Lewis Knox worked closely developing a new style for their home; a refined classical rural retreat full of soft, subtle tones and warm textures.
We were tasked with reimaging this barn conversion recently purchased by our clients. They were not keen on the inherited interior style and asked us to transform the interior into something more suited to their lifestyle, tastes and aspirations. It was important to reflect their love for nature, being animal lovers and having a strong connection with this area we used these points to formulate the designs for their home.
Existing floors were replaced with washed oak engineered timber which was reflected in several areas around the property; most notably cladding the entrance hall and games room fireplace to connect the two areas together.
We commissioned a sculptural feature stairwell light from a local artisan to hang pride of place and set a welcoming tone for everyone who enters. This palette of warm bronze and nature inspired details moves throughout the property with our use of materials in side tables, lamps and furnishing fabrics.
The property being open plan in parts, allowed us to bring a neutral colour palette throughout and warm up each room or zone with furnishings.
Where we had completely separate enclosed rooms and spaces such as the snug and bar we decorated this in warmer colours and tones to create intimate spaces our clients could retreat to, away from the main living spaces.
We utilised the annexe, a much forgotten part of the buildings and worked with our main contractor to bring it back up to modern standards. Creating a purpose made gym, ensuite, changing area, dog wash and kitchenette. It even featured a golf simulator room with a dedicated bar. This has transformed how our clients can enjoy their home, as they now have everything they need within their surroundings.
About Lewis Knox
A dynamic interior design studio providing bespoke architectural and interior design services. More than 30 years experience in the luxury residential sector.
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With spectacular coastal and countryside views, this cottage was set to be a dream holiday home in Wales. The brief from our clients was clear. Design a place with plenty of wow factor – think understated yet cool. Somewhere to switch off from the world, relax and unwind with family, friends and, of course, the dogs too.
The interior for this coastal cottage took a sensitive approach to its decor; the studio were mindful of its origin and reinstated the lime plaster, oak beams whilst adding a characterful yet modern take on a farmhouse kitchen.
Firstly, we remodelled the cottage, extending it to suit their need for space. Each bedroom was reconfigured to become more spacious, and furniture was chosen to look simple yet effective, using a mix of metal and timber to be robust and hard-wearing. Plus, loose linen covers over chairs and sofas helps accommodate the dogs.
The result was a charming place, filled with unique character, and ideal for entertaining lots of guests with ease.
Dark bathrooms can be successful small spaces. Instead of going light to try and make the space appear bigger we embraced the intimate size and went dark to create atmosphere.
As this was a second home, it was a budget-conscious project. So, we spent time sourcing the perfect items from markets, antique shops and salvage yards. Pairing these upcycled objects with bespoke pieces, and more glamorous accessories created a contemporary, rustic style.
"Our client requested the ultimate escape. We sourced some unique materials and had fun developing original ideas into each space to help create a haven away from his fast paced world of business." - Helen, Interior Designer.
That quintessentially cosy home is easily attainable over the Christmas and New year period. Roaring fire or crackling wood burner, Scandi-style stockings draped from the mantle, a touch of Hygge with throws and foliage here and there, and all enhanced with subtle candlelight or twinkling fairy lights. How, though, can we continue to create that warmth, atmosphere, and cosy home ambiance throughout the less festive – often downright dull – first quarter of the year?
It can be problematic to create such comfort and cosiness in larger rooms, more so in contemporary or minimalistic spaces. It’s even more difficult in our less lived-in holiday homes. It’s far from impossible, though. We have our ways, so do read on:
A fireplace can create a perfect focal point. Town or country, home or holiday place, we love to suggest a fireplace when we design for our clients – where appropriate, of course. A fireplace brings an instant focal point, adding a suggestion of warmth even when not in use. Perhaps you’re already blessed with an imposing and inviting inglenook, or a chic and stylish modern piece? Maybe we need to work with you to source or design the perfect new one. For new or post mid-century homes – those with no chimney – we could even create bespoke media/firewalls. Newer spaces may suit solely a custom media wall as a focal point, instead. Once you give a room a real focal point, you can truly make sense of the furniture composition; it’s just irresistible and inviting to gather several sumptuous sofas and chairs around a fire – real or otherwise.
A must in any space designated for relaxation and to enjoy spending valuable downtime. Style should NEVER be considered over substance; your furniture simply MUST be fit for purpose. With this – and your comfort – in mind, we work with some of the very finest British-made furniture companies to ensure that perfect seat. This is an area in which it would be very unwise to scrimp. Our recommendation is: spend wisely on your furniture, it is an investment. By doing so, you will reap the rewards of comfort and longevity, of sinking into something akin to a hug after a long, hard day. Solid, wood frames and traditional upholstery techniques can produce chairs or sofas that will last decades. We’d take a perennial family favourite over a throwaway high-street bargain buy every time. The environment appreciates built-to-last, too.
Traditionally, it’s always been warmer, richer shades and tones which are thought to add to a feeling of comfort and cosiness. Berry tones, ochres, and terracotta spring readily to mind but don’t be too hasty to dismiss blues and greens – even stormy greys. A rich teal or a soft navy will add an instant warmth with an elegant edge. Rooms that come into their own after dark lend themselves to these deeper colours, as clever use of artificial lighting in the room can lift them. Farrow and Ball, Zoffany and Little Greene are all a go-to for their wide selections of exquisite colours, simply perfect for these spaces.
By its very definition, a cosy room will have a plethora of upholstery, thus presenting the perfect opportunity to combine distinct and diverse textures to bring depth and interest into a room. Velvet, and wool can sit well together. Jacquards and tweeds are a treat to layer with chunky cable-knit blankets, while the richness of velvet complements leather and suede, or can contrast beautifully with silk or damask. Cushions, rugs, and throws can introduce pleasing textural blends and soften a scheme. They also add an indulgent feel with little investment, so can be added to at will.
None of us likes sitting with bright, overhead spotlights glaring, so we love to suggest a subtle, more custom lighting scheme. We can design a scheme to enhance your favourite details of the room; subtle pin spots to illuminate the fireplace, a reading lamp for a library corner, soft mood lighting or lights to discreetly highlight artwork or favourite objets d’art. Use subtle pin spots to illuminate the fireplace, a reading lamp for a library corner and soft mood lighting to discreetly highlight artwork or favourite objets d’art.
By layering your lighting and ensuring it’s all dimmable, cosiness is assured – yet the brightness can always go up a notch, say when working from home. If you’re hoping for something a little extra, we can collaborate with our lighting and Audio-Visual specialists to incorporate intelligent lighting. Intelligent lighting lets clients flick from scene-to-scene at merely the touch of a button (or phone), to create the perfect soirée, dinner, relaxation, or daytime backdrop. Between us, we can create the most spectacular settings with lighting.
Hard flooring always looks good. It works in a period property or a cool, contemporary bolt hole, but to layer up the room with a rug – or rugs – will always afford a warmth and cosiness. We LOVE a vast rug, one which will allow all the central furniture to sit comfortably thereon. This acts to create a zone around the seating area and just beckons you over to curl up on the sofa. And relax…
A room without artwork will rarely feel cosy. Perhaps your walls are already burgeoning with pieces you love, or maybe you’d like to start from scratch. Regardless of your relationship with art – aficionado or I-know-what-I-like, we can offer guidance on best placement, size, framing or even the style of art that’ll work best for the room.
Often considered an Interior Designer’s best aid but, that’s because there can surely be no cosy home without several plump, feather-filled cushions. It’s a fact. Cosiness demands a veritable plethora of cushions – so much so that, even though they’re mentioned in ‘texture’, they warrant a sub-heading entirely their own. We don’t do small or sparsely filled either; when doing cushions, do it with conviction.
No cosy room can be complete without your personal touch. Here’s where you get your personality across and create a context for your space. Items with which we accessorise a room should be intrinsically YOU. This could be family photos, collected and carefully curated artifacts, plants and flowers. Things you love and things that matter to you, thoughtfully clustered on tables or bookcases, create interesting compositions in the room. These offer somewhere to rest your eyes, to bring a smile or a happy memory as you’re sinking into your squishy sofa. With cushions. Did we mention the cushions?
Fragrance can be so evocative; be it an old favourite perfume, the scent of olive groves, a full-bodied red wine or saddle soap from childhood pony club camps. Aromas have the power to change or enhance mood, so another must-have in all main rooms are scented candle. Take time to find scents that work for you – Espa and Jo Malone candles are beautiful and have a scent to suit everyone. This is so personal for all our clients – but do go soy based wherever possible, for a lovely, clean, non-toxic burn. We have a real penchant for pure white wax ourselves.Take time to find scents that work for you – Espa and Jo Malone candles are beautiful and have a scent to suit everyone.
Let nobody say that January must be the Monday of months, or that February is somehow miserable. Take some of our ideas to keep your home cosy beyond Christmas and right through until Spring. Or contact us today and we’ll help you achieve the ultimate cosy home, all year round. If you have anything you’d like to add – or ask – we’d love to hear from you.
Many of us already aspired to owning a coastal – or country – escape. Now, after the uncertainty of the past couple of years, along with ever-changing hoops to jump through merely to travel abroad, it’s even more desirable. We all long for a bolthole, somewhere to escape to at the end of a demanding week; somewhere to decamp for the Summer, for the children to enjoy the seaside as they grow up. How lovely it would be for them to continue to visit as young adults, too. That’s when we’d know we’d created a long term Happy Place.
It’s essential that a retreat must be every bit as beautiful – and as comfortable – as a main residence, just as tastefully finished and with every conceivable luxury and convenience – albeit usually in a rather more compact space. After we’ve worked on a client’s home, they often entrust us to design, style and optimise their coastal property or holiday home.
We love a coastal project. The design approach is much the same as with all our projects but using the coastal context and taking inspiration from the surroundings, we can embrace a more relaxed, laid-back scheme. Think tranquil palettes, creased linens, driftwood or precious beachcombing finds and rustic timbers and finishes.
Often, a coastal project will involve remodelling a traditional stone cottage or adding an extension to a period property. Occasionally, it’ll be a purpose-built villa or even a luxury chalet on a designated development. While working sympathetically with the building and its plot, crucially, we consider our client’s lifestyle, their needs and desires, and ensure the result will work well for them.
It must be perfect. After all, this is to be THEIR happy place, their sanctuary and the place where many memories will be made. We take that responsibility very seriously indeed.
When designing and planning a coastal retreat or a holiday home of any description, there are countless considerations. Here, we’ll address a selection – but please, do get in touch with your own thoughts or queries.
- First impressions last. A cliché, yes – but only because it’s absolutely true. Your second home needs to look inviting, and that warm welcome feel needs to continue beyond the threshold. If you’re arriving after a difficult week at work, or having endured a hellish journey and struggled through horrific traffic, you need to feel that stress dissipate, and your shoulders relax, the very second you approach.
- Storage. Now, while you don’t expect to need quite so much closet space and storage for larger or occasional items as at home, it still makes sense to allow some convenient storage so as not to clutter calm zones. Storage for an entire family’s lifetime of belongings may not be necessary, but top of the wish list is often a utility-cum-store room for wetsuits, kayaks and other water sports or outdoor paraphernalia.
- We usually recommend that social spaces are given key considerations over the bedrooms in your coastal retreats. Many clients find that they’re perfectly happy with more compact sleeping areas in holiday homes. This can facilitate additional wow factor space and budget allocated to the day-to-day living and social spaces.
- Soft furnishings and bedding can add to the calming, coastal feeling too. But practicality must also be a consideration. It’s probably best to avoid anything too fussy or heavy, and think about cleaning and maintenance too.
- Kitchen space is also important. Whilst we may not choose to spend a great deal of time cooking on traditional holidays, often our coastal retreats are more of a home-from-home. A well-equipped and reasonably roomy kitchen can be high on the list of priorities. A large, scrubbed wooden dining table can really reflect that coastal ambiance, and perhaps consider a decent bar area within the kitchen. Our holiday homes by definition regularly become party central.
- That leads us neatly on to the outdoor space. As would stunning bifold doors… Where room and budget permit, a pool is always likely to be a winning option. Failing that, perhaps dedicate space for entertaining and outdoor catering – be that a sizeable barbecue, a fire pit or pizza oven. Outdoor kitchens, coupled with plenty of dining and lounge seating to enjoy that evening sundowner can add a whole new dimension to our holiday home.
One frequent concern that arises is if the property is also an investment, to be used for holiday lets. Whilst we’d advise on being very clear on insurances and deposits to protect your investment (and its furnishings) we’d also suggest that your ideal client, your target demographic, is someone just like you. Thus, plan and design for YOU. They’ll love your seaside sanctuary just as much as you do, care for it like their own – and return year on year to their own hired happy place.
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