Nestled within the storied grounds of an ancient castle, Preserve Cottage is a rare gem - a home imbued with centuries of history and quiet charm. When Khaya Studio was first invited to reimagine the interiors, I knew it would be a project that required equal parts sensitivity and creativity. My clients, a family with a deep affection for the property and its heritage, wanted to modernise their home in a way that respected its timeless character while enhancing its comfort and functionality for contemporary living.
The brief centred on expansion and cohesion: to introduce a substantial new extension that would include a kitchen, dining area, and snug - spaces that would become the heart of the home - while ensuring a seamless connection between the original structure and the new addition. My role as interior designer was to guide that transformation with a light yet confident touch, preserving the home’s integrity while creating rooms that feel welcoming, refined, and effortlessly liveable.
The challenge in working with historic properties lies in achieving balance. Any addition must complement, not compete with, the architecture that came before it. At Preserve Cottage, we approached this by using materials and detailing that honoured the home’s narrative.
One of the most rewarding design moments was the introduction of bespoke wall panelling that flows gracefully from the original hallway into the new extension. This single gesture created a visual and emotional bridge - allowing the house to unfold naturally, as if it had always been that way. The panelling not only anchors the interiors but also celebrates the craftsmanship and artistry that underpin the property’s history.
In every decision, we sought authenticity. Finishes were carefully selected to age beautifully, from softly honed stone and warm timber to handcrafted metalwork and brass accents. The palette remained neutral and calming, allowing the architecture and light to take centre stage.
At the core of this project was a desire to create a home that nurtures togetherness. The kitchen and dining space - once separated by awkward circulation - are now part of a generous open-plan area designed for both entertaining and everyday rituals. The snug, with its deep upholstery and layered textures, offers a comforting retreat that feels timeless yet tailored to modern life.
One of the most transformative spaces, however, was the former sitting room, which we reimagined as a tranquil library. This room became a sanctuary - a space for quiet reflection, cherished reading, and restorative calm. Soft lighting, natural materials, and tactile fabrics combined to create an atmosphere that encourages stillness and serenity.
What made Preserve Cottage so special was the collaboration between designer and client. Through open conversation, we uncovered the family’s love for travel, art, and craftsmanship - influences that subtly informed the design language throughout. Every piece, from bespoke cabinetry to carefully sourced lighting, was chosen to tell part of their story.
This was not about following trends, but about creating an interior that will endure. My design philosophy has always been to create spaces that feel timeless - where every element serves a purpose and where comfort and elegance coexist harmoniously.
Perhaps the greatest measure of success in any project is how it makes the client feel.
“Kate helped us with the interior design of our house following extensive building work. It was an absolute pleasure working with her. Her contributions took our house to the next level and gave many rooms the ‘wow factor’. We particularly appreciated Kate’s flexible way of working, adapting what she brings to the client’s needs. She can take on the full design of a room or take a more advisory role when the client prefers to take the lead. At all points, she really took on board our needs and preferences and came up with a proposition that truly reflected what we wanted. We very much hope to continue to work with Kate in the future and could not recommend her enough.” - Laura Rovegno, Client
Projects like Preserve Cottage remind me why I love what I do. The goal is never to impose, but to enhance - to bring out the best in a building while creating spaces that allow people to live well. When design respects both history and humanity, it creates something truly lasting.
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.
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Kate Fryer, Founder of Khaya Studio, has given her insights into the industry.
I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Interior Design and have since spent over 15 years immersed in the world of interiors - designing and managing projects across residential, retail, and hospitality spaces around the globe. Each project, whether a boutique store in London or a serene family home by the coast, has shaped my approach and deepened my understanding of how thoughtfully designed spaces can enhance the way we live.
Today, my focus lies primarily in residential interior design - and it’s where I feel most at home. I’m passionate about creating interiors with warmth, character, and quiet elegance, spaces that tell the story of the people who live within them. Forming close, collaborative relationships with my clients is at the heart of what I do, ensuring every home we create together feels deeply personal and effortlessly inviting.
I’ve always been fascinated by the way our surroundings influence how we feel and behave. From a young age, I found joy in rearranging spaces and noticing how light, texture, and colour could completely transform a room’s mood. Over time, that fascination evolved into a desire to help others feel truly at home in their environments - creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply nurturing and personal. Interior design felt like the perfect combination of creativity, psychology, and practicality.
For me, the most rewarding part of the process is the transformation - not just of the physical space, but of how my clients feel in their homes. Seeing someone walk into a finished project for the first time and witnessing that moment of joy and connection is incredibly fulfilling. I also love the storytelling aspect of design - uncovering what inspires each client and translating that into a cohesive, timeless interior.
This year has been particularly special as one of my recent projects, The Preserve Cottage, was featured in Good Homes Magazine. It’s always such an honour to see my work recognised in a publication, especially when it celebrates the warmth and individuality that my clients and I created together. Becoming an Associate of the SBID has also been a highlight - it’s a real milestone to be recognised by such a respected professional body.
I have a deep love for period and heritage homes. They hold so much character, and I find great satisfaction in honouring that history while adapting the spaces for modern living. I enjoy creating interiors that feel timeless - layering natural materials, craftsmanship, and thoughtful details so that each project tells a story and stands the test of time.
Balancing creativity with logistics can be one of the biggest challenges. Design is only part of the process - managing timelines, budgets, and the many moving parts of a renovation requires constant communication and flexibility. Unexpected issues will always arise, but experience has taught me that how you handle them makes all the difference.
That interior design is as much about people as it is about spaces. You need to be a good listener, a problem solver, and sometimes even a mediator! The ability to understand and interpret your clients’ needs, often before they can fully articulate them themselves, is such an important skill - and one that develops with experience.
Stay curious and be authentic. Don’t chase trends - instead, take time to understand proportion, light, and materiality, and develop your own design language. The best interiors come from confidence in your vision and a genuine understanding of how people live.
I think we’ll continue to see a shift toward more sustainable and “healthy” interiors - using natural materials, eco-conscious manufacturing, and timeless design that lasts. Clients are increasingly aware of how their homes affect their wellbeing, and designers have a real opportunity to lead the way in creating spaces that feel good for both people and the planet.
It’s a great honour and a mark of professional recognition. The SBID sets a benchmark for excellence in design practice, ethics, and education, and being an Associate member represents a commitment to upholding those standards. For me, it’s also about being part of a wider community that supports and celebrates the profession - something that feels both grounding and inspiring.
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