Period Property & Guest Cottage Interior Design Buckinghamshire

Interior Design

We were tasked with transforming this period property and its guest cottage, nestled in the charming village of Ashley Green, Buckinghamshire, into spaces that merged tradition with modernity.  It was a real joy to revisit this collaboration with a client who had previously entrusted us with designing and installing various soft furnishings.

Our client’s vision was clear: to keep the period feel of the property while adding contemporary pieces of furniture, lighting, curtains and accessories. When curated thoughtfully, mixing modern and period styles can enhance the original charm of a property to great effect.

An exciting project for us, playing with our client’s love of warm, rich colours, and their appreciation of different patterns and styles. We are thrilled with the completed result.

Sitting Room

What a backdrop to work with! Our client wanted to keep the panelled walls and built-in bookcases, and these beautiful old beamed walls work so well with the contemporary additions to the space. Colour is key throughout this project - here rich jewel-toned upholstery and some fabulous gold chairs and side tables make this room feel both opulent and welcoming. The curtains and tiebacks pull the colours and the different periods together. As ever, details elevate the room - a floor lamp with sculptural details, and co-ordinating cushions with trims. Among our favourite elements is the rug - emerald green with a leopard design, a perfect finishing touch.

Sun Room

This once-empty space now beckons with warmth and comfort. The challenge was to create a comfortable seating area in this small space, so the family could sit together, and admire the view of the garden on a sunny day. Upholstered in vibrant orange velvet, the sofa and chair infuse the sunroom with a cosy ambience, ensuring it's a welcoming spot even on dreary days. These both had to be made in pieces and assembled once on-site to get them through the narrow cottage doors and corridors.

Roman blinds were the natural choice for this room - the proportions of the windows lent themselves to a large print, with orange detailing to bring everything together. We love how the bespoke rug and the wing-back chair add a touch of character. Curved side tables are practical for smaller rooms, avoiding sharp edges intruding into the space. And so elegant for your morning coffee or evening glass of wine. This is now such an inviting place, we’re sure the family will enjoy many happy moments here.

Master bedroom and ensuite

A simple soft furnishings update transformed these rooms. The classic and traditional feel was retained but with the addition of lively, warm colours. Reupholstered furniture in ruby red tones, pinch pleat curtains, a shaped upholstered pelmet, and elegant tie-backs brought drama and interest to the serene backdrop. We reupholstered the footstool and chair in the ensuite - we are always happy to breathe fresh life into favourite pieces.

Drawing room

In this room, we embraced the challenge of complementing the cherished artefacts and antique pieces our client had collected while living in Asia. There were many pieces of furniture and fitted furniture that needed to be incorporated, so these were all included in our design plans.

Reupholstered jewel-toned sofas and a chaise longue set the stage. The addition of faux silk wallcoverings, carefully chosen lamps, a coffee table, and side tables created a space for taking time to enjoy memories of life overseas.

Landing

The landing came to life with the addition of curtains and the reupholstering of an antique chair, creating a seamless flow throughout the house. Opting for pinch pleat curtains on a covered lath is a great choice for light saving.

Daughter’s bedroom

Updating this room required balancing classic style and modern elements. As this room isn’t often used we kept to a modest budget. We added some bespoke touches with curtains, upholstering of the occasional chair, and an upholstered headboard. The dramatic curtains in black with a bold floral design fit the classic-modern brief, the pinks and yellows informing the rest of the soft furnishings. We love the studded detailing on the drawers and mirror, a cool contemporary touch for when our client’s adult daughter comes to stay.

The Guest Cottage

Adhering to a budget, we rejuvenated the guest cottage with new curtains, soft furnishings, and furniture. It’s important to get an understanding from our clients on which areas of the home or project that they want to focus their budget on. To achieve the desired classic cottage feel we incorporated floral and checked fabrics.  With the vibrant colour palette echoing that of the main house, we added some bright velvet and leopard print cushions to keep that sense of fun.

This project was a testament to the art of blending the traditional and modern. By incorporating timeless elements with contemporary touches, we've created a home that radiates comfort, personality, and a touch of magic.