The bay window was positioned as the hero of the space, with the dining area relocated from the kitchen to take advantage of light and views. A beautiful round marble dining table set the space off beautifully.

Mirrors of varying sizes were introduced along the darker side of the room to reflect light and add visual interest. Layered textiles, including rugs, cushions and curated objects, bring depth and character, while artwork adds individuality.

A timeless, coastal-inspired colour palette runs throughout, ensuring the interiors feel relaxed and inviting while remaining robust enough for holiday use.

A cohesive look and feel was developed to bridge the building’s Victorian character with a more contemporary, inclusive aesthetic appropriate for a modern Sixth Form environment. Warm, welcoming colours and layered textures were introduced to soften the stone architecture, creating spaces that feel relaxed yet purposeful.

Materials were carefully selected for durability and stain resistance, ensuring the interiors would withstand heavy use without compromising on design quality. Existing furniture and fittings were retained and refreshed where possible, allowing the project to maximise value while minimising waste.

Student artwork was given pride of place throughout the scheme, becoming an integral part of the visual identity of the spaces and adding authenticity, colour and individuality. This not only celebrated the students themselves but also brought a sense of ownership and personality into the interiors.

An overarching design framework was created to guide future improvements, enabling the school to enhance additional areas over time while maintaining visual consistency. The result is a refreshed Sixth Form environment that feels warm, inclusive and contemporary, while remaining respectful of the building’s historic fabric and the school’s evolving identity.

A rear kitchen extension was introduced and fully opened to the garden via bi-fold doors, blurring the boundary between inside and out. The garden was treated as an extension of the home, with floor levels aligned and limestone tiles continuing seamlessly outdoors.

Hidden historic details were carefully uncovered, including the original inglenook fireplace, previously concealed behind plasterboard and an electric fire. Throughout the project, timeless, classic materials were chosen, with a preference for locally sourced finishes, ensuring longevity and a quiet, enduring elegance.

A new staircase was introduced beneath the eaves, wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glazing to draw light deep into the home and create a striking architectural feature. All internal walls on the upper level were removed, allowing the space to breathe.

Clear zoning was achieved through a cohesive palette of colour, texture and pattern rather than physical divisions. At the heart of the space sits a central fireplace, designed to rotate so it can be enjoyed from different seating areas, anchoring the room while maintaining flexibility.

Heavy blue carpets were replaced with hard-wearing parquet flooring more in keeping with the period of the house and lightening up the space. A layered approach to colour, pattern and texture was introduced through carefully curated art, wallpapers and paint finishes.

The original dining room was reimagined as a library, with a custom-built bookcase designed to sit comfortably within the room’s proportions and architectural detailing. This created a calm, characterful retreat while adding a sense of purpose and intimacy to the space.

Spatial planning was carefully reconsidered throughout the house. One bedroom was transformed into a generous bathroom, incorporating a bespoke steam room to create a luxurious, spa-like experience. Elsewhere, an awkwardly positioned en-suite in the spare bedroom was removed, allowing the room to return to its original proportions and restoring balance and flow.

Modern furnishings were selected to sit comfortably alongside the home’s original proportions, bringing warmth, personality and a renewed sense of life to the interior.