Sadie Pizzey Interiors: Weaving Vibrant Colours through Rustic Textures

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an eclectic residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Sadie Pizzey Interiors.

Nostalgic Notting Hill! Brick arches, Victorian architecture & bookending fireplaces gave Sadie Pizzey Interiors a great launch pad for this residential project in Notting Hill. We took our clients brief and elevated their love of rustic finishes & bold, vibrant colours through our design of the reclaimed timber kitchen, aged flooring & eclectic furniture. We sourced and designed pieces that brought age, depth & connection. SP Interiors mixed bold custom pieces that problem solved, with textural joinery that maximised space & storage. Antiques were weave in with artisan finds & custom design chairs elevated the home & a connection to the diverse materials.

What was the client's brief?

The client desired a home with an eclectic feel — a place that worked for two but could easily welcome ten, somewhere to escape the pace of city living while still feeling rooted in Notting Hill. Maintaining the charm and character of the Victorian duplex was central to the brief. Our client wanted as much of the original fabric preserved as possible, so we reconditioned the sash windows, coving and skirting boards, sanded and re-stained the oak floors, and carefully restored the fireplaces and exposed brick. Beyond the architecture, the client also wished to weave her upbringing and close family bond into the home. By integrating her family’s artwork, accessories and even lighting, we created an immediate sense of connection and belonging.

What inspired the design of the project?

Brick arches, Victorian architecture & bookending fireplaces gave Sadie Pizzey Interiors a great launch pad for this residential project in Notting Hill. We took our clients brief and elevated their love of rustic finishes & bold, vibrant colours through the reclaimed timber kitchen, aged flooring & eclectic furniture. We sourced and designed pieces that brought age, depth & connection. Sadie Pizzey Interiors mixed bold custom pieces that problem solved, with textural joinery that maximised space & storage. Antiques were weave in with artisan finds & custom design chairs elevated the home & a connection to the diverse materials.

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

Our client initially thought that this duplex would be cosmetic changes, but as with many Victorian flats, once we carried out our survey there were challenges to overcome. The first shock was we had inherited a flat with no lighting. There were a few strip lights hidden in some coving in each room, but the light source was so poor that we knew straight away we would need to redesign all the lighting & electrics. A challenge is always an opportunity, as this allowed us to design a scheme with multi-layered lighting & circuits. We highlighted architectural features such as the brick arches & dome ceilings. We added beautiful decorative lighting above the table & island & other light sources through the bedrooms & snug.

We also uncovered damp & wondering floors. Full treatment & significant membranes were added to the terrace above. We worked with the existing floor instead of replacing, sanding & re-staining to tie-in with the rustic kitchen.

An inherited air conditioning unit which was unattractive but in good working order aesthetically was solved through a bespoke, electric blue joinery piece with built-in vents and access points.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight for our team was seeing the unique quirks of the Victorian duplex celebrated and enhanced, rather than erased. Repurposing the sash windows, oak floors, and brickwork allowed the history of the home to shine through, while layering in reclaimed timber, bespoke joinery, and eclectic furniture brought warmth and individuality. Our passion for craftsmanship was especially evident in the custom design chairs, which united diverse materials such as rustic oak, smooth leather and soft linen in harmony. Perhaps most rewarding was integrating pieces from the client’s family — artwork, accessories and treasured lighting — which gave the completed space a depth of meaning that no new purchase could replicate. Watching the client walk into a home that was both personal and practical, filled with character yet tailored to her lifestyle, was our team’s proudest moment.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because they represent one of the most respected platforms in the design industry, celebrating creativity, innovation and craftsmanship on an international stage. For us, it was an opportunity to share the story of this project, where bold colour, reclaimed materials and bespoke craftsmanship came together to create a home that was both practical and deeply personal. Submitting our work was about championing the value of thoughtful design — demonstrating how it can transform not only a space but the way our clients experience their everyday lives.

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

We are so proud of this project and the end result. Whenever any of the team walk into the home we instantly feel warm, cosy and uplifted — and that is the approach we bring to all of our projects. As a small design firm, being recognised as an SBID Finalist feels like an affirmation of our growth over the last five years and proof that smaller, more niche studios can achieve just as much as larger teams.

From the initial concept to the final reveal, we add value at every stage, ensuring each project reflects our clients’ unique visions while enriching their lives. Our aligned philosophy, streamlined processes and clear lines of accountability allow us to transform challenges into opportunities and consistently deliver exceptional results. We believe in the power of collaboration, fostering strong relationships with our clients and partners, and we take pride in delivering interiors that not only meet expectations but exceed them.

Personally, as the founder of Sadie Pizzey Interiors, I am thrilled by the recognition and deeply grateful for the journey we have been on. This achievement has amplified our voice, strengthened our confidence as a team, and motivated us to keep creating homes that inspire, embody and serve the unique individuals who live in them.

Questions answered by Sadie Pizzey, Founder of Sadie Pizzey Interiors.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a characterful residential design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Pippa Paton Design.

Pippa Paton Design led the restoration of a Grade-II listed Cotswold estate, re-instating and accentuating historical features, whilst transforming it into a stylish, practical family home in a pale neutral palette against a backdrop of stone windows, timber flooring and reclaimed Cotswold flags. A derelict granary, now a stunning bar, features an illuminated curved brass bar accentuating the stone chimney behind, stables provide enticing guest accommodation and a stone barn doubles as cinema and large-scale dining room. This is a now beautiful example of a Cotswold village estate, re-envisioned for 21st century family living whilst respecting it’s heritage.

What was the client's brief?

To renovate a Grade II listed manor to create a family home, making it more liveable in terms of layout and functionality and bringing it into the 21st century. We were asked to incorporate a derelict granary to use as utility room on the lower level and a bar above, make another estate barn into a party dining space and provide a variety of guest accommodation.

What inspired the design of the project?

The overall concept was to reinstate architectural and design features in the house befitting a 19th century manor, the majority of which had been removed over time.

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

To identify the limited amount of remaining internal architectural details and from that developing a suite of panelling, skirting, architraves etc which reflected the history of the house.

We then selected a contractor and various artisans with experience and expertise in renovating listed buildings, which was critical to restore architectural details such as badly-treated timbers, staircases etc. and to produce the architectural detailing which we had designed.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the beautiful craftmanship such as the finishes and detailing in the joinery which we had designed come to life, particularly in the bar, the kitchen and the master ensuite.

We also loved designing future heirloom pieces for the client such as a bespoke card games table, a pair of bespoke console tables in the drawing room and a large, curved mirror designed for the hallway.

Another highlight was the client’s feedback that they absolutely love the spaces that have been created - from the serene drawing room, the dark, moody snug for after dinner drinks, the bar seating twenty-two guests in the granary and the entertainment space in another barn for large dinner parties.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

To get recognition for the project and for what we do as a studio.

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

The client appreciates the recognition, and we always meet interesting future suppliers and collaborators at the awards evening itself.

Questions answered by Pippa Paton, Founder of Pippa Paton Design.

The process involved working with local skilled craftsman to create bespoke joinery and finishes as well as custom furnishings and doors. In particular, the feature of a custom metal encased glass door, unique to the property, separating the entertaining and resting spaces is one of Chou's favourite moments at City Residence.

Typical of Hong Kong properties and especially city dwelling in general, the layout of apartments tends to be more compact. As such, creating layered moments through customization became imperative in the design of the property.

For instance, integrating built-in storage solutions assisted with creating a seamlessness in each room, enhancing a calm and restorative mood. Utilising pocket doors also contributed to the general feeling of openness within smaller rooms.

The living area features a rug, ‘Spring Buds’ in Chou's hand-selected ‘Sunrise’ palette, from her rug collection exclusively designed for Silk Avenue. Available in bespoke sizes and colourways. Read this article here to discover Chou's process in designing 'Sky & Earth'.

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 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.

The challenge that the design sought to address was to make the most from the less; in other words, the task was to utilise and transform a garage into a modern and fully functional permanent ‘micro-residence’.

In a small space, every possible surface that can evolve and create additional rooms is particularly significant. Through the design, usable space was added to the upper level. The original garage area had a loft of approximately 6 square meters. An additional space of 7 square meters was added, creating a bedroom, a work area and a bathroom on the upper level.

The ‘micro-residence’ concept addresses the worldwide housing problem, where the lack of functional and compact residences is pervasive. The rapid growth of short-term rental housing, especially in city centres, makes the need for smart solutions, such as the one created through the design, even more pressing.

Another major advantage of the project is the smaller energy footprint as the space heats up and cools down faster due to its size and design. This feature follows the global approach to social, economic, and environmental planning that balances the social and economic needs of present and future human generations with the imperative of preventing undue damage to the natural environment.

We are very happy to share that our studio received the international Big SEE Architecture Award 2025, during the Big Architecture festival in beautiful Portoroz by the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia, for our Garage Transformation into a Micro-Residence project.

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 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 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 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.