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.
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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Dulux’s Colour of the Year is a major event in the interiors world, setting the tone for trends over the next 12 months. This year’s shade, True Joy, is a vibrant yellow designed to add a bright pop of colour and a sense of optimism to your space. For those looking to incorporate this look into their bathroom, Roca’s Nu brassware in Honey Yellow is the perfect match.
Studio Inma Bermúdez, in collaboration with Roca, designed the Nu collection to bring a burst of colour and character to your bathroom. With Nu, you can either add a vibrant touch to a neutral space or go bold and let it inspire a full colour scheme – the choice is yours.
What’s more, Nu is designed to make you smile! As you tilt the handle to turn on the tap, a charming surprise is revealed: red and blue dots indicating hot and cold water form a playful smiling face. Paired with the vibrant yellow finish, the Nu ‘smile’ brings an extra dose of joy to your daily routine!
Another standout feature of Roca’s Nu collection is the wide variety of handle options available. Each handle design has its own unique personality, adding a touch of individuality to your bathroom. The Pin handle, with its thin and elongated design, evokes a sense of grace and poise, reminiscent of a bird ready to take flight. On the other hand, the Dome handle embraces a rounded and organic form, creating a soothing and inviting appeal. Meanwhile, the Stripes handle draws inspiration from the grooved knobs found on vintage stereos, adding a nostalgic charm to your taps.
About Roca London Gallery
Roca have more than 100 years experience of designing bathroom products and kitchen solutions with the aim of increasing peoples quality of life through continuous innovation in the production of sanitary ceramics.
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.
Typically associated with bespoke kitchens and fitted wardrobes, built in furniture is increasingly finding its way into every corner of the home, from hallways and bathrooms to home offices, dining rooms, and so many other projects. The advantages of fitted furniture are plentiful but not always obvious. Here’s just some of the reasons why it’s a good idea to think beyond the kitchen and take a more holistic approach to fitted furniture when renovating your home.
As with the best kitchen design, fitted furniture is tailormade to fit perfectly within your space, which means no awkward gaps or wasted corners. Unlike off-the-shelf pieces, which might not make the most of a room’s layout, fitted furniture is designed to optimise every available inch. Small hallway with nowhere to discard outerwear? With sleek, built in furniture your entranceway can easily accommodate shoes, coats and bags without encroaching on walkways, making the area feel bigger, tidier and more welcoming. Similarly, fitted furniture in the dining area – for example built in seating with storage inside – can boost storage provisions while working in harmony with the shape and size of the room.
One of the greatest advantages of fitted furniture is the way it allows you to achieve seamless flow throughout the home, which is the key to creating a relaxed and inviting environment. By commissioning fitted pieces for various rooms, you can ensure a consistent aesthetic, whether that’s through coordinating finishes, materials, or design style. This is not about strict matchy-matchy, which can quickly lead to bland, but more geared towards fitted furniture with a common thread that’s subtle yet intentional. A boot room or laundry room fitted with the same cabinetry as your luxury kitchen, for example, creates a sense of unity and flow. Don’t forget, at Roundhouse you have the option to coordinate your luxury kitchen with fitted cabinetry from our Studio Collection in ancillary rooms. Learn how to combine our Design and Studio Collections to help your budget go further while enjoying the benefits of our skilled designers and installation team in every room.
The joy of fitted furniture lies in its ability to be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Whether you want to set up a home office in your kitchen, or are seeking stylish shelving for your dining room, or a smart broom cupboard in your utility room, bespoke fitted furniture can be designed to suit specific requirements. In bathrooms, fitted vanity units can seamlessly integrate basins and storage, making the most of small or irregular spaces while promoting a polished look. The versatility of bespoke furniture means there is endless potential to customise – be it smart chargers inside drawers, his and hers mirrored cabinets or file storage sized to fit your documents. Furniture that’s made to suit your individual requirements doesn’t just look good, it can make your home function more smoothly and efficiently, ultimately resulting in an easier life.
This advantage is really quite simple – by providing designated places for all your belongings, throughout the home, fitted furniture supports clutter-free living and a calmer atmosphere. When working from home, for example, fitted desks, shelving and file storage can create an efficient and organised workspace, keeping paperwork and stationery out of sight but easily accessible. In the utility room, think built in laundry baskets and bespoke wardrobes for outerwear, pull-down clothes rails and cleaning cupboards with specialist storage dividers. This clutter-blitzing benefit not only makes daily life more manageable but also enhances productivity by ensuring everything you need is close to hand and easy to find.
Fitted furniture can be an investment but the outlay is offset by the knowledge that, done well, it can significantly enhance the value of your home. Beautifully made bespoke Roundhouse furniture will undoubtedly be viewed as a premium feature by potential buyers and can help your home stand out in a competitive market. Built in wardrobes, elegantly appointed living rooms, well-organised hallway storage and of course a luxury bespoke kitchen, will all lead to a more desirable property that reflects thoughtful design, quality workmanship and attention to detail. Above all, Roundhouse fitted furniture is built to last, making it a smart investment that brings both immediate enjoyment and long-term benefits.
Why not work with a designer to resolve all your fitted furniture needs and explore the clever built in storage solutions in our inspirational showroom displays? To book a design consultation, click here, or visit any of our Roundhouse showrooms in Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham. Come and experience the benefits of fitted furniture for yourself!
About Roundhouse Design Ltd
Founded by architects, Roundhouse is a multi-award-winning British company, creating beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture. Their stunning kitchen designs feature a signature understated aesthetic, influenced by contemporary and traditional design, using innovative materials, texture and colour. Each project is made to measure from a wide range of stunning finishes. Expertly crafted by skilled designers and makers in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire. Visit any of seven Roundhouse Design kitchen showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham.
Bathrooms are one of the most essential spaces in any home, the focal point for relaxation as well as self-care. Beyond functionality, the aesthetics and comfort of your bathroom can significantly influence your mood and daily routine. This is where choosing the right bathroom furniture becomes crucial. However, with the plethora of options available, selecting the ideal pieces can be overwhelming. In this guide, Natalie Bird, Marketing Manager of Roca UK, provides a simple three-point checklist to help you navigate the process.
To begin, it is vital to assess the available space in your bathroom. Its size and layout will determine what furniture will fit comfortably without making the room feel cramped. Start by measuring the dimensions of your bathroom, including the floor space and the height of the walls. Consider any alcoves, nooks or protruding walls that could affect the placement of furniture. Mark on a plan the toilet, shower and basin, as these are the fixed points around which furniture must fit. Doors and windows can also limit where you place furniture, so ensure there’s enough clearance for doors to open and close and that windows aren’t obstructed. Additionally, evaluate your vertical space – tall cabinets or shelving units can be a great way to add storage without taking up too much floor space.
Before choosing any pieces, it’s important to think about what you need to store and how much space you require. Start by identifying the shortcomings of your current bathroom set-up. Are your toiletries cluttered on the counter? Do you lack space for towels? Understanding these issues will guide you in selecting the right furniture. For instance, vanity units which combine a basin with storage space underneath are excellent for storing everyday items like toiletries, cleaning products and grooming tools. Roca’s Victoria-N range has a wide choice of vanity units with two or three drawers and in widths from 600mm to 1200mm.
In addition, make use of all wall space, including above the bath or toilet. Wall cabinets are perfect for storing items you don’t use daily but want within easy reach, such as medications or spare toilet paper. Also, think about shelving units, which are ideal for displaying decorative items or keeping towels handy. Finally, tall, narrow cabinets provide significant storage without taking up too much floor space – the Extra column unit coordinates with the Victoria-N range and is 1500mm high, so offers plenty of useful storage.
Storage is a highly functional element in the bathroom but that doesn’t mean it can’t also bring something to the look of the space. It’s important to focus on the aesthetics of the pieces you choose and ensure they align with the rest of the bathroom. Whether your bathroom is modern, traditional or somewhere in between, your furniture should both complement and enhance that style. Fortunately, where once bathroom furniture used to come only in timber-effect or white, there are now a whole host of colours and finishes to choose from. For example, the Victoria-N range is available in Sage Green, Light Ash and Walnut melamine, or Matt White or Onyx lacquer. Plus, the integrated handle and the furniture are the same colour for a cohesive look.
Roca’s new Victoria-N vanity unit is available with two or three drawers and in five widths: 600mm, 700mm, 800mm, 1000mm, 1200mm. It pairs with the Extra column unit 1500 x 350mm and 750 x 350mm narrow-depth unit.
Bring a touch of luxurious hotel chic to your bathroom with the new Sonata accessories collection from Roca. Choose between the timeless appeal of classic Chrome or the modern allure of sleek Matt Black. Best of all, pair these accessories with a matching Roca tap for a seamless and coordinated look that elevates your bathroom’s elegance.
“Updating your bathroom with new accessories is a cost-effective way to add style and functionality,” says David Bromell, Head of Marketing at Roca Group. “Our new Sonata collection offers a comprehensive range of 15 pieces, including towel rails and a wall-mounted toilet brush holder, ensuring all your needs are met. What’s more, installation is a breeze with options for traditional screw fixings or convenient adhesive pads, making it perfect for renters or those looking to make future updates.”
Most of the accessories in the Sonata collection are wall-hung, ideal for maximising space in compact bathrooms. By installing the soap dispenser and tumbler on the wall, your basin top remains uncluttered and organised. For those with wall-mounted toilets, the collection includes a matching wall-mounted toilet brush to keep the floor clear. Alternatively, a floor-standing model is also available.
As a finishing touch, the Sonata collection offers a variety of towel holders to suit any bathroom size. Choose from single rails available in 300mm, 400mm, and 600mm lengths, compact towel rings perfect for placing next to the basin, and a spacious four-rail rack that can accommodate towels for the entire family.
Roca’s new Sonata range includes basin accessories, towel rails and hooks, and toilet brush and toilet roll holders, all in a choice of Chrome or Matt Black.
Nestled in the idyllic countryside of Buckinghamshire, Amersham Interiors has established a reputation for creating timeless, bespoke interiors that capture the unique essence of each client’s vision. Recently, our team had the privilege of transforming a house into a charming, functional family home, perfectly blending cottage style with modern comfort. The result is a testament to our dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and personalised design.
Our clients, a lovely family seeking a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, envisioned a cottage-style home that exuded warmth and tradition without being overly fussy. They desired a space where every member of the family could feel comfortable. Additionally, they loved the idea of incorporating colour into their home, but they preferred shades that were soothing and subtle rather than bold and overpowering.
From the outset, our approach was deeply collaborative. We believe that the best designs emerge from understanding and embracing our clients’ lifestyles, tastes, and needs. We began by sitting down with the family to discuss their vision, preferences, and practical requirements. This initial consultation was crucial in helping us grasp the essence of what they wanted to achieve.
The family’s love for colour was a central theme, but they were clear about their preference for softer tones. Together, we explored a palette that included muted blues, gentle greens, and warm neutrals. These hues provided the perfect backdrop for creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the process was selecting fabrics and colours that would bring the family’s vision to life. We sourced an array of beautiful, high-quality fabrics that complemented the chosen colour palette. The goal was to find materials that not only looked stunning but also felt comfortable and durable for everyday family life.
For the living room, we chose a combination of soft, textured fabrics in light greens and neutrals, adding depth and interest without overwhelming the space. The curtains, made from a gorgeous linen blend form Linwood fabrics, framed the windows beautifully, allowing natural light to filter through and enhance the room’s airy feel.
In the kitchen, we incorporated vibrant green bespoke joinery, antique lighting, and a reclaimed tile floor. Warmth was introduced with a tartan wool Roman blind made from Moon fabric.
One of the key challenges – and joys – of this project was working within the framework of the home’s existing architectural features. The house had beautiful, traditional elements that we wanted to highlight and preserve. Arched architectural features, original fireplaces, and charming nooks were all integrated into the design, adding to the cottage-style aesthetic.
We carefully chose furnishings and accessories that complemented these features rather than competing with them. Vintage-inspired pieces, combined with contemporary touches, created a balanced look that respected the home’s heritage while providing modern comforts.
A crucial aspect of any interior design project is balancing style with budget. Our goal was to deliver a beautiful and functional space without exceeding the family’s financial considerations. To achieve this, we focused on investing in key pieces that would make the most significant impact while finding cost effective solutions for other elements.
For instance, we splurged on high-quality upholstery for the main living areas, knowing these pieces would see the most use and needed to be both durable and stylish. In contrast, we sourced more affordable yet aesthetically pleasing accessories and decor items to complement the overall design. We also upholstered antique pieces of furniture passed down to the family rather than buying new – these added character and charm to the home.
The outcome of this collaborative journey is a home that truly reflects the family’s desires and needs. Each room exudes a sense of warmth and comfort, with the perfect blend of traditional cottage charm and modern functionality. The chosen colour palette creates a serene and cohesive atmosphere, inviting the family to relax and enjoy their surroundings.
The living areas are spacious yet cosy, ideal for both family gatherings and quiet evenings. The kitchen, a hub of activity, is designed for practicality without sacrificing style, featuring ample storage, efficient workspaces, and charming details that tie the room together.
The use of colour and texture throughout the home ensures a visually appealing environment that feels harmonious and well-considered.
This project underscores the core values of Amersham Interiors: personalised service, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating spaces that our clients love. Our expertise in selecting the best fabrics, colours, and furnishings, combined with our respect for architectural features and budget considerations, allows us to deliver exceptional results.
We believe that every home should be a sanctuary that reflects the unique tastes and lifestyles of its inhabitants. Our collaborative approach ensures that our designs are not only beautiful but also functional and enduring.
Transforming this house into a beautiful family home has been a rewarding experience for the Amersham Interiors team. By combining our design expertise with the family’s vision, we created a space that is both stunning and practical. This project serves as a shining example of how thoughtful, personalised interior design can elevate a home, providing comfort, style, and functionality for years to come.
About Amersham Interiors
Amersham Interiors, established in 1984, specialises in bespoke curtains, blinds, and upholstery, providing luxury personalised interior design services. With decades of experience, our team is dedicated to transforming your space into a haven of comfort and elegance. We take pride in our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality, ensuring that every piece we create is tailored to your specific tastes and needs. From initial consultation to final installation, we work closely with our clients to bring their vision to life, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Luxury designers Studio Anqet have reimagined a contemporary countryside residence, transforming it into a serene haven for a sociable family. The ambitious project includes a lavish spa building, a spacious BBQ area complete with an indoor-outdoor living terrace, swimming pool and biophilic landscape design.
Located in Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, the property with sprawling grounds presented a unique opportunity to merge the client’s passion for luxury living, wellness, and sustainability. Drawing on the contemporary architecture of the main home, the additional buildings feature elements such as expansive wall-to-wall glazing and ambient lighting design. These design choices not only harmonise with the main residence but also seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings. Inspired by the homeowner’s background in scientific research and his dedication to making the world a better place, Studio Anqet has crafted a design that not only embodies lavish leisure facilities but also promotes holistic wellbeing.
The landscaping and leisure areas surrounding the property were meticulously crafted to serve as a sanctuary for the family. From the expansive swimming pool featuring a distinctive central planter, to the BBQ area complete with a fully equipped kitchen and custom sunken seating zones, each area was introduced to elevate the experience. Both communal gathering spaces and secluded corners were seamlessly integrated to evoke moments of connection or privacy.
At the heart of the outdoor space stands a striking sculpture crafted from polished bronze, aluminium and steel by esteemed artist Lorenzo Quinn. This captivating artwork is visible from the pool and all the glazed outdoor buildings. Wellness amenities feature an outdoor hot tub, a cedar wood sauna adorned with a Himalayan salt wall, indoor and outdoor showers, and an array of massage features, including a soothing foot spa. Each area is designed to indulge relaxation and evoke mental harmony through multiple sensory experiences.
A selection of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies were also prioritised for the project. From ethically sourced stone tiles to composite wood decking made from sustainable materials, every aspect of the project reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact while retaining the luxurious lifestyle of the client.
About Studio Anqet
Studio Anqet is a well-established multi award winning design studio providing interiors, landscape and architectural design services. At Studio Anqet, we believe that impeccable design has the power to improve lives. Our bespoke interiors & landscapes are conceived to uplift, inspire and delight. Guided by our clients’ aspirations, we breathe life into personal visions – turning houses into incredible homes and buildings into beautiful sanctuaries. We see possibilities others may not, finding beauty in the everyday and solutions where none seem to exist. This spirit runs through everything we create. Studio Anqet’s identity is shaped by our agility, persistence, and personal touch. We are Industry trailblazers committed to wellness-centric design and sustainable practices. Our work is a tribute to both our Egyptian namesake – the goddess of the Nile River – and the new life we help cultivate every day.
When Sarah Griffin and her husband Steve moved into their converted barn in Hampshire 15 years ago, the property came with a kitchen that wasn’t quite right. It was all-white with a disjointed look, yet the couple knew they would have to live with it for a few years as it was brand new, so they bided their time and waited.
The six-bedroom, five-bathroom home has two wings either side of a central atrium with glass windows from the ground up. The couple have four daughters, one of whom still lives at home as the others have all grown up and moved away, and it was only once the existing appliances, which included a range cooker, started slowing down that Sarah and Steve knew the time had come to change.
“I spent a couple of years researching what I wanted,” says Sarah. “I looked at different bespoke kitchen companies, but they were never quite right. I needed something fully custom made for the high ceilings and wanted furniture that was maybe locally made, too.” It was only after searching online that Sarah came across Higham Furniture, with its showroom in Fulham, London. “I loved their handleless Shaker look, as it’s very refined, clean lined and with the right combination of traditional and modern to suit this house.” Sarah then realised that the Higham Furniture workshop was in Denmead, only 15 miles from her house, which sealed the deal.
“I was able to visit the workshop,” explains Sarah, “and I was blown away. Tim Higham showed me their process and what makes them so different is that they manufacture the kitchens on site and then build and assemble them there too, in order to make sure every detail is perfect before installation. Even the appliances are fitted in this pre-build process.” This stress and hassle-free approach was exactly what Sarah and Steve were looking for.
Once she had selected the cabinetry, it was time to pick the appliances. Sarah and Steve have always had Miele for their laundry appliances so when it came to choosing their cooking kit, they knew it had to be Miele. “We went to the Miele Experience Centre in Abingdon, Oxfordshire,” says Sarah, “which was absolutely brilliant. First because it was a real treat to be cooked for by a chef and second because we were shown all the different styles of cooking and the appliances available. It really helped to refine what I wanted. We walked round with a piece of paper and chose everything on that day. I knew I wanted a steam oven but I also wanted it to be a fan oven when needed, so I chose the Miele DGC 7440 XL steam combination oven with the Miele H 7464 BP pyrolytic oven. I never knew that a warming drawer could double as a slow cooker, so that was really interesting to learn and we selected the Miele ESW 6214 gourmet warming drawer. By the end of the day we had a list with all the model numbers and the finishes of the appliances we wanted.”
In the old kitchen, the range cooker was against the back wall so in the new design, Sarah wanted the space to look more like a reception room that happened to be a kitchen. The island was to be the star of the show with Miele’s ovens, warming drawer and KM 7575 FR induction hob with PowerFlex cooking areas for maximum power output.
“The Miele appliances are fantastic,” says Sarah. “They come to temperature so quickly, which I really appreciate as my old range cooker was getting slower and slower. It makes a huge difference. Also, I’d never used an induction hob before and I love it. I love how quick and responsive it is. I can also keep it completely clean if anything does boil over. I cook a roast every Sunday and now, with the new appliances and my boiling water tap, the prep only takes 30 minutes whereas before it used to take hours. It’s also been lovely to see my daughters become more confident with cooking and enjoying it more when they come to visit.”
Having their day out at the Miele Experience Centre really helped Sarah hone in on her appliance choices. “A couple of friends have induction hobs but they were a bit of a mystery to me. Seeing it demonstrated by the chef at Miele made all the difference. It was a lovely way to spend the day with plenty of time to look around.”
The kitchen flows seamlessly into a utility room, which is furnished with cabinetry painted in the same colour palette and finished with a stacked Miele WKB 120 freestanding washing machine and TWH 620 WP tumble dryer, which the couple already owned. “In the last 20 years we’ve only had a few models as they really do last. The Miele appliances are such good value for money and even if they do need servicing, that can be done rather than having to buy new. This space isn’t an embarrassment anymore; it’s a lovely area to work in.”
The overall colour scheme for the kitchen and utility brings a sense of the outside, in. “It helps to connect with the garden,” adds Sarah. “Our windows and central atrium are all in oak and I wanted elements of oak but not completely throughout. The colours reflect the décor in the rest of the house – greys, blues and greens – and as soon as I saw the handleless Shaker design I was so clear that I wanted something that didn’t look like a purely functional kitchen.” The palette features a combination of Little Greene’s Slaked Lime Deep, Pompeian Ash. “Alexander the designer at Higham knew exactly what I wanted. We had our design appointment in London, during which we chose 95% of what we wanted because he absolutely understood what we were saying. It was all a really lovely process from start to finish.”
About Miele
All Miele appliances are designed to enjoy a long lifespan, have a strong focus on sustainability through efficiency and innovative features, and further enrich your kitchen with timeless looks.
Originally constructed in 1995, this residence, nestled in the captivating Finian’s Bay, underwent a transformative journey when acquired by our client in 2022.
The Style So Simple team was entrusted with enhancing its existing architectural charm and meticulously infusing the home with organic elements, texture and a calming colour palette.
The result is a rustic yet timeless interior that complements and does not overtake the breathtaking exterior views, notably showcasing the famous Skelligs.
Project type: Renovation Interior Architecture and Design Location: St. Finian’s Bay Co. Kerry, Ireland Design and Design Management: Style So Simple
About Style So Simple
Style So Simple is dedicated to crafting beautiful, livable homes for all of life’s moments. From functional interior layouts to the final design touches, Style So Simple specialises in curating interiors that make the best use of space while reflecting the unique style of each client.
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