COOL. CALM. COLLECTED.

From Blank Canvas to Brave Choices

They described the dream in three words: contemporary, cohesive, and enjoyable. It had to be beautiful, but never precious. Sophisticated, but never showy. Comfortable and practical for everyday life, without sacrificing aesthetic impact.

From the sunken living room and striking fireplaces to a custom wine wall and a magical secret study door, Jo (our designer, not the client — yes, same name!) transformed each corner with thoughtful precision. “The clients were initially quite nervous,” Jo admits. “But they gave us permission to be bold — and trusted the process every step of the way.”

Zoning Without Walls 

The home’s large open-plan space could have easily felt cavernous. Instead, clever zoning through lighting, colour, and bespoke joinery created a sequence of distinct yet harmonious areas.

The Formal Lounge was once a glorified snooker room. Now, it’s a sculptural sanctuary for grown-ups. Limewashed walls and tonal voiles soften the light, while a reimagined fireplace — clad in Dekton with a bronze-accented log store — brings gravity to the space.

The Kitchen, initially "fine as is," was reconfigured by Kitchens International to reflect how the family truly lives. We knocked out the pantry to give it a proper wraparound layout with increased storage, moved the sink to the window (a much better view while doing the dishes), and introduced full-height cabinetry to anchor the room. Blue tones subtly echo the home’s broader palette, and an elegantly integrated wine cooler gives a nod to Ross’s growing collection.

The recessed strip lighting, meticulously integrated into the dropped ceiling detail, quietly steals the show in the kitchen. This architectural flourish delivers a soft, diffused glow that elevates the room’s ambiance from day to night. Sleek and understated, the lighting offers both practicality and drama — casting subtle highlights across the walnut cabinetry while enhancing the overall spatial flow. It’s a shining example of how thoughtful design can turn everyday moments — from breakfast prep to evening entertaining — into something quietly spectacular.

The Family Room didn’t escape the fireplace glow-up either. In fact, it was the fireplaces that blew the budget early on — but for good reason. They’re now the beating hearts of the home, bringing warmth, style, and cohesion to both living areas.

This space balances sophistication with utility. Durable, cleanable upholstery means no stress over spills, while upholstered ottomans and custom bookcases add softness and structure.

This house is a masterclass in subtle colour use. From limewashed blues and ochres to tonal gradients in the curtains, everything feels deliberate but soft. Even the sockets are colour-matched to the walls — a tiny detail that brings huge satisfaction to detail-lovers.

For the principal bedroom, let’s just say, Jo wasn’t going to compromise on the Charlotte James chairs — and neither was Ross on the sofa. Luckily, the space was generous enough to include both. With hidden storage behind mirrored panels, a bespoke headboard designed to reflect the curves of their existing Terry Swales bed, and an ensuite you could live in, it’s become a sanctuary — in every sense.

Personal Touches & Secret Doors

From a temperature-controlled wine wall to a secret study door (still undiscovered by the kids for a whole year), this home is full of joyful, intelligent surprises. Each design choice was grounded in how the family lives — and how they wanted to feel in their space.

The couple’s existing furniture — including a beloved bone-inlay console and a mirror by Philippe Starck — was seamlessly integrated into the new design, creating a sense of continuity with their past even as they embraced something entirely new.

The Designer’s Perspective

For Jo, this project was about pushing boundaries — both hers and the clients’. “This house wasn’t naturally my style,” she confesses, “but that’s what made it exciting. It was about listening, adapting, and creating a home that reflected them.”

The Clients’ Verdict

“We had never worked with a designer previously, but knew in our hearts that there was more potential in our house than we would be able to unlock on our own.  Jo’s ability to visualise what a space could be and bring that into reality is truly impressive.  We felt early on in the process that she ‘got’ us and helped deliver a space that reflects who we are  and how we live our family life. We now wouldn’t touch a room without Jo’s help, advice and guidance!  She is a master of her craft”

We’ll take that.