Brief

The clients, a family of four with three children, bought two neighbouring apartments with common floor area 300m2. The main task was to connect apartments, reorganise the space including individual bedrooms for each of the three children, a room and kitchen for the staff, and a private area for the parents.

The head of the family is a professional cyclist, so it was also essential to create a well-equipped home gym.

Design

The clients are active people who travel often and have a well-developed visual sensibility. They frequently visit London and are drawn to English classics as well as American style. Their preferences blended harmoniously with the approach of AIYA Bureau, which favours a contemporary aesthetic mixed with classical elements. Modern furniture, lighting, and decor were combined with traditional details like ornate cornices, herringbone parquet flooring, and refined door frames.

One standout feature of the apartment is its deep-set windows. For the reveals, the designers created classic-style wood paneling, with the frames extending up into the decorative cornice. Curtains were avoided to keep the space light and airy, and wooden blinds were used instead. The combination of decorative molding, woodwork, and blinds gives the space a distinctive and individual character.

Layout

The apartment is divided into three main zones. The first is the formal area: the kitchen-dining room and a spacious living room are placed symmetrically and connected by a wide opening, forming an enfilade. Between them, a small hallway houses a guest bathroom and a technical space with storage and refrigerators. The second large zone is the parents’ suite, and the third is dedicated to the children: three bedrooms for the boys of different ages, a shared children’s bathroom, a guest room, a technical area, and a staff room. This part of the apartment has a separate entrance.

Materials

What makes this interior particularly impressive is its cohesiveness. Across all 3000m2s, a consistent palette of materials, style, and colours is maintained: cool wall tones are balanced by the warmth of the flooring. Even the children’s rooms are fully integrated into the overall concept. Every detail has been carefully considered and refined.

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What steps do you take to stay at the forefront of the design industry?

Travel allows me to stay at the forefront of design by exposing me to diverse cultures, trends, and innovative ideas from around the world. Each new destination offers fresh inspiration, whether it’s through architecture, art, or local craftsmanship, keeping my design perspective dynamic and forward-thinking. The global experiences I gather help me incorporate unique elements into our work, ensuring it remains relevant and cutting-edge.

What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design?

I see several key trends shaping the future of interior design. First, there’s a strong focus on creating “happy interiors,” spaces that promote positivity and well-being. This ties into the growing emphasis on at-home wellness, where design is used to enhance mental and physical health. Additionally, wellness is making its way into the business world, with companies prioritising environments that support employee well-being. Lastly, I believe there’s a return to classic, timeless design—moving away from fleeting trends and investing in enduring aesthetics that never go out of style.

Do you have a signature style or hallmark design approach?

My signature style is rooted in timeless and classic design, creating spaces that feel both enduring and elegant. I love layering rich textiles – such as luxurious fabrics and textured materials – to add depth and warmth. Standout art pieces are key in my approach, serving as focal points that tell a story and evoke emotion. I also incorporate antiques with superior craftsmanship, blending history with modern sensibilities to create unique, well-curated environments. The result is a harmonious balance of sophistication, comfort, and personality that transcends trends.

How do technology and innovation influence your work?

Technology in the Care sector is increasingly influencing the way we approach design within our Commercial projects. To support an ageing population, we must stay at the forefront of innovation, incorporating smart technologies and accessible design solutions. This means creating spaces that aid independence, such as incorporating adaptive layouts, assistive devices, and user-friendly technologies. By considering the needs of both residents and operators, we can design environments that not only enhance quality of life but also make it easier for care providers to deliver the best support possible.

What sets your work apart in the industry?

What sets us apart is our unwavering attention to detail and our ability to inject warmth into every project. We take a holistic approach, considering every aspect of a space to ensure it feels cohesive and purposeful. Our passion for design is evident in everything we do – we genuinely care about the outcome, and it matters to us that our work not only meets but exceeds expectations. It’s this dedication and personal investment that make our projects truly stand out.

Do you have key partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, or brands?

I believe in investing in long-term relationships with both suppliers and clients, and I’m proud to still work with many I first engaged with over 16 years ago. People and relationships are at the core of what I do, built on trust, loyalty, and a commitment to best practices. These enduring partnerships create a strong foundation for mutual success and continuous growth.

For example, recent collaborations include Julian Chichester X Bernard London – The Monterey Collection – a capsule collection launching in March at London Design Week and in April at High Point Market.

“This collection provides a unique opportunity to deliver a collection that combines heritage with innovation – exquisite pieces that are not only visually stunning but also functional and worthy of a Global stage.”

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Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

Simply being able to create. Each project begins with intimate conversations where clients share their dreams and frustrations. I love translating their vision into tangible spaces while introducing elements they never imagined. The problem-solving component is equally exhilarating, finding creative solutions often leads to the most innovative designs. I’m also passionate about the sourcing process where I can discover unique pieces from local artisans or global finds that add soul to a space. Conclusively, the transformation moment when clients first see their completed space is pure magic. The emotional response of client and I reminds me why this work matters. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know I’ve created something that will create a positive impact along with having a finished product that will resonate throughout generations to come.

What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year?

A couple years ago while being an undergraduate student, I had the extraordinary opportunity to help handle the interior design of a private residential compound that included both living quarters and a boutique hotel component. The project required creating two distinct yet harmonious interior atmospheres, personalised family spaces alongside sophisticated hospitality interiors that would rival other hotels. The challenge was creating a cohesive design language along with a colour palette that would feel like home for the residents while providing guests of the hotel a luxury retreat. I sourced bespoke furniture, curated art collections and designed custom schemes that adapted from cosy residential warmth to elegant hospitality sophistication. We incorporated personal collections and travel memories into the hotel lobby while creating simple indulgence in guest suites, common areas and dining spaces. The compound featured around 120 villas, apartments, communal entertainment areas, the hotel and hotel-standard amenities including a recreation and restaurant. The most rewarding moment came when we hosted the first guests and witnessed how effortlessly the spaces transitioned from private residence to welcoming hospitality venue. This project pushed every boundary of residential design while incorporating commercial-grade functionality and luxury standards.

What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why?

I’m particularly drawn to empty spaces and the abundance of space along with residential renovations with strong architectural character. These projects offer the perfect balance of preserving historical integrity while incorporating my own design style into a space. There’s detective work involved from uncovering original mouldings, playing with an empty space or being the one to create hidden architectural gems which will be there for decades to come. I see myself as a curator helping create stories and allowing those stories to continue with each interior curated. These projects align with my values while often producing the most unique and characterful results, I call myself the painter that sparks creative solutions.

What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design?

Managing client expectations while staying within budget constraints is perpetually challenging. Clients often have Pinterest board visions without understanding the associated costs or timeline realities. Educating them about quality investment pieces versus budget alternatives while maintaining their enthusiasm requires delicate communication skills. Project timelines are another constant challenge whether it be contractor scheduling conflicts or unexpected structural issues that can derail even the most meticulously planned projects. The emotional aspect can be draining too but you learning to maintain your personal health and wellbeing helps quite a bit as it reflects on the interiors you create. The feast-or-famine nature of client work means financial planning is crucial.

What do you wish you knew before working in the field?

I wish I’d understood the critical importance of detailed contracts and clear communication protocols from day one. Many early challenges stemmed from assumptions about timeline expectations or budget inclusions that weren’t explicitly documented. Learning to have difficult conversations upfront about realistic budgets and timelines would have saved countless headaches. I also underestimated how much of the job involves project management, vendor coordination and problem-solving rather than pure creative work. I wish I’d known to build stronger financial reserves for the irregular income patterns typical in this industry. Finally, developing a thick skin for criticism is essential as design is subjective and not every client will love every choice. Learning to separate professional feedback from personal validation was a crucial but difficult lesson.

If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be?

While I’m still on my learning journey and far from perfect it’s hard to give tips to aspiring designers and I’d rather aspiring designers give me their tips! But develop exceptional listening skills, really listen. And have genuine curiosity about how people live. Technical design knowledge and aesthetic sensibility can be taught but the ability to truly interpret a client’s unspoken desires is what separates good designers from great ones. Spend time observing how individuals use their spaces, what causes daily frustrations and what brings them joy in their abodes. Never stop learning. from construction techniques to emerging materials to cultural design traditions. I read that the most successful designers are those who remain as curious students constantly expanding their knowledge and challenging their assumptions about what makes a space truly exceptional.

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

Sustainability and wellness-focused design will continue dominating industry trends with clients increasingly prioritising eco-friendly material and biophilic design elements yet with a touch of luxury. Smart home technology integration is becoming standard rather than luxury, requiring designers to understand technical systems alongside aesthetic principles. Virtual reality and AI-assisted design tools are revolutionising the sector making design concepts more accessible and collaborative. The post-pandemic emphasis on multi-functional spaces that accommodate different aspects of life will persist, driving demand for adaptable interiors. I also see growing appreciation for local artisans and custom-made pieces. Economic uncertainties are pushing both designers and clients toward more thoughtful long-term investments in quality pieces rather than trend-driven purchases.

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Nestled within the tranquil Cotswolds countryside, Bowmore Lodge stands as a testament to Manuela Hamilford’s visionary approach to design, where contemporary architecture seamlessly coexists with its natural environment. As the founder and Creative Director of Hamilford Design, Manuela’s latest project exemplifies her commitment to creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also ecologically sensitive and deeply rooted in their surroundings. This is a project close to Manuela’s heart, as her family and friends spend a lot of time in the property.

A Thoughtfully Crafted Transformation

Bowmore Lodge underwent a comprehensive transformation that included a full architectural extension and interior reconfiguration. The goals were to maximise natural light, enhance spatial flow and strengthen the home’s connection to its landscape. The extension was carefully designed to accommodate Bowmore Lodge’s unique lakeside setting, built on a screw-effect platform that allows the structure to move with fluctuating water levels, ensuring long-term stability while respecting the conservation lake’s delicate ecosystem.

Design Philosophy: Strength, Simplicity, and Sustainability

Manuela’s design philosophy centres around the idea that modern architecture can be both bold and environmentally considerate. The design features clean, bold lines and natural finishes that reflect the home’s rural setting. The palette draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, with earthy clay tones, local stone, weathered timber, and brushed metals creating a textured, harmonious rhythm throughout the home. Inside, a muted palette of natural hues is enlivened by jewel-like accents that add warmth and richness. The bespoke kitchen, with solid wooden units and marble worktops, anchors the open plan living space; a large, light-filled area that encourages relaxed gatherings. “We wanted a space to entertain and bring people together”, says Manuela of her country home. “I opted for architectural pieces, which are sculptural and purposeful. They provide visual interest and serve as statement elements within the rooms, contrasting beautifully with the softer, tactile finishes of linen and velvet soft furnishings.”

Connecting Interiors to the Landscape

The interior layout has a natural flow, with spaces designed to maximise natural light and views of the surrounding water and wildlife with biophillic principles in mind. Oversized upholstered headboards and bespoke joinery in the bedrooms add comfort and weight. Bathrooms echo the natural theme, featuring stone basins, marbles, aged brassware and tactile materials that add textural layering and a connection to nature. Throughout Bowmore Lodge, every detail has been thoughtfully considered- from carefully placed lighting that plays with shadow to subtle tonal shifts in materials. The effect is a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both modern and rooted in its environment.

Ecological Sensitivity and Environmental Stewardship

Critical to the project was respecting the ecological integrity of the lakeside setting. Strict restrictions ensure minimal disturbance to local wildlife. The design and construction process prioritised the sourcing of sustainable materials and eco-friendly solutions, reflecting Manuela’s belief that contemporary design can and should coexist with nature. Local tradespeople were also used to echo this ethos.

A Personal Sanctuary in Harmony with Nature

Reflecting on Bowmore Lodge, Manuela says, “This project demonstrates that contemporary design can be both bold and respectful of the natural environment. The use of natural materials and strong architectural lines creates a home that feels solid yet connected to its surroundings.” She emphasises how the rich jewel tones and natural textures build a warm, inviting atmosphere, transforming the house into a true retreat.

A Reflection of Hamilford Design’s Ethos

Throughout her work across the UK, Manuela aims to craft spaces that are functional, beautiful and sympathetic to their context. Bowmore Lodge encapsulates this ethos, serving as a model for how modern architecture can enhance a landscape rather than dominate it. It is a sanctuary that celebrates simplicity, strength, and ecological sensitivity—an inspiring example of sustainable luxury in harmony with nature.

Bowmore Lodge embodies the future of modern country living – elevated by bold, elegant design.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a soft and welcoming family home design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Studio 95 Interiors.

Studio 95 Interiors was commissioned to help a client and his family who had moved into a recently refurbished four bedroom three storey modern home in Chiswick, West London. Although the property was in great condition, the décor felt quite sterile and bland. The focus of the project was therefore to add much needed colour, pattern and texture to create interesting, warm and elegant spaces.

What was the client’s brief?

The client and his family had recently moved into this new four bedroom modern home in Chiswick. Although the property was in great condition, the décor felt quite sterile and cold and had a lot of hard surfaces. It needed a considerable injection of colour, softness, pattern and texture. The client brief was as follows:
– To create an elegant, calm space for relaxing and entertaining.
– To use eco-paints where possible.
– To update the lighting throughout and in particular soften the lighting in the kitchen/dining area where there was an excess of ceiling downlights.
– To retain elements such as the kitchen units, timber flooring and bathrooms as they were in great condition and relatively new.
– To create a bespoke joinery unit for the TV in the first floor reception room along with providing new furniture for this room.
– To use existing pieces of furniture and artwork where possible.

What inspired the design of the project?

The overall inspiration for this renovation project was to add a feeling of comfort and warmth. We needed to add colour and softness as well as adding a tactile and luxurious quality to create a warm and welcoming space to live in.

We added calm colours throughout that created interest and softness. In the ground floor dining and living areas we added pattern by way of slatted walls and patterned wallpaper to add texture and visual interest. We also added interest to the guest WC by adding walnut slats to the cistern unit along with rich coloured tiles around the vanity which also went with the existing marble floor. We added new brass tapware, accessories and artwork to give a lux and warm atmosphere.

In the kitchen/diner/living area we changed the ceiling lighting and took out excess downlights which made the space too bright and also had an unpleasant airport runway effect. We set about creating a warmer more inviting space and added three feature pendant lights over the dining table (which were dimmable) to create a focus in that area and make it more intimate and atmospheric. We also added other occasional lighting such as the floor lamp. For sustainability and budget reasons, we retained the existing white kitchen and existing timber flooring but we re-worked the furniture layout and created an inviting seating area in front of the wall mounted tv with upholstered footstool and side table. We added a much-needed large area rug to add softness. To add texture and visual interest we added an oak slat wall behind the TV and put an interesting geometric vinyl wallcovering on one of the walls in the dining area. This room now works as the hub of the home.

For the first floor reception room, we wanted to make it an elegant and luxurious space to work as a second living room/TV room or to entertain guests. It was a completely blank and featureless room. We added bespoke media wall joinery with integrated lighting (on remote control dimmer) at one end of the room. This immediately created an interesting focus and the lower cupboards also provided useful storage to hide all clutter. A bespoke velvet L-shaped sofa was added for lounging and entertaining along with a leather deep buttoned ottoman to put your feet up or to act as a coffee table when used with a tray when entertaining guests. Two swivel armchairs were placed opposite the sofa. This created a cosy seating arrangement – just perfect for chatting or watching TV.

We re-used all of the client’s mahogany furniture and two antique side chairs in the master bedroom and built the scheme around these which created a really rich and pleasing scheme. For added sustainability we used Edward Bulmer paints throughout which are natural and toxin free.

The clients are very happy with their new home. It now feels like a warm hug each time they come back home. It now gives them the warmth, colour and tactile qualities that they had been looking for.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

There were a number of hurdles in this project, the main one was working within the budget that had been allowed. It was a large home and the client was replacing the heating system at the same time as we were doing the interior refurbishment. So, with clever and imaginative use of existing elements like the existing kitchen units, flooring and some furniture within the home, we were able to make the budget stretch to achieve the thoughtfully curated look throughout, making existing pieces work with the new.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The sustainability of this project was our highlight. We retained elements of the home that were in really good condition such as the kitchen units, timber flooring throughout, and bathrooms. We also retained a good deal of the ground floor guest WC such as the beautiful marble floor and sanitary-ware but updated the tapware and accessories and re-clad the existing tiled cistern unit with walnut slat panels. We also predominantly used Edward Bulmer paints for added eco-credentials.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I think it is always a good thing to push yourself and by entering the SBID awards it can propel your work to a larger audience. It is also an honour to have your studio’s work judged by highly respected industry experts and for them to think of it as worthy enough to shortlist is indeed a boost to morale. The awards offer a means of benchmarking and you can clearly measure your studio’s work against your peers. It also offers great marketing opportunities, particularly if you are shortlisted, as we were lucky enough to be.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being shortlisted for the SBID award has meant a great deal to me and the business. The SBID 2024 Awards has been the second year running that one of our projects has been shortlisted in a residential category so I guess this is confirmation, if it were needed, that we are doing something right. Not surprisingly, being shortlisted is a great showcase for the studio and it gathers a lot of attention both from fellow peers in the interiors industry and also from prospective clients. It builds better awareness of our brand and confirms to all that our business is trustworthy, reliable and reputable and capable of the highest of professional standards. It has helped to build deeper relationships with clients, investors, suppliers and the media. On a personal note, the awards have helped to shine a light on many aspects of my business – where it started, how it has grown, what has changed, challenges it has overcome, and the little successes along the way. It has definitely been a worthwhile and rewarding process.

Questions answered by Stephanie Gilsenan, Founder of Studio 95 Interiors.

Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

Over the course of my 18-year career, my preferences have naturally evolved. I’ve always been a hands-on designer—capable of taking a project from initial measurements to final installation. I can create 3D visualisations, produce technical drawings, prepare budgets, and select materials. But today, what excites me most is the early conceptual phase—the creation of the design idea itself.

This is the part I now focus on most closely, while the technical development is handled by my team under my direction. What truly fascinates me is connecting with the client and uncovering what they really want—even when they’re not entirely sure themselves. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a client’s eyes light up when the final result reflects exactly what they needed—sometimes even before they realised it.

What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year?

So much has happened in the past year—it hasn’t even been twelve months since I launched my interior design business in the UK. But without a doubt, the most memorable milestone for me was securing my very first project in this country.

It was a commercial commission that included the design of a bar, a restaurant, and an event hall—all in one multifunctional venue. I started from scratch, from the earliest concept sketches and zoning, and led the project through to its final realisation. This project will always hold a special place in my heart as the one that marked the beginning of my UK journey. Commercial spaces energise me—I truly enjoy shaping environments where people gather, celebrate, and connect.

What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why?

For me, the most fulfilling projects are the ones where clients trust the design process and are open to creating something truly expressive. Whether it’s a residential or commercial space, what matters most is that creative dialogue and mutual respect.

That said, I personally find the greatest satisfaction in designing commercial interiors. There’s something incredibly energising about developing spaces that serve a broader audience—whether it’s a hotel, a restaurant, or a public venue. One of the most fascinating projects I’ve worked on was the Hawaii Resort Hotel, which I developed over several years. Projects like that allow me to blend strategic planning with storytelling and emotional atmosphere.

What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design?

As someone who is naturally meticulous and highly responsible, I always strive for perfection in my work. I want every detail to be executed with precision. But interior design, especially during implementation, often brings unexpected challenges—whether it’s on-site complications or last-minute changes from clients.

One of the biggest challenges for me has been learning to remain flexible in situations that are constantly shifting. You have to adapt quickly and calmly—while still delivering quality. Balancing my perfectionist nature with the need to stay agile and responsive has definitely been one of the most demanding (and character-building) aspects of the profession.

What do you wish you knew before working in the field?

In the early stages of my career, I focused heavily on the artistic side of design—on aesthetics, atmosphere, and visual impact. But over time, I’ve come to understand just how essential it is to also master the technical and constructional aspects of the work.

I wish I had realised sooner how important it is to deeply understand how things are actually built: the materials, the methods, and the hidden details behind the finished surfaces. Today, I have that experience, but I encourage every aspiring designer to take an active interest in the ‘invisible’ side of design: the structure behind the beauty.

If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be?

Always stay focused on the final result—not just the design stage. A beautiful concept on paper means nothing if it isn’t brought to life as intended. A project should be seen through to completion. That means being involved during the implementation phase, supporting the client, and guiding the execution.

In my early years, I worked on several projects where the clients chose not to proceed with author supervision—often due to budget concerns. Sadly, many of those interiors were never realised as planned. The vision was lost in translation, and the end result didn’t reflect the original design.

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

We’re already seeing the trends that are likely to shape the next few years, and many of them were clearly reflected at this year’s Milan Design Week. That event always sets the tone for what’s to come in the industry—and this year, it was all about natural materials, bold forms, and deep, earthy colours.

I believe the interior design industry will continue to grow, both creatively and commercially. As people place more value on the aesthetics of their surroundings—whether at home or in business environments—design becomes not just a luxury, but a necessity.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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Tucked discreetly between two existing homes in the creative riverside town of Wivenhoe, just outside Colchester, The Hideaway is a striking new build that defies expectations. Its distinctive layout and modern exterior give way to a surprising and innovative interior – a true architectural “tardis” that unfolds across multiple levels.

Designed by NB Interiors UK, the home’s dynamic split-level design sets it apart. Bedrooms and living areas are positioned across different levels, creating a sense of space and depth rarely found in town-centre properties. To help potential buyers envision the lifestyle offered by this unique layout, the interiors have been thoughtfully dressed to highlight how each space can be used and enjoyed.

Fresh white walls provide a crisp canvas, brought to life by a curated collection of artwork from celebrated local artist Joe Lichtenstein. These vibrant touches complement the colourful, contemporary furniture and designer lighting, resulting in an aesthetic that’s both modern and welcoming.

The master bedroom, with its soaring 4-metre-high ceiling, is a standout feature. A dramatic modern chandelier and oversized artwork accentuate the vertical space, adding a bold yet serene atmosphere. Each ensuite bathroom has been individually styled, maintaining a cohesive sense of calm luxury across the home.

A gentle step-down at each level leads you through a stunning journey within the house. Midway, a beautifully designed courtyard opens off the master bedroom. Full-height glass windows here flood the interior with natural light, enhancing the sense of openness. The wide window ledge has been styled to draw the eye, linking indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.

Art and interior design have been carefully curated to complement the architecture. Every sightline—from bedroom to courtyard—has been considered, ensuring the views are as compelling as the layout itself.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

I love the conceptual phase—developing a narrative or theme for the space, choosing materials, and visualising the final result. But equally rewarding is seeing the client’s reaction when a project comes to life. That emotional connection and transformation of a space is incredibly fulfilling.

What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year?

One of the most memorable moments this past year was completing a residential apartment where the brief centered around creating a calming, minimalist space that still felt warm and personal. The client was going through a life transition and wanted the home to reflect a sense of new beginnings. Designing with emotional sensitivity—using soft textures, natural materials, and subtle colour palettes—was both challenging and fulfilling. Seeing how deeply the final result resonated with the client reminded me how powerful design can be on a personal level.

What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why?

I particularly enjoy residential interiors where I can form a personal connection with the client. It allows for more storytelling, emotion, and detail. Tailoring a home that truly reflects someone’s personality is always a creative challenge I love.

What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design?

Managing expectations—especially balancing creative vision with budget and time constraints—is one of the toughest parts. Communication is key to guiding clients through the process and helping them understand the decisions behind each design choice.

What do you wish you knew before working in the field?

I wish I had fully understood how much of interior design goes beyond creativity. It’s not just about beautiful spaces—it’s also about technical knowledge, project coordination, time management, and working with many different personalities. The ability to navigate between the artistic vision and the practical realities of budgets, deadlines, and site conditions is something you only truly learn through experience. I’ve come to appreciate that successful design is as much about clear communication and adaptability as it is about aesthetics.

If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be?

Be curious and stay humble. Learn from every project, no matter how small. Listen more than you speak—especially to clients. Good design starts with understanding people.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

If you think that using metal in the kitchen will create a cold and clinical look, then it’s definitely time to think again. In the right hands, metal is actually one of the most flexible materials around and can be used to bring a wholly warm and inviting vibe. And unlocking the natural beauty of metallic finishes is both the passion and speciality of Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio.

By hand ageing and patinating everything from copper and brass to zinc and stainless steel, Charlie and his team of artisans craft unique kitchen designs. What they have in common, however, is these are simply beautiful kitchens in which to cook, gather and spend time.

Here are the three wildly different but equally luxurious kitchens created from stainless steel, copper and zinc…

Stainless steel for the Oxford kitchen

The Oxford kitchen is proof positive that cool and masculine stainless steel can-in the right hands – be made to radiate warmth. The brushed effect on the cabinetry softens the feel and appearance of the metal, which is here further elevated by aged brass accents. Charlie was tasked with matching the metals to the La Cornue range cooker, which was done meticulously by hand, demonstrating the artistry of custom craftsmanship. Teamed with a Carrara marble, English walnut and fluted glass, the overall effect is breathtakingly luxurious.

Copper for the Cotswolds kitchen

The brief for the Cotswolds kitchen was to create a design of contrasting textures. To meet this, Charlie chose planks of crown oak for the furniture, which provides a tactile difference with the stainless-steel appliances. For further contrast in the open-plan space, he designed a breakfast and drinks cupboard, clad in patinated Verdigris copper. This showcases the natural variation that occurs when copper ages with all the resulting colour and pattern creating a striking focal point in the dining area of the room.

Zinc for the New Forest kitchen

The owner of this Edwardian villa in the New Forest definitely didn’t want a classic kitchen and tasked Charlie with creating something a world away from the standard Shaker. His response was to team beautiful book-matched walnut veneer with hand-patinated zinc panels. The zinc panels are edged in the same walnut and the cupboards feature aged-brass handles. The zinc helps to make a focal point not only of the island, but also the breakfast cupboard behind – and has been used to clad the fridge-freezer in the corner, bringing the whole design together.

Prices for a Ledbury Studio kitchen start from £70,000.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a calm and serene apartment design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Beoto Design.

Beoto Design was appointed to design and deliver the interior design of a duplex apartment located within the iconic Battersea Power Station. The brief was to provide a sanctuary for the residents and instil their home with calmness to provide an escape from the bustling urban world outside. Beoto Design’s interior provides luxury without the traditional formalities, whilst encouraging relaxation, and provides flexibility for entertaining, and working without the need for prescribed, sub-divided rooms. Biophilic design and the careful selection of warm, earthy materials and fabrics were key to softening the raw aesthetic, in harmony with the existing historic facade.

What was the client’s brief?

With the once brownfield site now a thriving mixed-use urban quarter drawing millions of people from around the world to visit, the client’s brief was to create a sanctuary for the residents and provide an escape from the bustling metropolis outside.

There was a strong desire from the client also to resolve the stark acoustics and humanise the scale of the apartment, to support a feeling of warmth, intimacy and cosiness. Whilst the vast double height space is impressive, since it links the two levels via the mezzanine, it was imperative that noise was dampened throughout to minimise interference.

These requirements and challenges called for an interior that instils the space with calmness; provides luxury without the traditional formalities, whilst encouraging relaxation; and enables flexibility for entertaining and working without the need for prescribed, sub-divided rooms.

The base-build had many inspiring features to draw from, most notably the incredible exposed brickwork and magnificent 21ft tall, industrial window. These were complimented by oak chevron floors, brassware and dark metalwork. However, there were several areas where MEP concealment strongly imposed itself on the space. This was deemed unsightly by the client; but provided an opportunity to incorporate much needed additional storage throughout.

What inspired the design of the project?

Located within the iconic Grade II* Listed Battersea Power Station, the design celebrates the building’s rich history in synergy with a modern, dynamic and adaptable urban lifestyle.

Although the interior design is not a like-for-like replica of 1920’s Art Deco, it does recognise this aspect of the power station’s heritage throughout. For example, the headboard takes inspiration from the scalloped chimneys, divided by four vertical brass trims. The existing balustrade on the upper level provides a datum that wraps around the joinery, subtly tying the space together. The artwork and loose accessories all make a contemporary reference to Art Deco or the building.

Biophilic design and the careful selection of warm, earthy materials and fabrics were key to softening the raw aesthetic, whilst being in harmony with the existing historic facade of the building. Soft furnishings and the introduction of the enormous curtains to the full height of the window achieved significant sound dampening. The curtain stack was carefully considered so that it did not conceal any of the existing façade steelwork or listed brickwork, and appears subtle despite the grand scale.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The client and Beoto Design agreed and ensured that no existing features should be removed and put into landfill – which is sadly far too common a practice when base-build residential developments are fitted-out by their end users. Instead, we fully incorporated the entire base build into the new interior design, lifting it to a level of sophistication and luxury far beyond its initial presentation.

Dealing with the existing geometry was complex and required Beoto Design to carefully 3D scan and model in detail the entire unit, creating a one-to-one digital twin of the space. This allowed all of the joinery and furniture to be digitally tested and visualised prior to manufacture, to ensure it fitted both physically and aesthetically, achieving a high level of tolerance in manufacture and fitting, and eliminating any unnecessary returns or wasted materials.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We care deeply about the story and identity of a place, its history and heritage. Diving into research and thoroughly understanding the context in which we are working is one of the first tasks we undertake on any project. Being able to work on a unique apartment in such an iconic building was truly a joy. We thoroughly enjoyed looking into the rich history of the Power Station as a whole and learnt many interesting facts that make the development so unique. This in turn fed into our design process for the project.

Within the apartment, there were many historical quirks that delighted the client and made the place feel unique and special to its setting: from the original numerical markings on the brick work, to some of the existing electrical drawings from the 1950s.

When we first saw the completed space, we were struck by the low winter sun dancing around the space, casting a variety of shadows on the various finishes, most notably the scalloped headboard design.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

At Beoto Design, we are committed to making conscious design decisions that harmonise both sustainability and quality from the outset. We entered the duplex apartment into the SBID Awards to demonstrate this uncompromised fusion, which utilises an existing base build and elevates it to suit the needs of a client without having to remove anything to landfill.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being named a Finalist for the 2024 SBID Awards was a great honour for Beoto Design and felt like recognition and a celebration of our alternative approach to delivering a high-quality project infused with our sustainable ethos.

This recognition would not have been possible without a fantastic project team, with highly skilled craftsmen and women, consultants and suppliers as equally as responsible for its success. The project was a truly collaborative endeavour between the client, designers, suppliers and installers. We love working in this way and were grateful that this approach was also recognised by the judging panel.

The nomination has given us the confidence to continue developing this approach, further scrutinising our material choices and furniture-sourcing to ensure that the design and installation can have minimal impacts on the environment, whilst achieving an elevated level of quality.

Questions answered by Jake Warrington, Founder and Director at Beoto Design.