenities like a library, movie room, art space, and wellness zones. Technological integration is at the core of the project’s smart building strategy. Automated parking, facial recognition-based access control, elevator dispatch systems, dynamic digital signage, smart lighting, and motorised curtains ensure a seamless, user-centric experience. These features reflect the building’s progressive identity and future-ready infrastructure.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

As a global design firm headquartered in Singapore with 15+ locations worldwide, we value platforms that benchmark our work against the best. The SBID Awards are internationally respected for their credibility, visibility, and rigorous standards. Entering allows us to showcase our innovation, strengthen client confidence, and gain global recognition for projects that reflect our commitment to excellence and human-centric design.

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

Becoming an SBID Award Finalist is a significant achievement. Being recognized by a prestigious organization like SBID confirms that our designs are not only beautiful but also strategically impactful and globally relevant. This recognition enables us to showcase our expertise on a global stage. This recognition is a direct result of our team's hard work, creativity, and dedication. Being named a finalist instills a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, reinforcing our shared values and inspiring us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in design. It validates our #tomaketheworldabetterplacetowork mission, showing that our efforts have a real, tangible impact.

This isn't just an award; it's a validation of our vision and a catalyst for future growth and innovation.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a warm and inviting family home design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Claudia De Sousa Interior Design.

Home in Strassen, Luxembourg by Claudia de Sousa Interior Design seamlessly blends functionality and elegance, creating a warm and inviting family home. Designed for effortless living, the space features an open-plan social area connected to the garden, fostering togetherness while maintaining fluid circulation. A striking five-meter-high fireplace anchors the living room, complemented by sculptural lighting to enhance the double-height architecture. The couple’s private floor evokes the luxury of a hotel suite, but fully tailored to their lifestyle, designed with attention to detail to feel personal, intimate, and uniquely theirs.

What was the client's brief?

Create a home for a family of 5 but with a main living area and pool area also prepared for social events.

What inspired the design of the project?

I was inspired by warm minimalist design with detailed lighting.

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

The biggest challenge we faced was how to emphasize the double height of the living room, as it was the heart of the house and we wanted it to work from all angles, even when viewed from above on the first floor.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Apart from designing the space we were also very focused on the light and are very happy with the result.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I entered out of curiosity, I really liked the result of this project and also the amazing photos so I thought I could give it a chance, is the 1st time I compete, so let's see!!

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

This business sometimes is very hard, competitive and when working on your own, is very nice to receive recognition for such an important organization as SBID. So it would mean that we are going in the right way. Although I think our clients already tell us this, it is always good to have someone so expert saying too.

Questions answered by Cláudia Morgado de Sousa, Founder of Claudia De Sousa Interior Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a grounded penthouse design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Nu Infinity.

Turning every nook of one's home into a relatable and personal space makes it unique to this client's brief. Located in a prime spot overlooking Bondi Beach, it was imperative that all the important areas face outward and maximizes the view all day long - the TV hung from above, the sauna, the gym, the work desk, the living and dining areas; even the kitchen has unobstructed views. Nu Infinity's design philosophies and this year's design direction are aptly introduced but the most important part was the study and understand of our client with different lifestyle at a very unique location.

What was the client's brief?

The brief was simple, yet it demanded thoughtful consideration. Our client entrusted us with the design of a penthouse perched above the iconic Iceberg’s Cafe at Bondi Beach, Sydney. A residence in such a prestigious location called for unobstructed views of the coastline. With wellness at the heart of his lifestyle, the brief centred on maximizing the layout to embrace Bondi’s sweeping horizon while seamlessly supporting his daily rituals.

What inspired the design of the project?

The clients themselves were an inspiring duo. One, an Asian-born Australian, the other from South Africa, both sharing a profound appreciation for solid wood. Surrounded by sweeping views of the ocean, we envisioned a design that embraced natural timber as its foundation. This interplay between the vastness of the sea and the warmth of wood brought a sense of intimacy, creating a home that feels both inviting and grounded.

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

Convincing the client of two key ideas became our greatest challenge.

The first was rethinking the master bedroom. While the client wished to maximize the panoramic views of Bondi Beach, we proposed relocating the bedroom to the rear. This allowed us to design a custom sauna at the front, one that opens directly to the ocean views through the spacious gym, offering a serene wellness experience. Our reasoning was simple: at night, the bedroom view fades into darkness, but by shifting the private spaces inward, the open plan living, dining, gym, sauna, and even the workspace could enjoy the breathtaking scenery throughout the day.

The second challenge was the television. We resisted the idea of a conventional TV wall, which would have disrupted the openness of the floor plan. At the same time, we knew a small screen would never do justice to the space. Our solution was to propose a retractable 120-inch screen—an ambitious idea that initially seemed unfeasible due to its weight. Fortunately, we sourced a customized, whisper-quiet retractable system from South Africa. When closed, the screen disappears seamlessly into the ceiling, leaving the horizon uninterrupted. This became one of the client’s favourite features, balancing technology with the purity of the view.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We crafted a home that flows seamlessly around our clients’ daily rituals, achieved through a thoughtful choreography of space planning. By reorienting the bedrooms toward the rear, we created a private sanctuary, while the front of the residence was left fully open to the sweeping views, yet adaptable, with sliding glass partitions providing separation when needed.

Designing a penthouse with a sauna and open living overlooking the iconic Bondi Beach is a rare opportunity, and this feature became a defining statement of the project. Most importantly, the design never asked our clients to adapt to their home but instead, the home was meticulously choreographed to adapt to their lifestyle.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

To be honest, winning the SBID Awards would be an accomplishment not just for us but a focal achievement for our team.

We have participated in multiple international and local awards and every time we win them, we bring back joy and motivation that drives our team to a new level. From one project to another, from one year after another, we unlock not just new projects but also unlock new strengths and talent.

Being part of the SBID Awards is like being part of a gathering among passionate creative minds that is not present to compete, but present to share, to reflect, to realise and for us, mainly to discover and grow. And that is why we have been submitting every year.

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

For over 16 years, we have pioneered our design practice, working with clients from diverse backgrounds across the globe. To us, design has never been just about aesthetics, it is about curating experiences that resonate on a deeper, more human level.

Placing our work on the international stage allows us to measure ourselves not only against global standards, but also against our own potential for growth. To be recognised by the SBID Awards, whether as a winner or a finalist, would mark more than an accolade, it would affirm that our journey is on the right path. Most importantly, it would inspire our team to push boundaries with even greater passion, constantly striving toward new heights.

Questions answered by Alex Lee & Nick Fong, Founders of Nu Infinity.

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.

Each area was designed around a different experience. Open-plan living spaces flow into cinema and entertainment areas, allowing visitors to move naturally through the showroom and experience the technology within varied settings. Open sightlines and connected spaces let people experience each environment as part of a wider, cohesive interior. Lighting plays a particularly important role throughout: integrated subtly within shelving, joinery and architectural details, it shapes the mood of each space and demonstrates how atmosphere can completely change the way an interior feels.

A custom media wall was designed to conceal audiovisual elements within the joinery, allowing the technology to feel fully integrated into the interior rather than treated as a separate feature. Working closely with SONA and the wider project team from an early stage meant the design and technology could evolve together - nothing feels separate or applied later. The result is a showroom that feels calm, immersive and residential in character; a space that demonstrates technology through experience, rather than display.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

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.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a mid-century kitchen design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Bower Interior Design.

Bower Interior Design was commissioned to design the interior of a newly built rear extension in Saltdean, East Sussex. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living space was created for a family of four seeking a timeless design with a mid-century influence. Rich walnut cabinetry, soft green tones and brushed brass accents were combined to bring warmth, depth and character. The result is a calm, functional and beautifully layered space that reflects the family’s lifestyle while nodding to the home’s coastal setting and their love of classic design.

What was the client's brief?

The family wanted a home that would really bring them together at the end of each day, as well as a space to host friends and relax. They imagined a place to sit and read with a glass of wine, a generous dining area that could comfortably seat ten, and an open-plan kitchen where they could keep an eye on everything while the family gathered. Hosting was also really important to them — they loved the idea of the bi-folds opening out onto their beautiful gardens, creating plenty of space to entertain and throw parties. My approach was to zone the space carefully into kitchen, dining and living areas, so that each had its own purpose but also flowed seamlessly together. They wanted a contemporary mid-century feel — light and neutral at its base to maximise the natural daylight, but with layers of rich colour, from olive greens to ochres, alongside natural wood textures for warmth and depth.

What inspired the design of the project?

The biggest inspiration was the house itself. It’s a mid-century property that looks out onto beautiful, sprawling fields, and it felt only natural to bring that sense of greenery and connection to the outdoors into the design. I used earthy tones, wood textures and tactile finishes to echo what was happening just beyond the garden. The family wanted something timeless, with enough wow factor to feel special, but still a home where they could kick off their shoes, put the kettle on, and feel completely at ease.

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

The project was smooth overall, but one challenge was ensuring the space would be properly heated without relying on underfloor heating. With so many large glazed areas and open walls, I had to think very strategically about where radiators could be placed — they needed to do their job effectively without dominating or disrupting the design. It took some careful thought to make everything work, but in the end it came together in a way that felt balanced and practical.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

For me, the highlight will always be my clients’ reaction when it was finished. They sent me videos saying they “couldn’t believe it was theirs,” which was such a moving moment. Seeing their joy and hearing that disbelief turn into pride made all the months of planning and decision-making worthwhile. It’s the kind of feedback that reminds me exactly why I love doing what I do.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Honestly, I entered on a bit of a chance. I was really proud of the project, but I never imagined it would make it through to become a finalist.

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

Becoming a finalist has been such a dream come true. To be recognised alongside so many incredible designers is both humbling and inspiring. It’s given me a huge boost of confidence in my work and feels like a real milestone for Bower Interior Design.

Questions answered by Natalie Johnson, Founder of Bower Interior Design.