Herne Bay

This old home had plenty of charm, but a Poggenpohl kitchen and a granite-clad fireplace simply were not speaking the same language as the rest of the house.

Rather than trying to make the house something it wasn't, we went back to classic materials and a more timeless approach that felt true to its character.

The kitchen was completely custom designed around the way this family actually lives, including one very important piece of equipment. The much-loved toasted sandwich maker was given its own dedicated cupboard and bench space, which proves that good design is often about the small things that make everyday life easier.

The fireplace needed a rethink as well. We rebuilt it, clad it in brick and finished it in Sto render, creating a softer and more considered focal point that sits naturally within the home.

Along the way we made a number of practical improvements. A brand new laundry was created, additional storage was introduced into every room, and the bathrooms were given a thoughtful refresh without losing the character of the original house.

One of the best details is tucked away in a bedroom. The existing small walk-in wardrobe was reworked to create additional storage at the front, with a hidden door leading through to the wardrobe behind. It is almost invisible when you are not looking for it, and it makes the room work so much harder.

New carpet throughout tied everything together, and feature lighting was introduced and repositioned to complement the architecture and warm the atmosphere.

A home that feels comfortable, classic and genuinely lived in. Nothing is overly precious, and every decision was made with both the character of the house and the people living in it firmly in mind.