ART & CRAFT
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Forma Vera
Property Staging project
PROPERTY TYPE
2-Storey Cottage
LOCATION
Chichester, England
YEAR
2025
This beautiful family home in Brighton was an absolute pleasure to work on, made even more special by the warmth and kindness of its owners. With their two sons now grown, the family wanted to elevate the interiors to reflect a more sophisticated, adult aesthetic.
The living room was thoughtfully divided into two distinct areas: a main lounge with a TV for relaxed gatherings, and a cosy reading nook designed for quiet moments or board games. These two zones are elegantly separated by an arched wall, enhancing the sense of intimacy within the open space. The generous 3-meter-high ceilings — a striking hallmark of Victorian architecture — added grandeur and character to the overall design.
We opted for a neutral interior palette, enriched with accents
of classic deep denim blue to add depth and timeless appeal. True to our signature style, the design features a rich layering of textures — from heavy bouclé and linen to wool, woven polyester, and chenille. These tactile elements create a dramatic yet harmonious atmosphere, bringing warmth, elegance, and a strong sense of style to the space.
The original parquet flooring was carefully restored through sanding and tinted in a contemporary light oak with subtle ash undertones.
To maintain a sense of continuity and personal connection, the clients' existing artwork was preserved in its original placements — thoughtfully integrated to complement the updated interior and reflect the character of the home’s owners.
Located on the outskirts of Chichester, this cottage was purchased by our clients, a couple preparing for their retirement years. Their vision was to create a welcoming home where they could spend time together and comfortably gather and entertain family and friends. They approached us to help establish a clear design direction, explore the potential of the existing layout, and provide guidance throughout the process.
Given the authentic character of the property, the extension was designed to sit in complete harmony with the existing building. The architectural structural beams are a key feature of the finished space. Carefully selected and specially manufactured to evoke the character of antique timber, they were deliberately left unfinished. Their aged appearance and subtle imperfections create the impression that the timber has naturally weathered and accumulated the marks of time, helping the new extension feel authentic.
With this vision in mind, we approached the furniture selection in a similar way, combining more traditional, retro-inspired pieces with others that are minimal and streamlined. This combination created a layered aesthetic that sit between eclectic and rustic, with a sense of character and individuality. The selection of materials and colours was also selected to reinforce and support the overall interior design direction.
Our clients were proud of the finished look and expressed that their personal style had been successfully captured and uniquely reflected throughout the interior. They particularly valued the sense of openness and spaciousness, which allowed the interiors to remain connected to the beautiful surrounding garden and views. They were also delighted that the statement elements within the interior complemented rather than competed with one another, creating an exciting and functional home that they could enjoy for many years to come.
Living Room
Classic interior with amber accents
The brief for this space centred on creating an interior that would resonate with anyone entering the property, allowing visitors to envision themselves living within the home and develop an immediate sense of belonging. As the first space encountered upon entering the property, and functioning as both the main living and reception area, it plays a pivotal role in establishing the first impression and setting the tone for the home as a whole. The design therefore sought to create an inviting, versatile and aspirational environment—one that feels considered and distinctive, while remaining warm, familiar and universally welcoming.
The battened timber panelling forms an integral part of the partition wall between the dining and living spaces, while establishing a subtle visual connection with the timber finish of the kitchen cabinetry. This continuity of material and texture creates a cohesive design language across the ground floor, allowing the individual spaces to feel connected while retaining their own identity.
Beyond its aesthetic contribution, the panelling introduces warmth, depth and tactility to the interior, while also enhancing the acoustic qualities of the space. Its versatile application further allows for future adaptability, offering the new owner the flexibility to incorporate bespoke fitted storage or a fireplace, should the needs of the space evolve over time.
Dining Room
minimalist streamlined design
Similar to the kitchen, the dining space is one of the areas that can easily become cluttered and visually busy, particularly during gatherings and celebrations. Therefore, a minimalist design approach was considered the most appropriate solution, as it naturally promotes a better balance between the space, everyday living and personal habits. Establishing a clean and uncluttered foundation allows the space to be easier to maintain.
The base of the dining table features a battened design, creating a direct visual connection with the clad element of the partition wall. The organic form of the tabletop is echoed in the rounded seats of the dining chairs, which are from the same series as the bar stools in the kitchen. Together, these softer, more feminine forms provide a subtle contrast to the stronger architectural lines within the space, creating a more visually balanced, comfortable and cosy interior. Additionally, the reflective, marble-like finish introduces a subtle touch of luxury as well as depth and visual interest, making the space feel more dynamic.
Wall-mounted storage units were chosen to reinforce the minimalist design approach within the room. A combination of two neutral tones maintains the elegant and contemporary aesthetic, while the understated matt lacquered finish ensures that the storage remains a secondary feature rather than becoming the main visual accent.
Kitchen
Minimalist Scandinavian Concept
The kitchen sits in close proximity to the open-plan dining and living areas, while remaining subtly offset by the pantry room. This architectural approach establishes a natural relationship between the spaces, while creating a controlled and intuitive flow of movement throughout.
To the right, the food preparation and washing facilities are positioned for efficient workflow, while the left-hand side accommodates the drinks station and dedicated coffee bar. The central island provides seating for four, while incorporating the hob with an integrated extraction system to maintain a clean and unobstructed visual environment.
All kitchen tools and appliances are seamlessly integrated within the cabinetry, maintaining clean, uncluttered surfaces while ensuring comfort, functionality and ease of use for both cooking and everyday activities.
The juxtaposition of natural oak, mocha matt paint and bronze creates a harmonious blend of neutral, organic Scandinavian design with the sophistication of modern metropolitan elements. This combination introduces warmth and character, resulting in a contemporary yet homely and eclectic aesthetic.
Kitchen
Minimalist Scandinavian Concept
The kitchen sits in close proximity to the open-plan dining and living areas, while remaining subtly offset by the pantry room. This architectural approach establishes a natural relationship between the spaces, while creating a controlled and intuitive flow of movement throughout.
To the right, the food preparation and washing facilities are positioned for efficient workflow, while the left-hand side accommodates the drinks station and dedicated coffee bar. The central island provides seating for four, while incorporating the hob with an integrated extraction system to maintain a clean and unobstructed visual environment.
All kitchen tools and appliances are seamlessly integrated within the cabinetry, maintaining clean, uncluttered surfaces while ensuring comfort, functionality and ease of use for both cooking and everyday activities.
The juxtaposition of natural oak, mocha matt paint and bronze creates a harmonious blend of neutral, organic Scandinavian design with the sophistication of modern metropolitan elements. This combination introduces warmth and character, resulting in a contemporary yet homely and eclectic aesthetic.
