The brief for designing this space was to retain the existing bones of the property, focus on clever investment where needed, craftsmanship and materiality. We repurposed the space by making the day-living the central area off the kitchen and focusing the dining space to its own new section at the far end of the space.

The original layout felt fragmented and visually cold. A white dividing wall interrupted light and circulation to what was the lessor used day-living room, preventing the space from reaching its full potential. Overly glossy and white finishes created a harsh atmosphere, lacking warmth, texture and depth. Despite its generous footprint, the ground floor felt flat and disconnected.

The original rigid island has been softened through the introduction of curved cabinetry, shifting the visual language from stark to fluid. Veneered timber facias were treated in a chocolatey colour to enhance richness and warmth, counterbalancing the previous gloss-heavy finish.

A raised, curved darker marble bar introduces depth and dimension, distinguishing preparation from seating without interrupting flow. The natural stone is a  solid Earth Blue marble slab that was carefully hand-selected and globally sourced for its expressive veining, bringing natural movement and texture into what was once a flat environment. The light {insert name} marble with a waterfall edged detail elevates the island into a cohesive architectural statement, while vein-matching across the backsplash ensures technical continuity.

Light veined marble and lighter cabinetry are set against darker timber undercounter elements, and accented breakfast bar creates a layered interplay of tone. Contrast Plays a deliberate role.

The Halo pendant lighting above the bar enhances both function and atmosphere, illuminating the workspace while highlighting the island as a space designed for both intimate moments and relaxed entertaining, creating a warm focal point within the room. Importantly, the layout itself remains familiar. By keeping the structure intact and reworking the material palette, we achieved dramatic elevation without extensive reconstruction. The impact lies in the detailing.

A bespoke media wall forms the architectural focal point, composed with symmetry and proportion in mind. Antique brass inlays trace subtle lines through timber and textured surfaces, catching light with quiet refinement. Illuminated shelving and inset detailing add depth, while bronze gauze cabinet fronts allow ventilation for media equipment without compromising visual clarity.

A contemporary fireplace enhances both ambience and practicality, reinforcing the warmth through material layering. Textured leather replaces former flat surfaces, contributing tactility and richness.

The seating arrangement was curated to encourage both conversation and relaxation. A bespoke sofa maximises inclusivity and scale, complemented by an additional chair to form a balanced configuration. A softly contoured coffee table introduces curvature and varied heights, while a rug subtly defines the living zone from the kitchen beyond.

The atmosphere here is structured yet inviting, technically resolved yet comfortable. Texture, symmetry and lighting work together to create a space that feels composed rather than staged.

While the original wall was removed to open the footprint, transparency was key. The introduction of tinted Crittall-style doors allows the room to feel expansive while offering subtle enclosure when required. The depth of view across the three zones strengthens the overall spatial composition.

Central to this area is the bespoke dining table, documented in our journal feature “The Journey of a Bespoke Marble Dining Table” During our visit to the Verona headquarters and showroom of Cereser, we hand-selected the Earth blue marble slab for this commission. Viewing the material in person allowed us to assess scale, veining direction and tonal warmth in a way no sample could replicate. The layered ‘shark nose’ edging profile adds sculptural thickness and a softened internal angle, reinforcing the meeting of raw natural beauty and refined craftsmanship. The oval base reflects the same wood as the wine cabinetry and shares the same brushed metal detailing with its generously base edging.

Drawing the eye is the hero centrepiece of the room, the bespoke wine cabinetry transforms storage into a talking-point display. Cream leather-lined angled shelves, smoked mirror backing and antique brass detailing celebrate the clients wine collection. Downlit cabinetry enhances mood while highlighting the collection labels for a practical legibility reason as well as adding a dramatical effect.

Material continuity between the dining and kitchen zones ensures cohesion. The marble language, timber finishes and brass accents create a consistent narrative across the open plan.

If you are living in a space that feels underwhelming, disconnected or simply not you, we would love to explore what it could become.

Whether it is a subtle refinement or a full reimagining involving our sought-after internal architecture team, we approach every project with the same care, curiosity and commitment to superior craftsmanship and incredible end results.

Get in touch to start the conversation.
Your home might be closer to its potential than you think.