Great Ormond Street

Chichester showhomes

We designed these interiors for two show houses at our architectural scheme, Roussillon Park in Chichester. The developer wanted to maintain our design integrity throughout the project, and to create show houses that had real personality – instead of the bland and lifeless product that one can so often encounter in the new homes market.

The budget was very tight; we shopped as much at IKEA as elsewhere. But by intelligent use of old and new furniture, simple colours and rich accessories, we succeeded in creating two houses that have been remarkably popular with potential owners.

It was a fun project for us, and we loved working on the scheme. After 2 years the show house moved and we were able to re-used much of the furniture but provide a new scheme with a wholly different personality.

An Arts and Crafts House

In 2013, we were engaged to work on the interior decoration of a substantial Edwardian house in Hampstead.

The fine house was in need of significant refurbishment, and we worked closely with the local Hampstead architects Charlton Brown in developing internal layouts and plans for the new owners, a recently-married young couple. These developed to include an underground swimming pool, new kitchen extension and a significant remodelling of some of the internal spaces.

We were responsible for designing all the panelling, kitchen, pantries and other architectural joinery within the house, before moving on to the wider interior decoration. Jointly with the clients, we drew inspiration from the Arts and Crafts, in particular the papers of William Morris, but in combination with other themes and strands that ranged from the late 19th century aesthetic movement, through mid-century modernism, to significant contemporary elements. We designed or sourced all fabrics, upholstery and furniture.

Surrounded by generous gardens and trees, the house has the hint of a rural atmosphere; this too provided part of the inspiration, and we used soft, natural materials and floor coverings. The mood is designed to be calm and tranquil, but to provide visual richness and stimulation throughout.