ART & CRAFT
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Rustic Elegance
NEW HOME INTERIOR CONCEPT & LAYOUT
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.