This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a rustic and cosy residential design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Katja Kessler Kreation.
The entire building was carefully gutted to gain space. Downstairs all walls were removed creating an inviting lounge-like kitchen-living room. Recycled brushed pine flooring, old grain sacks as couch covers and brick walls stripped of plaster give the place a unique fingerprint. Old and modern elements were carefully arranged in order to link the landmark nature of the building with the amenities of a modern family home. In the first floor a master bedroom and two guest rooms each of it with own ensuite bathroom found their place.
SBID Awards Category: Residential House Over £1M
Practice: Katja Kessler Kreation
Project: Villa Meeresstern
Location: Greifswald, Germany
The client approached us with a daring idea: to revitalise a 19th century sleazy Baltic Sea villa that for decades had been inhabited by bats only. He had discovered the ruin during a stroll along the coastline of the German island Usedom and fell in love at first sight. Not only that he wanted us to preserve the vastly deteriorated landmark nature of the building, but at the same time he envisioned a welcoming warm cosy family nest, a place to host family and guests comfortably.
The proximity to the Baltic Sea, seagulls screeching, wind blowing, endless sound of the waves – that all created a strong impression of freedom and the power of untamed nature which to us felt had to be translated into an interior design that echoed all these emotions. Moreover, we discovered that from 1906 to 1916, Engelbert Humperdinck, student of music legend Richard Wagner and composer of the world-famous opera “Hensel & Gretel” lodged in the VILLA MEERESSTERN, then a guesthouse, to compose the opening music theme for Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”. Therefore, our mission was not only to renovate a spectacular old house but to worship the place and treat it with respect to its historic significance. We decided to reuse whatever we could: old wooden floorings, ancient brick walls, weathered cobblestones – all these components were carefully obtained and secured to be used again later or reinforced to its original grandeur.
The original interior design of the building was designed by Dracula – or was at least deeply inspired by him. On the ground floor: tiny rooms cramped by cold walls, and not a glimpse of sunlight. In the attic and basement: the same. There was no way that we would be able to remodel this into a cosy, sun-drenched, warm family beach home making some minor adjustments here and there. Instead, the whole layout had to be rethought. Where to fit the kitchen, where the living-room, and how would it all work together? It needed some crazy dramatic solutions for these problems.
While the building’s outer surface was kept untouched (more or less), for the inside we came up with a design called “the no wall policy”: the entirety of the ground floor was gutted. This created an open room that nurtured the sense of togetherness. Kitchen, living room, study, conservatory, and dining place merged into one spacious lounge-like loft that allowed light to enter from all sides through 3-meter-high windows. This opened unbelievable visual axes and revealed the full beauty of the surrounding landscape including the endless blue of the sea and the blossoming garden.
To arrive at the sight for the first time seeing that the ground floor had been stripped of all inner walls, the outer walls freed from plaster, the old pine flooring recycled and brushed, and the sun shining into the house all the way through – that was kind of a solemn breath-taking moment.
I’ve been following the SBID Awards for a long time and have repeatedly been inspired and impressed by the submitted projects. This year, I thought now or never and submitted my own application.
So many people congratulated us for the nomination via social media. It feels like participating in a kind of interior Oscar. That alone has been a great compliment for me and the rest of my team.
Questions answered by Katja Kessler, Founder of Katja Kessler Kreation.
We hope you feel inspired by this week’s design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a timeless and elegant apartment design by Angel O’Donnell, click here to read it.
This stunning mews house, tucked away in the charming neighbourhood of Little Venice in West London, offered the perfect canvas for a full interior transformation from Amy Stoddart Studio.
Our clients entrusted us with reimagining every aspect of the space. We reconfigured the layout by relocating walls, repositioning bathrooms, adding custom walk-in wardrobes, and even redesigning the staircase to introduce a fresh, modern aesthetic.
Redesigning the staircase presented its own unique challenges. The tight turns connecting the first and second floors required us to enlist the expertise of a specialised handrail company, featuring master woodworkers skilled in creating and manipulating intricate curves. Their craftsmanship ensured that the transitions were seamless and elegant, transforming the staircase into a striking focal point that enhances both the functionality and aesthetic of the home.
Due to the property’s protected status, we faced restrictions on certain original features, such as the windows. This made it essential to use light-reflective materials that would amplify the natural light, enhancing the home’s airy, open feel while preserving its original charm.
One of our favourite elements is the custom-designed headboard in the main bedroom, which spans the entire width of the room. This longer, lower headboard emphasises horizontal lines, subtly drawing the eye across the space rather than up, creating a sense of openness that makes the ceiling feel higher and the room feel airier. We paired this centrepiece with striking Marc Wood pendants on either side of the bed, featuring his signature fluted glass—a motif we carried throughout the property to create a cohesive, sophisticated look.
The final look is effortlessly sophisticated, with a relaxed ambiance that highlights soft, neutral tones—striking a perfect balance between contemporary style and timeless elegance.
About Amy Stoddart Studio Ltd.
Amy Stoddart Studios love designing eclectic and fun interiors, their designs seek to maximise the potential of each space and create environments that are unique and thoughtfully considered to suit each clients way of life. Most recently working on high-end residential projects, along with luxury office spaces, director suites and bars. Amy studied Furniture Design at Lincoln University, graduating with a 1st Class Honours Degree. Upon finishing her degree she went on to work for very well regarded design studios in London, with a focus on the high-end residential market. She has work featured in various magazines, been nominated for numerous awards and recently won ‘Ultimate Luxury Kitchen Design’.
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Amy Stoddart, Creative Director at Amy Stoddart Studio, has given her insights into the industry.
I graduated with a first class hons BA in Furniture Design in 2015. I worked predominantly in kitchens and bathrooms for 5 years before starting my own interior design company in 2020.
I’ve always favoured my creative side! Initially, I wanted to explore the world of graphic design, but after gaining some work experience, I quickly realised that it wasn’t the right fit for me. Growing up, I often rearranged my room and experimented with painting it in various colours—usually directing my Dad to do this for me! For a few years, one of my walls was painted in two different shades of green with a funky zigzag running through the middle. It was a bold choice!
I began my journey by studying Furniture Design, knowing that entering this industry directly would be challenging. However, I soon discovered that interior design would serve as a great ‘segway’ into designing furniture and products. Now, I am frequently designing bespoke furniture pieces for my clients that suit their needs and individual requirements perfectly.
I really enjoy the initial concept stages of a project. There’s something magical about pulling out all my samples—fabrics, finishes, colours—and assembling them into a mood board. This process allows me to visualise the overall aesthetic and atmosphere we want to achieve, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see the vision come together.
However, the most rewarding part of my work is undoubtedly seeing the completed space and witnessing my clients’ reactions. When they step into their newly designed home and express their happiness, it makes all the hard work worthwhile.
This past year has been incredibly exciting for me as I was nominated for an SBID award, which truly validated my work and dedication to the field. It’s an honour to be recognised among such talented designers, and it motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of my creativity!
Additionally, I recently landed my biggest project to date—a stunning 21,000 sq. ft. private family home. The scale and complexity of this project have presented unique challenges, but they also allow for a level of creativity that I absolutely love. I’m thrilled to work closely with the family to create a space that perfectly suits their needs and reflects their lifestyle.
My favourite projects are definitely bespoke residential jobs, particularly whole house turnkey renovations. I find immense satisfaction in spending 12 to 24 months with clients as we collaboratively build their dream homes. This extended time frame allows me to truly understand their lifestyle, preferences, and unique needs. Working closely with clients throughout the process helps me grasp the intricacies of their design vision, ensuring that every detail aligns with how they live!
One of the most challenging aspects of working in interior design is the project management side of things. Coordinating timelines, budgets, and various contractors can be complex, especially when unexpected issues arise. Ensuring that everything runs smoothly while maintaining the design vision requires careful planning and flexibility.
Before diving into the world of interior design, I wish I had a clearer understanding of the complexities involved in project management. While I was aware of the creative aspects of design, I think it’s common to overlook the importance of coordinating timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships.
I would encourage aspiring interior designers to gain a strong foundation in design principles through education and practical experience. Networking is crucial in this field, so connecting with established professionals can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Lastly, always stay curious and open to new ideas, trade shows are a great example of this!
I’m excited about the growing focus on sustainability in design. More clients are seeking eco-friendly materials and practices, which not only benefit the environment but also add unique character to spaces. We are members of 1% for the Planet, which means we donate 1% of our profits every year to a charity that focuses on saving the planet!
First and foremost, it establishes a level of trust and credibility with my clients. They can feel confident knowing that I adhere to the highest industry standards and best practices, which ultimately enhances their experience throughout the design process. Being part of the SBID community is incredibly valuable as it connects me with other talented professionals, allowing us to exchange ideas, insights, and inspiration!
Balan and Nambisan Architects have designed this modern industrial home for a young couple and their toddler twins, filled with surprises around every corner all the way into the bathrooms. Sitting on a quiet lane of a busy neighbourhood, this penthouse sits at a vantage point to watch planes take-off from the runway next door.
The house is split into two parts with very practical serviceability hidden away behind multiple pocket doors. One wing houses the entertainment pad – souped up with a media lounge, convertible guest bed and an indoor and outdoor bar perfect to bring the parties home.
The other wing boasts a dramatic double height family, dining and kitchen area into which the upper level of bedrooms look into. Chunky steel beams punctuate the volume, dipping low to embrace human scale.
A lush balcony with a Jacuzzi surrounded by dense foliage acts as an oasis amidst a concrete jungle.
Each sleep-suite is fully equipped with the works for its respective users – a playful loft for the twins, a glamorous walk-in with an ensuite to match for the missus, and a moody jet-black rock-cut skylit shower for the mister.
The structure is left raw like an exoskeleton – the corrugated underdecks painted a cold grey set against dark rafters and beams and exposed tracks to light up the whole space.
A delicate cluster of handmade metal discs light up the double height volume in stark contrast. The entire house is a vibe of its own, only short of its vibrant occupants.
About Balan and Nambisan Architects
An award winning architecture and interior design practice with offices in London and Bangalore. The new London office is led by Nilanjana Roy, one of three partners at BNA. With experience in the US, UK and India, she has returned to the UK with the strategic focus on expanding the studio’s expertise to international markets. With her creative flair and rigorous attention to detail she has built up a roster of discerning clients. BNA’s UK office offers services in Interior Architecture, Interior Design, FFE and Styling in the residential and hospitality sectors. Our network of skilled artisans along with global sourcing capabilities ensures a client’s vision is transformed into reality.
As we step into 2025, kitchen design trends are taking a turn towards nature-inspired elements, textured surfaces and a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. This is something that chimes perfectly with the values of Ledbury Studio, where the team have always championed sustainability and the beauty of understated luxury. Here’s Ledbury Studio’s take on how those trends are set to redefine the heart of the home in the coming year.
Natural stone and sustainably sourced wood are increasingly popular in our kitchens, mirroring a broader societal move to reconnect with nature. Materials like marble, granite and richly grained woods such as oak and walnut are being celebrated for their unique imperfections, adding depth and authenticity to kitchen spaces. These elements don’t just look great, they also tell a story and give each kitchen individual character.
Techniques like reeding and fluting, often applied to kitchen islands and cabinetry, add a rhythmic, sculptural quality to kitchen designs that feels both modern and timeless. Textured wood finishes, whether through hand-carved detailing or treatments that highlight natural grain, bring a sense of warmth and craftsmanship to kitchen designs. For example, Ledbury Studio’s signature ‘Choppy Water’ surface, adds a tactile dimension to cabinetry and islands, softening the typically hard lines of kitchen spaces.
Distressed metals are making a strong comeback in 2025, offering a unique blend of character and history to kitchen interiors. Unlike the perfection of highly polished finishes, distressed metals bring a sense of heritage and authenticity to contemporary spaces. Their distinctive patinas add visual interest and evoke a feeling of craftsmanship that enriches the overall design. For those looking to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, these metals offer the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern elegance, transforming the kitchen into a lived-in, welcoming space.
The appreciation for mid-century design continues and deep wood tones, particularly walnut, are making a strong statement in today’s kitchens. This rich, elegant wood, known for its complex patterns and warm hues, is being used in everything from cabinetry to furniture pieces, offering a sense of sophistication and grounded beauty. The appeal of mid-century design lies in its ability to blend form and function seamlessly, making it an enduring favourite for those seeking both style and practicality.
Quiet luxury is once again poised to be one of the defining trends of 2025. This design philosophy moves away from ostentation, instead embracing materials that are inherently luxurious, such as natural stone and fine woods. The result is a refined, serene atmosphere that feels effortlessly sophisticated. Quiet luxury also champions the principle of ‘buying once, buying well’, encouraging investment in durable designs that will stand the test of time. It’s a smart, stylish approach for those who value longevity and authenticity in their home and bespoke kitchen furniture fits perfectly within it.
One of the most exciting emerging trends is the combination of stainless steel with wood and painted finishes. This design approach creates a striking visual contrast, balancing the sleek, industrial aesthetic of stainless steel with the warmth of wood or the soft tones of painted cabinetry. Coming soon to several stunning Ledbury Studio kitchen designs!
About Ledbury Studio
Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.
Perched on the banks of Regent’s Canal, Little Venice sees the transformation of an antiquated bathroom into an eclectic pink and green sanctuary, as envisioned by the C.P. Hart Design team through its award-winning Design Service.
The bathroom of Little Venice is an intimate space that required careful design consideration to fully optimise the floor plan. Working in close collaboration with the owner, the C.P. Hart Design team specified a generous inset bath with an integrated shower, a reduced-depth vanity unit and mirror cabinet for ample storage, and a wall-hung WC mounted beneath decorative niches.
Brushed Gold brassware features throughout the bathroom, all specified from C.P. Hart’s exclusive and highly sought-after Epoch collection. In the shower, a three-way diverter controls the overhead shower, hand shower, and bath filler. The Epoch wall-mounted mixer was chosen for the basin, installed above the Cielo Shui Washbowl in ‘Muschio’ to free space on the Cubik vanity.
“We boxed out the back wall to give the impression of a more open space,” explains the designers. “This allowed the Cielo Oval mirror cabinet to sit on the wall without infringing on the basin, whilst also creating a distinct separation for the ‘White’ Luminous Lume tiles and providing a ledge for accessories.”
“To add more depth and visual interest, we replaced the ‘White’ Luminous Lume tiles with their ‘Green’ counterparts in each niche,” shares the team. “Both the niches and Astro Tacoma Twin light, installed above the mirror cabinet, are dimmable – the perfect year-round ambience setter.”
“The owner originally briefed a checkerboard floor, though upon review of the 3D visuals, we decided the black and white pattern would prove too strong a contrast against the bathroom’s finishes. Instead, we opted for softer stone-effect grey and cream checked tiles, boasting a similar weathered aesthetic to the wall tiling.”
Farrow & Ball’s ‘Middleton Pink’ finishes the bathroom with playful charm.
C.P. Hart’s award-winning Design Service offers a seamless client experience at every step. Two individuals are assigned to every project: a qualified designer to make the best possible use of available space, propose creative solutions, and interpret each customer’s vision, and a sales consultant to manage the process. To find out more, please call C.P. Hart on 020 7902 1020, email [email protected], or download a brochure here.
Don’t miss out on C.P. Hart’s Autumn Promotion for up to 40% off! You can get complementary underfloor heating with any showroom tile order*
About C.P. Hart
C.P. Hart are an established bathroom supplier with over 80 years’ experience of specifying and sourcing the world’s most innovative and durable premium bathroom products. A successful Contracts division works for architects, interior designers and builders, often on major commercial property developments and hotels. While a highly qualified in-house design team works with individual and private clients, ensuring that each of these bespoke bathrooms is unique.
Emma Hemmings, Founder of Emma Louise Home Design, has given her insights into the industry.
My career in interior design began in 2014 when I managed and designed my own home renovations. This experience led to project management and design work for friends and family, sparking a passion for creating spaces that felt both rewarding and inspiring. It was this realisation that motivated me to pursue interior design as a professional career.
With a BSc and MSc from Bristol and Southampton Universities, and a young family to consider, I decided against returning to formal education for a degree or diploma in interior design. Instead, I took an independent approach, focusing on key areas like mastering 3D design software and attending CPD (Continuing Professional Development) events, especially in lighting, hosted by leading brands.
Building relationships with trade professionals during those early projects was invaluable, as I gained hands-on insights into the various elements of interior design, including kitchens, bathrooms, and joinery. Today, I regularly attend industry events to stay updated on the latest trends and maintain close connections with suppliers to better understand the products and ranges available.
For me, working with samples, textures, and creating design schemes is my “happy place.” I am passionate about crafting spaces that inspire and evoke happiness. Each project is unique, designed with specific people, functions, and emotions in mind.
Having experienced firsthand how changes in my home and workspace impacted my mood and productivity, I know I’ll never tire of working with clients to help them transform their spaces and build confidence in their design choices.
It’s hard to choose because interior design is such a multifaceted profession, and no two projects are ever alike. However, I particularly enjoy the process of understanding my clients on a personal level to design spaces that reflect their personalities, and I thrive in the creative challenge of bringing those ideas to life.
Lighting and colour are two elements that fascinate me the most. Lighting is both technical and creative – being able to design lighting that enhances architecture and sets the perfect mood is incredibly exciting. Colour, on the other hand, is like a science. It has a profound impact on how a space feels, its perceived size, and the emotions it evokes. Both elements are endlessly inspiring to me.
One of my most memorable highlights was styling and photographing a recent project at Sandy Lane alongside Joey Kendal Brown. The project involved complete kitchen design with Jack Meadows Bespoke, as well as colour and lighting consultation. Seeing the space come to life and knowing I had a hand in every aspect of the design was deeply rewarding.
I love residential projects, regardless of size. Working with clients to design their homes feels like a privilege. Homes are deeply personal, serving as spaces where people interact with loved ones, work, relax, and create memories. Being involved from the early stages – planning layouts, lighting design, and overall aesthetics, through to styling – is incredibly fulfilling.
Interior design, like any profession, comes with its challenges. One key challenge is keeping up with advances in technology. While I love hand-drawing, there’s no denying the value of computer-aided design in communicating ideas effectively.
Managing client expectations is another important aspect – setting realistic goals and working as a team with the client is crucial. Finally, staying on top of design trends while striving for timeless designs can be tricky. While trends are exciting, my aim is always to create designs that clients will love for years to come.
My journey into interior design felt a bit unconventional. I project-managed my own home renovations, fell in love with the process, and then sought out learning opportunities to deepen my knowledge. Starting with an understanding of the value of project planning, timelines, communication, and navigating the unpredictable nature of home renovations was, in hindsight, invaluable. These practical elements of the job – often harder to teach or fully grasp until you’re in the field – have given me an edge.
I’ve come to realise that interior design involves so much more than creating beautiful spaces with colours and textures. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that is essential to bringing those designs to life.
That said, perhaps someone should have warned me that my mind would never fully switch off! I find myself constantly analysing architectural details, colours, and textures wherever I go, but I suppose that’s just part of loving what I do.
Take time to discover which elements of design excite you the most, and focus on developing your expertise in one or two of those areas. This will help you stand out and bring a unique perspective to your work.
AI is becoming a major player in the industry, and I believe it will have a positive impact, especially in facilitating design communication. However, I am confident that AI cannot replace the personal connections we build with clients, nor can it fully understand the emotions and memories a space should evoke. I’m excited to see how the industry evolves in the coming year!
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer makes me feel like a valued member of the design industry. It’s an important recognition of my skills and dedication, and it gives me a sense of pride in my work.
About Emma Louise Home Design
Emma Louise Home Design is a Surrey based design studio working in Esher and its surrounding areas, as well as throughout the UK via our E-design service. Emma understands what it takes to bring a successful interior together; from the importance of early space planning with consideration to services such as electrical points and lighting design, to the way a space is ultimately styled – and everything in between. Emma works closely with every client to understand their individual brief, striving to exceed expectations and deliver within budget and to an agreed timeline. Taking time to understand the clients’ desires, key objectives and personal style, Emma connects at a personal level with every project.
A grand Victorian, locally listed terrace house in a beautiful conservation area of North London served as the canvas for this luxurious Bohemian project. The clients, a judge and her international mediator husband, alongside their two young children, wished for a complete refurbishment of their home whilst respecting and restoring its original period features. The brief specified the need for additional storage alongside designing vibrant, personality-driven spaces throughout the house. The design needed to provide a tasteful and refined backdrop for the owners’ beloved objects and artwork, avoiding a formulaic or themed style.
– Dressing Room: A luxurious set of wardrobes providing ample space for clothing and accessories. – Enchanted Garden Bedroom: A sweet, nature-inspired room for the younger daughter, creating a whimsical and serene retreat. – Library in the Clouds Bedroom: A playful and imaginative bedroom for the older daughter, fostering creativity and exploration. – Dramatic Shower Room: A striking and luxurious shower room within the mansard conversion, adding a touch of opulence. – Living Room: A comfortable and intriguing space designed for entertaining, blending cosiness with captivating design elements.
The project brief was to create lots of new space by extending the property with a mansard roof conversion and to design gorgeous personality driven spaces while restoring and respecting the original grand Victorian home.
Many of the original internal features of the home had been lost over time, such as fireplaces, doors, and coving. These elements were carefully reinstated, selecting items that matched the original Victorian design. Any remaining historic features were preserved and restored, including the beautiful original cornicing in the entrance hallway, a stained-glass window overlooking the back garden, and the original room layout and proportions. These meticulous restorations ensured that the historical integrity of the home was respected.
The interior design embraced a luxurious Bohemian style, featuring a bold and rich palette of greens, pinks, dramatic marbles, and pale natural oak chevron parquet floors. Key pieces of existing artwork, personal objects, and furniture were sensitively incorporated into the new design, ensuring that the style was not formulaic but personal and reflective of the clients’ unique taste. This approach created a home that feels both curated and lived-in, with each space telling a part of the family’s story.
To accommodate their young family, additional space was created by converting the attic into a habitable area and extending it with a dormer mansard extension. This transformation provided a beautiful new bedroom, a shower room, and a large laundry cupboard. The traditionally detailed timber staircase was extended to the converted loft space, enhanced by a large new roof light that flooded the stairs with natural light.
The new loft bedroom was inspired by the avid reading habits of the clients’ 8-year-old daughter. Designed to resemble a library that can be slept in, the room features a hanging chair and a large window bench seat, providing comfortable reading spots with views over the London rooftops and gardens. This design fulfilled the playful and functional requirements of the brief, creating a space where imagination and relaxation coexist.
For their nature-loving younger daughter’s bedroom, we created an ‘Enchanted Forest.’ This whimsical space features a large mural-style wallpaper of a peacock in a tree and golden bee handles on the wardrobe. The room’s design is both enchanting and functional, providing a magical retreat for a young child.
To meet the clients’ need for ample storage, a huge new wall of full-height wardrobes was installed in the master bedroom. These wardrobes were meticulously designed with drawers, shelves, and hanging space to accommodate the couple’s extensive clothes and shoe collection.
In the new shower room, we used a dramatic palette of dark green marble, brass, and terrazzo to create a small but perfectly formed luxurious retreat.
Sustainability and energy efficiency were key drivers of the scheme which we took seriously. The new roof used two types of high-performance insulation, ensuring excellent heat retention and low heating requirements. Double-glazed sash windows and roof lights enhanced thermal efficiency, making the loft bedroom both comfortable and energy-efficient. Existing damaged items in the house, such as floorboards, were donated to timber merchants for reuse, minimising waste and adhering to sustainable practices. The structural scheme was designed to minimise steel usage using a mainly timber frame construction, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of the renovation.
About Nancy Gouldstone Architects
Nancy Gouldstone Architects are a London based Architecture, interior design and garden design practice that offer local and international services. We are passionate about creating and delivering exceptionally beautiful homes and gardens for our clients. We plan and manage the whole process from start to finish, offering a full set of services for luxury architecture, interior design, garden design and project management; freeing up our clients time and ensuring their projects are beautifully executed and run smoothly, on time and in budget.
Whether you’re hosting a cosy family dinner or a grand soirée, the design of your kitchen plays a pivotal role in creating a welcoming atmosphere. By blending functionality with aesthetic appeal, you can craft a space that not only meets your practical needs but also enhances the overall experience for you and your guests. After all, a well-designed kitchen is the heart of memorable gatherings. Here, Charlie Smallbone, the founder of Ledbury Studio, shares his insights on three key elements that make a kitchen perfect for socialising.
An island is an indispensable feature for any party kitchen, transforming the space into a lively, social hub. This versatile centrepiece invites guests to gather, chat and savour appetisers while meals are being prepared. My island designs often incorporate a breakfast bar, providing extra seating that encourages interaction and connection between guests and hosts. It also doubles as a practical area for buffet-style serving, allowing guests to effortlessly help themselves to food and drinks. The Kensington kitchen has a beautiful island with breakfast bar, prep space and sink.
A dedicated home bar can transform your kitchen into the ultimate entertainment powerhouse. With an array of spirits, mixers, and professional bar tools at your disposal, you’ll be mixing cocktails like a seasoned mixologist. Incorporating features such as a wine cooler, ample space for glassware and smart storage for all your essentials ensures that everything you need is always within reach. By strategically placing the bar away from the main kitchen area, guests can serve themselves without interrupting the chef’s flow. A well-stocked home bar not only enhances the functionality of your kitchen but also creates a perfect spot for socialising, making sure the good times keep flowing.
Integrating a dining table into your kitchen creates a seamless flow from meal preparation to dining, eliminating the need to relocate to a separate dining room – a practice that now feels outdated. This design keeps everyone at the heart of the action, fostering a lively and inclusive atmosphere. A perfect example is our St John’s Wood kitchen, where banquette seating is elegantly built into the island. This arrangement not only enhances the functionality of the space but also encourages longer, more relaxed meals, allowing guests to linger and enjoy each other’s company. By combining the practical aspects of a kitchen with the comfort of a dining area, this setup elevates the entire entertaining experience, ensuring that your kitchen remains the true heart of your home.
Di Henshall, Design Director of Di Henshall Interior Design has given her insights into the industry.
Di Henshall studied interior design at Liverpool College of Further Education, since changed to Liverpool Polytechnic, since changed to Liverpool John Moores University. She became an Export Designer for Hygena, Liverpool, (largest kitchen manufacturer in the world at the time) designing showrooms and exhibitions around the world, plus designing cabinetry and fittings for private residences in the Middle East. After emigrating to Australia, Di became an Interior Designer for a group of architects in Melbourne (Victoria) – DCR Architects, working on public buildings, restaurants and private residences. She then started her own business, Di Henshall Interior Design, in 1988; and started her own cabinetmaking business, Resident Hero, in 1992. Henshall qualified as a licensed builder in 2000. She guest lectures at various locations, such as Sunshine Coast University, TAFE College and various Housing Industry Association functions.
Di Henshall Interior Design has won over 30 design awards and citations. They design all over Australia and New Zealand, and have worked on projects as far a field as Fiji and the United States. They have a team of seven in the design company and a further sixteen in their custom/bespoke furniture and cabinetry factory.
I always knew from about five years old that I wanted to be a designer, I just didn’t know anything about buildings, so I started designing dresses – all of which looked exactly the same, just different patterns! When I was about twelve, I knew then that I would be either an architect or interior designer. I chose interior design, and I am grateful that I did.
Like most designers, the exciting part is starting with a brief that is going to be challenging. I usually start off with a tiny sketch pad and scribble ideas down, taking into account all the usual elements, such as the personality of the clients, what the use of the building is, who is going inhabit the space, what the orientation is, the architectural intent, if applicable, the budget, etc.
We specialise in major renovations, basically pulling apart all elements and designing a totally new and vibrant residence. In the past year we did exactly that for a large, waterfront house that needed to be reinvented both inside and out. We have just finished it and when the clients saw it for the first-time last week, the wife burst into tears with happiness – hugely rewarding. We also spent four months designing the interior of a superyacht. Another one of the projects we have been working on in the past year is the major reconstruction of a beachside house that is in the process of being put back together, totally unrecognisable from its former self. We usually have anything up to twenty projects on at once, all at various stages.
I actually love the variety of the projects we undertake rather than having one particular favourite type. Designing offices and medical practices is always challenging because there are usually several or more stakeholders that all have a say in what is designed. It is a diplomatic juggle to make sure that we reach a design solution that everyone is happy with and that it is equally practical and workable for both staff and clients/patients.
Dealing with suppliers. We spend an inordinate amount of time and energy chasing suppliers for the right information, truthful delivery dates and proper product specifications. This was exacerbated to the extreme during Covid, as the supply chain was practically broken, freight charges went through the roof and suppliers felt the need to say what they thought you wanted to hear rather than the reality.
I learn something new every working day of my life. Technology, product innovation, new manufacturing processes, trends, computer assisting drafting, installation advances – all of these things have advanced dramatically since I started and they will continue to change. What I wish I knew before I started was more about the business side, things like contracts, budget discussions, asking for payments, understanding balance sheets and spreadsheets, financial forecasts and what to do when you can’t pay bills – all of those things were learnt the hard way.
Maybe two things – take a tape measure with you everywhere and measure everything you use or have in your own home, for example the height of a coffee mug, the height of a hanging rail in a robe, the height of a dining table or a lounge chair – I can’t believe how many qualified designers I have employed that do not understand measurement. Without understanding measurement, it is very hard to be a good designer. The other thing I would say is don’t be influenced by trends, they are called trends for a reason.
I think people are finally starting to collectively understand the overwhelming waste that the world produces, including throwaway fashion, throwaway furnishings and electrical goods. There is a move towards people recognising the value in good quality gear that will last the distance. Recognising the effort and talent that goes into creating beautiful timeless pieces, such as lighting and furniture, so they don’t go out and buy a cheap copy. I hope that this trend continues, not for the sake of our business but for the sake of our planet and our children. We, therefore, have to keep creating things and spaces that people don’t regard as something they can get rid of or change in a couple of years’ time.
It is an honour to be recognised as being worthy of the society. The society is incredibly active and supportive of its members, which is refreshing and reassuring to be part of it. I would like to contribute as much as possible as a member and hope I get some opportunities in the future to do so.
About Di Henshall Interior Design
Award-winning interior design and full-fit-outs of custom furnishings working all over Australia and New Zealand. A highly trained design team specialising in major renovations, new builds, offices, restaurants, hotels and private residences. We have our own furniture and cabinetmaking business and source products from all over the world. We are also a building company that works closely with architects and other parties to deliver exceptional design solutions.
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