Amy Stoddart Studio: Creating a Fusion of Classic and Contemporary Design

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary residential design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Amy Stoddart Studio.

Amy Stoddart Studio was commissioned to design this fun, vibrant family home in SW London. The clients trusted them with the ground floor re-work and internal re-fresh on the second floor. The studio took a classic/contemporary approach to the Kitchen, Living, Dining Area; paired with a modern arched crittall internal door, a punchy use of fabric and natural materials weaved throughout the rooms.

What was the client's brief?

Elaine, our client, has a discerning eye for design, appreciating an eclectic mix of new and vintage pieces. She values key statement items over a cluttered aesthetic. Her vision was to preserve the original features of the property while ensuring that the new extension harmoniously blended with the existing structure.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design was inspired by a fusion of classic and contemporary styles, reflecting Elaine's appreciation for both new and vintage elements. We aimed to create a vibrant and fun atmosphere that resonated with the lively spirit of the family. Incorporating natural materials and maintaining architectural integrity were central to our approach.

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

One of the challenges was ensuring that the new extension seamlessly integrated with the original structure, both aesthetically and functionally. Additionally, working within budget constraints required creative solutions to achieve the desired high-end look without compromising on quality.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing Elaine's positive reaction and knowing we had created a home that truly reflected her taste and lifestyle was incredibly rewarding.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards to showcase our commitment to design excellence and to gain recognition within the industry. The awards provide a platform to highlight innovative projects and connect with a broader audience, which is invaluable for our studio's growth.

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

The recognition has enhanced our credibility and motivated us to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity in our future projects.

Questions answered by Amy Stoddart, Creative Director at Amy Stoddart Studio.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a mesmerising restaurant design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design.

Sereia, meaning 'Mermaid' in Portuguese, made it's debut on February 29th, 2024, in Miami's Coconut Grove. Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa and Sault Hospitality birthed this culinary gem, vowing excellence. Under Bishop Design's direction, the restaurant dazzles with bespoke interiors. Picture gracefully curved furniture and an ocean-inspired palette—blues, greens, and sandy hues merging seamlessly. The ambiance is mesmerising, both unique and welcoming, mirroring the culinary delights it serves. Among its charms, Sereia offers an intimate private room, accommodating up to twelve guests, ensuring every dining experience is as extraordinary as the Iberian Peninsula, from which it draws its inspiration.

What was the client's brief?

The client envisioned a sophisticated yet approachable dining destination that would celebrate the ocean and Iberian coastal culture, mirroring the culinary vision of two-Michelin-starred Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. They wanted a space that would feel elegant yet inviting, with a natural flow between intimate indoor seating and a sun-dappled outdoor terrace. The goal was to craft an immersive environment that complements the refined simplicity of the menu while embracing the charm and warmth of Coconut Grove’s evolving dining scene.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of Sereia is a subtle love letter to the sea, capturing the movement, textures, and colours of the ocean without being overtly thematic. Inspired by the Iberian coastline, we integrated a soothing Atlantic palette of rich blues and greens, complemented by natural woods, curved furniture, and textured elements that create a sense of depth and warmth. Soft, ambient lighting beneath banquettes and the wave-like bar adds an ethereal, floating effect, reinforcing the fluidity of the design. The cobbled flooring, reminiscent of the charming streets of Portugal, brings an al fresco dining essence indoors, seamlessly connecting the space with its coastal inspiration.

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

One of the challenges was achieving a balance between intricacy and simplicity—creating a space that felt refined and luxurious while maintaining an inviting and effortless ambiance. Ensuring that the organic curves, textural contrasts, and layered lighting worked harmoniously required careful consideration and collaboration with craftsmen and contractors. Additionally, integrating the omakase-style crudo bar within the restaurant’s flow without disrupting the intimacy of the main dining space was another design challenge that we successfully navigated.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the vision come to life and witnessing the seamless interplay between the culinary artistry and the design was incredibly rewarding. The moment guests step into Sereia, they are enveloped in an ambiance that feels both transportive and welcoming. The integration of natural materials, soft lighting, and carefully curated details creates a space that doesn’t just serve as a backdrop but enhances the overall dining experience. The floating effect of the bar, in particular, stands out as a beautifully executed design element that elevates the space.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Bishop Design has always been dedicated to pushing boundaries and redefining the hospitality experience through design. The SBID Awards are an incredible platform that celebrates excellence and innovation in the industry, and we wanted to showcase how Sereia embodies these principles. Entering the awards allowed us to share our creative approach with the global design community and recognize the incredible collaboration that made this project possible.

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

Being an SBID Award Finalist is an honour that validates our commitment to design excellence and storytelling through space. It highlights the dedication of our team and the passion we bring to each project. This recognition has not only strengthened our industry presence but has also reinforced our mission to create inspiring, immersive spaces that leave a lasting impact.

Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Founder of Bishop Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxury rental building design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, CHIL Interior Design.

CHIL Interior Design was tasked with crafting REN, in Seattle's South Lake Union. Inspired by exploration and the fusion of humanity with technology, REN offers an immersive experience through bespoke art and design. Custom artwork and installations adorn the public areas, catering to the vibrant tech industry professionals seeking originality. Amenities include a fully functional lobby bar, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and interconnected top-floor lounges boasting panoramic city views. Designed to meet the evolving needs of its residents, REN offers flexible workspaces and immersive art galleries, creating a dynamic and stimulating living environment.

What was the client's brief?

REN was our chance to make a bold statement in the US luxury rental market, specifically for the creative minds in Seattle’s tech scene. The brief was all about creating spaces that felt alive, with art and tech merging to spark a sense of exploration. We wanted tenants to feel inspired as soon as they walked through the door.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspired by the concept of exploration and merging humanity with technology, we wanted every corner to feel like it had a story to tell, where humanity and technology collide in unexpected ways creating a residential space that feels like a journey.

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

Building REN during the pandemic was a wild ride as everything had to adapt as we went. With remote work becoming the new norm, we had to rethink how the space would support hybrid professionals. Flexible co-working areas, private pods, and meeting rooms that feel as functional as they do inspiring. Plus, immersive art galleries and a lobby bar that’s more than just a spot to grab a drink. REN is a place to work, socialise, and unwind, all in one, blurring the lines between home, work, and play.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our biggest highlight was watching the vision of exploration come to life through art. From hanging wood sculptures to glowing astronauts and graffiti-inspired murals, every piece was designed to blur the line between humanity and technology. Walking through the finished space was a surreal moment for our team.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because it’s a globally recognised benchmark for excellence in design. We invest in awards that hold prestige and celebrates work that pushes creative boundaries and sets new standards in the industry.

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

Being an SBID Award Finalist feels like a huge win for our whole team. It’s a validation of all the hard work, creativity, and passion we put into every project. It’s not just about the recognition, but a reminder that we’re on the right track to keep pushing boundaries and creating spaces that inspire.

Questions answered by Carolyn Kaczmarek, Director of Residential Design at CHIL Interior Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a cosy, woodland home design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, The Vawdrey House.

The Vawdrey House was engaged to inject some soul and personality into a client’s country home. The refurbished house is a retreat in the true sense of the word. A life-enriching counterpoint to the client’s London home. As comfortable for the couple to cosy up in on a winters afternoon as it is for hosting hordes of extended family. Spaces are impeccably styled for relaxed, everyday living. The interiors now live-up to the beautiful woodland setting, with rich textures, clever design and exceptional craftsmanship.

What was the client's brief?

Nestled deep in the New Forest National Park, Forest House was originally a mid-century bungalow, extended and reconfigured by a previous owner. But this is no country cottage. The generous scale of the interior spaces presented a particular challenge. The open plan kitchen and living space is an impressive 14mx9m, with a four-metre ceiling. It was cold, echoey and dwarfed any furniture the client had placed there. As the new owners, our client engaged us to inject some soul and personality.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our response to the brief was to make minimal structural alterations, instead focussing on adding built-in joinery and injecting new texture, colour and finishes. Such a large-scale space necessitated bold, architectural-scale interventions.

We retained the existing double-sided wood burning stove in the centre of the room, wrapping it in a new, wider chimney breast clad in beautiful, glazed three-dimensional tiles. At the base we commissioned a polished concrete hearth, large enough to sit on, and reminiscent of a feature within the client’s mid-century childhood home. This created an architectural separation between the living area and kitchen / dining area; open enough to allow the spaces to flow but closed enough to make the reorientated living area more intimate.

We added curtains across the expansive glazing, not only to make the space cosy but also to reduce the echo in the room.

Across the rear wall that stretches from the kitchen to the living area we created a 14 metre-long joinery installation, designed unify the series of spaces. This accommodates aspects of the kitchen, a hidden door to the boot room, a cocktail bar, tableware storage and a library. A sliding ladder is a fun, but also very practical addition.

Within this wall is a new opening leading to a snug room with a huge sliding oak door, enabling this room to become a much cosier space with its Obsidian Green walls, thick velvet curtains and a pallet of accent colours inspired a much-loved oil painting.

We enriched what was previously a long, dark corridor by over-cladding one side in black oak concealing doors leading to ancillary rooms. Opposite we added new mouldings, a warm paint scheme and created focal points for yet more of the client’s art collection.

Behind one of the hidden doors lies the dramatic powder room, with black terrazzo floor and statement terracotta-coloured concrete basin.

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

From the outset, it was clear that our biggest challenge to overcome would be the unusually large scale of the space.

With high, four-metre ceilings and an open plan kitchen and living space measuring 14m x 9m, our biggest hurdle was finding a way to bring character, soul and personality into a space that felt cold and echoey.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Undoubtedly the highlight of the project was working with such an openminded client and a relatively free brief. The end result is a true collaboration of such passionate and highly specialist craftspeople. Matched as it was by the passion of the client for the design, materials and finishes, the entire project felt truly meaningful and full of purpose.

More specifically, the enormous, double-sided fireplace with lustrous tiles and bespoke polished concrete hearth was a real highlight in terms of the design of the finished project.

The interiors now live-up to the beautiful woodland setting but with personality reflective of our truly fabulous and trusting clients.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

This was our first time entering the SBID awards. We decided to enter ourselves and this project as we were excited by the programme’s international outlook, and the variety of categories for the nominations.

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

Bring an Award Finalist has meant an enormous amount to us. After all the hard work, it is always nice to take a moment to properly celebrate a project, especially with so many brilliant industry friends and contemporaries. The recognition from the SBID is the cherry on top of what has been a really fantastic project/cake!

Questions answered by Ian Chapman, Director of The Vawdrey House.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a Scandi inspired kitchen design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Ledbury Studio.

Ledbury Studio was commisioned to design furniture for the kitchen, dining area, tv snug and hallway/bootroom, so that the design flowed seamlessly throughout this open plan lower ground floor space for this Kensington project. Our client's design aesthetic was " Australian/Scandi", reflecting the cool simplicity of Scandinavian style, mixed with the warmth of her native country, Australia.

What was the client's brief?

The client’s brief was to create a kitchen that aligned with her ‘Australian Scandi’ design aesthetic as part of a major two-year refurbishment of her seven-floor Kensington home. She wanted interiors that reflected the cool simplicity of Scandinavian style while incorporating the warmth of her native Australia. Beyond the kitchen, I was also tasked with de-signing furniture for the dining area, TV snug, boot room, office, and dressing room.

What inspired the design of the project?

To meet the design brief, I chose natural and painted oak for the cabinetry, keeping the scheme as light and fresh as its surroundings. The pale oak is meticulously book-matched on the drawers of the hob run and island, while the full-height cupboards are painted white - ensuring they run all the way to the ceiling without overwhelming the space. For a show-stopping effect, I placed fluted oak panels on the outside of the island and around the base of the breakfast bar. In addition, the Statuario marble worktop cascades down the end of the island in a striking waterfall effect.

There are many fine details in this kitchen. All the hand-crafted handles are made from patinated brass, as are the kickplates and the surrounds on the oak drawers. I also used patinated brass for the trim on the extractor hood - painted in the same matt white as the cupboards - and for the hanging rack over the island. This sculptural piece not only serves as an eye-catching focal point but also provides task lighting, additional storage, and a space to display trailing house plants. It is suspended from a curved section of ceiling, which is tiled in white and lit around its perimeter.

This kitchen is all about pared-back luxury, but it is also beautifully clutter-free, thanks to cabinets that conceal a wealth of useful storage - everything has its place. For example, the tall pantry cupboard not only stores bulky dried goods but also conceals the microwave, keeping the work surfaces clear.

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

One of the toughest challenges we faced during this project was getting the large marble slabs for the island into the kitchen. Given the sheer size and weight of the Statuario mar-ble, manoeuvring it into a seven-floor Kensington home was no small feat. It required me-ticulous planning, a highly skilled team, and some creative problem-solving.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The standout highlight of the project must be the drinks cabinet! Designed to seamlessly tie in with the kitchen, it features elegant, fluted oak and glass detailing, complemented by a luxurious Statuario marble worktop and panelling.

The glass-fronted cabinet is softly illuminated from within, transforming the contents into a striking display, while the open shelves are backed with a mirrored panel to enhance depth and reflect the beautifully arranged bottles and decanters. This thoughtful design not only makes the cabinet a functional storage piece but also an eye-catching focal point—perfect for entertaining in style.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards to gain recognition among internationally prominent interior designers. The awards are a prestigious platform that celebrates excellence in interior de-sign, and we saw it as a fantastic opportunity to highlight our commitment to pushing crea-tive boundaries.

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

Being an SBID Award Finalist has been an incredible validation of our work, reinforcing our dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and exceptional design. It serves as a testament to the skill and creativity of our team, confirming that our approach resonates with both industry experts and discerning clients.

Beyond the personal achievement, it has also provided greater brand recognition, helping to elevate our presence on an international stage. The exposure has allowed us to connect with a wider audience, opening doors to exciting new opportunities and collaborations. It’s an honour to be recognised among the best in the industry, and this acknowledgment only motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of design excellence.

Questions answered by Charlie Smallbone, Founder of Ledbury Studio.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a unique use of lighting in a residential design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Chains Interior.

The project is more than a simple residential space but was also planned to serve as a banquet and event space, so we wanted to use visual tension to impress guests rather than a timeless style. In response to the owner's request for functional needs, the designer deliberately enlarged the scale of the public domain. The entrance is bounded by a glass screen with light track lines, and the reflection effect brought by the light hints at directing the circulation. Hand-blown glass artwork on the side is illuminated by the marble back wall and lighting, suggesting the upcoming lively scene.

What was the client's brief?

Residential spaces should not only be comfortable but also reflect the unique characteristics of the homeowners. In this case, the male homeowner has a passion for photography, particularly focusing on capturing natural light. Meanwhile, the female homeowner, as their children have grown up, has shifted her efforts towards social welfare volunteering, hoping for a place to host charitable lectures and discussions. The couple's pursuit of light and their spirit of conveying love inspired the concept of this project, themed around the "sun."

What inspired the design of the project?

Transforming the shape, colour, characteristics, and movement of the sun into a design language, this project incorporates four key solar features: the halo formed by sunlight refraction, the dazzling radiance of solar rays, the changing colour temperature of daylight throughout the day, and the sun’s trajectory over the course of a year. These elements are embodied in the design through the imagery of "halo," "radiance," "spectrum," and "trajectory."

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

During the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating raw materials and labor faced many challenges. In the early stages of design discussions, importing various materials from overseas became more time-consuming and labor-intensive than before. Additionally, regulations for residential construction became significantly stricter, limiting the number of workers allowed on-site. The extended construction timeline also led to an increase in renovation costs.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

"Live like a beam of light, for you never know who, by your light, has found their way out of the darkness."

This quote from Rabindranath Tagore's "Impacting Lives with Life" serves as an inspiration—perhaps design, too, can influence lives. Through thoughtful creation, a space can become more than just a structure; it can be a source of light and passion, helping its inhabitants discover warmth and meaning in their lives.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

SBID is a highly prestigious recognition, and it holds special significance for us because the homeowner discovered our work through award-winning projects from the SBID Awards. This makes the achievement even more meaningful to us.

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

For us, this is a great opportunity for exposure, allowing more clients who value design quality to discover our work and recognise the exceptional creations we can bring to life.

Questions answered by Flora mao, Director at Chains Interior.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary ski house design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, McLeod Bovell.

Designed for a family of avid skiers, Crisscross Ski House affords the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access to the nearby mountain while providing a hotel-like experience for the occupants when they are not on the slopes. The architecture and interiors of the house reference its immediate geological context and British Columbia’s regional building traditions. Copper tones in the site’s exposed bedrock is reflected in the material palette of woods and metals. Massive stacked timber elements—reminiscent of the area’s ubiquitous timber trestle bridges and log cabins—delineate interior spaces, imparting the feeling of being in a rural retreat.

What was the client's brief?

The clients—two brothers—are avid skiers who love heli-skiing in particular. They wanted a house that would have the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access while providing a resort-like experience when they are not on the slopes. The architecture and interiors of the house reinterpret the immediate geological context and British Columbia’s regional building traditions. Copper veins in the site’s exposed bedrock are reflected in the interior and exterior material palettes. Massive stacked timber elements—reminiscent of the area’s ubiquitous wood trestle bridges and log cabins—delineate interior spaces and impart the feeling of a rural retreat.

What inspired the design of the project?

Because the house is set along a densely forested mountain ridge overlooking a river valley, the building spreads itself along the north-south contours of the steep site. Upper and main floors “twist” about the centre to form intersecting volumes that are alternately roofs overhangs and floors. These cantilevered roofs create porches at both ends of the house: a covered entry from the helicopter landing / ski-in access terrace at the south, and a sheltered terrace surrounded by trees at the north. Similarly, the main floor rotates relative to the basement below to provide cover at the garage door and entry to the mudroom. Nestled on a hill 23 meters above the bottom of the driveway, we considered the building’s appearance from this unusually low vantage point on vehicular approach. The wood soffits—as they reveal themselves from below—read as the 5th elevation. The formal articulation of twisting floors and roofs in plan generates spaces that are legible from the low viewing angle. This plan rotation helps minimize the building’s massing, varying the perception of vertical surfaces from different perspectives. As a result, the massing of the building appears as a series of single storey volumes whose projections and recesses create visual interest.

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

One of the biggest challenges—which is actually a recurring aspect in much of our prior work—was designing a house on steep terrain while at the same time respecting the site's existing natural topographic and climatic conditions. We tried to position the house so that mature trees were all retained; the existing contours and rock faces were respected to eliminate blasting; and creeks, water outflows, snow accumulation, and snow melt were properly considered.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of this project is its unique program and amazing location. It was a fantastic opportunity for us to design a house "in the round" where all parts of the house can engage with the landscape in such an immediate way. This house is able to have an intimate relationship with the forested mountain on which it perches.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Due to the long timelines between initial design and photographing the built project, we submit conceptual designs into awards to share our work with the others sooner.

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

Being an Award Finalist is crucial for our business as it gives potential clients, especially those new to British Columbia, confidence in our ability to undertake holistic residential projects on complex natural sites.

Questions answered by Lisa Bovell and Matt McLeod, Principals at McLeod Bovell.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a timeless family kitchen design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Snug Kitchens.

Snug Kitchens transformed a traditional home in Newbury, Berkshire, into an open-plan haven for a young, growing family. Collaborating closely with local architects, interior designers, and builders, we created a versatile kitchen that serves as the home's social hub. The design emphasises durability and sustainability, featuring bespoke British-made cabinetry, walnut internals, and heat-resistant porcelain worktops. A forward-facing cooking space, ample storage, and a large island for game preparation were key elements, catering to the client's love for hunting and family needs. This project seamlessly blends practicality, aesthetic appeal, and environmental consciousness.

What was the client's brief?

Our brief was to design and install the kitchen, pantry, utility room and surrounding cabinetry for Mulberry House in Newbury, Berkshire. Our clients were keen to create an open-plan space that functioned as a social hub, adaptable for entertaining larger groups and for busy everyday family living. This required the kitchen to marry the functionality and practicality of everyday family life with the warmth of the adjacent snug and dining areas.

What inspired the design of the project?

The client’s young family was at the centre of this project. In the early design stages, we focussed on the architecture of the property when zoning the space to achieve balance between the kitchen and surrounding areas. In order to cater for our clients love for cooking and socializing, it was integral we achieved the perfect flow through the property before looking into the design. Functionality and practicality at the forefront throughout this project, this included material decisions especially in high use areas like the breakfast bar and worktop. Stylistically we studied the property's architecture and concluded a traditional in-frame beaded shaker kitchen best suited the space.

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

A late addition to this project was an aircon unit being installed in the pantry which significantly lowered the ceiling height. To work around this, we removed the plinth from the open shelving units and sat them directly on the floor. This worked to our advantage as it meant the pantry shelving could be floor to ceiling, maximising the available space.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We love all the small bespoke details we were able to incorporate into this project. Due to our client’s generous budget, we worked with the finest in-frame walnut veneered cabinetry, complete with solid antique brass handles to create a timeless look. It was vital the spaces flowed seamlessly, to achieve this we used the same skirting as the rest of the room and ran the room coving around the front of the tall units to give a ‘built-in’ feel. Where ventilation for in-built appliances was required, we used brass mesh that we powder coated to match the brass handles. Overall, we loved working with our clients to create a space that allows them to grow together as a family.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We believe this project demonstrates all things, Snug Kitchens. Our holistic design approach, bespoke hand-crafted British cabinetry and how we seamlessly integrate with an extended project team. We collaborated closely with Absolute Architecture to establish the interior architecture of the property. The Hive Interior Designers helped bring a strong vision to the overall scheme of the property and along with our detail orientated designers we created a functional and stunning design.

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

We were extremely proud to be selected as a finalist for the SBID awards this year as it is a recognition of the hard work our whole team puts in. We strive to always add value to every client’s home, enhance their lifestyle and ensure the project runs seamlessly from concept to completion.

Questions answered by Nick McColgan, Director at Snug Kitchens.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features historically themed hotel bedrooms by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Atrio Design.

Atrio Design was commissioned to design six uniquely themed rooms at Baloci Hotel in Birmingham, each celebrating a significant historical figure or era. The rooms—Alexander the Great, Rumi, Taj Mahal, The Persian Room, Babylon, and Marco Polo Suite—blend artistry and historical significance with modern luxury. Each space features distinctive designs and cultural motifs, providing an immersive and enriching experience. Guests can enjoy opulent furnishings, custom art, and themed decor, ensuring both comfort and a deep connection to history. This project marries historical storytelling with high-end hospitality, creating a unique and memorable stay for all visitors.

What was the client's brief?

The client envisioned a luxury hotel that offers guests an immersive journey through history. Each room was designed to narrate a unique story, blending authentic historical elements with contemporary luxury to create a distinctive and memorable experience. The interiors needed to be visually striking, historically accurate, and rich in storytelling, all while maintaining high-end comfort and elegance.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our inspiration stemmed from world history and cultural heritage. We carefully selected themes that celebrate Alexander the Great, Rumi, the Taj Mahal, and Babylon, among others. Each room was crafted to embody the essence of its theme through intricate details, materials, and craftsmanship. To enhance authenticity, we incorporated custom finishes, bespoke furnishings, and artisanal decor, ensuring that every element contributed to the immersive experience.

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

One of the biggest challenges was achieving a seamless balance between historical authenticity and contemporary luxury. Integrating modern amenities into historically themed spaces required careful planning to ensure they complemented rather than disrupted the overall ambiance. Additionally, sourcing specialized materials and artisans to create authentic textures and finishes added complexity. To address this, we collaborated with ELF Decor UK to develop decorative plaster and stucco feature walls, enhancing the character of each room while maintaining a luxurious aesthetic.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of the standout moments was designing the Babylon Room, inspired by the grandeur of the Ishtar Gate. Featuring deep blue and gold tones, intricate bas-reliefs of mythical creatures, and opulent textiles, this space truly captures the splendour of ancient Mesopotamia. Seeing the final execution, complete with detailed craftsmanship and artistic wall finishes, was a proud achievement for our team.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards represent the highest standards of excellence in interior design. We wanted to showcase how the Baloci Hotel pushes the boundaries of historical storytelling through design while maintaining uncompromising luxury. This project reflects our passion for immersive, detail-driven interiors, and entering the awards was an opportunity to share our vision with a global audience and gain recognition for our craftsmanship.

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

Being an SBID Award Finalist is a prestigious acknowledgment of our commitment to exceptional design and innovation. It has reinforced Atrio Design’s position as a leader in luxury hospitality interiors and has opened new doors for future collaborations. This recognition fuels our passion for creating unique, story-driven spaces and motivates us to continue elevating interior design to new heights.

By thoughtfully integrating historical themes, artistic details, and high-end finishes, the Baloci Hotel offers guests a unique and enriching experience, making every stay a journey through time.

Questions answered by Andrii Yeksarov, Founder and Creative Director at Atrio Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a soft and welcoming family home design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Studio 95 Interiors.

Studio 95 Interiors was commissioned to help a client and his family who had moved into a recently refurbished four bedroom three storey modern home in Chiswick, West London. Although the property was in great condition, the décor felt quite sterile and bland. The focus of the project was therefore to add much needed colour, pattern and texture to create interesting, warm and elegant spaces.

What was the client's brief?

The client and his family had recently moved into this new four bedroom modern home in Chiswick. Although the property was in great condition, the décor felt quite sterile and cold and had a lot of hard surfaces. It needed a considerable injection of colour, softness, pattern and texture. The client brief was as follows:
- To create an elegant, calm space for relaxing and entertaining.
- To use eco-paints where possible.
- To update the lighting throughout and in particular soften the lighting in the kitchen/dining area where there was an excess of ceiling downlights.
- To retain elements such as the kitchen units, timber flooring and bathrooms as they were in great condition and relatively new.
- To create a bespoke joinery unit for the TV in the first floor reception room along with providing new furniture for this room.
- To use existing pieces of furniture and artwork where possible.

What inspired the design of the project?

The overall inspiration for this renovation project was to add a feeling of comfort and warmth. We needed to add colour and softness as well as adding a tactile and luxurious quality to create a warm and welcoming space to live in.

We added calm colours throughout that created interest and softness. In the ground floor dining and living areas we added pattern by way of slatted walls and patterned wallpaper to add texture and visual interest. We also added interest to the guest WC by adding walnut slats to the cistern unit along with rich coloured tiles around the vanity which also went with the existing marble floor. We added new brass tapware, accessories and artwork to give a lux and warm atmosphere.

In the kitchen/diner/living area we changed the ceiling lighting and took out excess downlights which made the space too bright and also had an unpleasant airport runway effect. We set about creating a warmer more inviting space and added three feature pendant lights over the dining table (which were dimmable) to create a focus in that area and make it more intimate and atmospheric. We also added other occasional lighting such as the floor lamp. For sustainability and budget reasons, we retained the existing white kitchen and existing timber flooring but we re-worked the furniture layout and created an inviting seating area in front of the wall mounted tv with upholstered footstool and side table. We added a much-needed large area rug to add softness. To add texture and visual interest we added an oak slat wall behind the TV and put an interesting geometric vinyl wallcovering on one of the walls in the dining area. This room now works as the hub of the home.

For the first floor reception room, we wanted to make it an elegant and luxurious space to work as a second living room/TV room or to entertain guests. It was a completely blank and featureless room. We added bespoke media wall joinery with integrated lighting (on remote control dimmer) at one end of the room. This immediately created an interesting focus and the lower cupboards also provided useful storage to hide all clutter. A bespoke velvet L-shaped sofa was added for lounging and entertaining along with a leather deep buttoned ottoman to put your feet up or to act as a coffee table when used with a tray when entertaining guests. Two swivel armchairs were placed opposite the sofa. This created a cosy seating arrangement – just perfect for chatting or watching TV.

We re-used all of the client’s mahogany furniture and two antique side chairs in the master bedroom and built the scheme around these which created a really rich and pleasing scheme. For added sustainability we used Edward Bulmer paints throughout which are natural and toxin free.

The clients are very happy with their new home. It now feels like a warm hug each time they come back home. It now gives them the warmth, colour and tactile qualities that they had been looking for.

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 replacing the heating system at the same time as we were doing the interior refurbishment. So, with clever and imaginative use of existing elements like the existing kitchen units, flooring and some furniture within the home, we were able to make the budget stretch to achieve the thoughtfully curated look throughout, making existing pieces work with the new.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The sustainability of this project was our highlight. We retained elements of the home that were in really good condition such as the kitchen units, timber flooring throughout, and bathrooms. We also retained a good deal of the ground floor guest WC such as the beautiful marble floor and sanitary-ware but updated the tapware and accessories and re-clad the existing tiled cistern unit with walnut slat panels. We also predominantly used Edward Bulmer paints for added eco-credentials.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I think it is always a good thing to push yourself and by entering the SBID awards it can propel your work to a larger audience. It is also an honour to have your studio’s work judged by highly respected industry experts and for them to think of it as worthy enough to shortlist is indeed a boost to morale. The awards offer a means of benchmarking and you can clearly measure your studio’s work against your peers. It also offers great marketing opportunities, particularly if you are shortlisted, as we were lucky enough to be.

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

Being shortlisted for the SBID award has meant a great deal to me and the business. The SBID 2024 Awards has been the second year running that one of our projects has been shortlisted in a residential category so I guess this is confirmation, if it were needed, that we are doing something right. Not surprisingly, being shortlisted is a great showcase for the studio and it gathers a lot of attention both from fellow peers in the interiors industry and also from prospective clients. It builds better awareness of our brand and confirms to all that our business is trustworthy, reliable and reputable and capable of the highest of professional standards. It has helped to build deeper relationships with clients, investors, suppliers and the media. On a personal note, the awards have helped to shine a light on many aspects of my business - where it started, how it has grown, what has changed, challenges it has overcome, and the little successes along the way. It has definitely been a worthwhile and rewarding process.

Questions answered by Stephanie Gilsenan, Founder of Studio 95 Interiors.