"Our goal was to make this stunning house feel like a true home," shares Bahar Nejad, co-founder and director of Studio 9 Design, regarding this remarkable Grade II-listed Victorian residence located in the picturesque South Downs of England.
To accommodate the clients' desire for more space, the design team was tasked with securing planning approval for a rear extension styled as an orangery, along with an annex on the side of the structure.
According to Alice Adamczewski, co-founder and director of the studio, "The property boasted grandeur with its beautiful windows and lofty ceilings, but it lacked a comfortable flow for contemporary living. It needed a cohesive narrative and aesthetic to ground it."
Sitting Room: "The chandelier was tailored to perfectly fill the space, featuring an extended drop," explains designer Bahar Nejad. Chandelier, Renaissance London. Sofa, Design Vintage. Antique chairs covered in fabric from Sister by Studio Ashby. Custom-designed rug by Studio 9 Design, crafted by Coban Rugs. Artwork (right) by Hannah Ludnow, Columbia Road Gallery. The tapestry is an antique piece. Cabinets (with custom marble tops), La Redoute
Over the years, the house had seen numerous extensions that dramatically altered its style, resulting in a smaller, darker feel as one moved through the space. Therefore, maximizing light was a crucial aspect of the renovation.
The design team focused on two expansive living areas that were previously disconnected from the garden, creating a rear extension to link these spaces while offering stunning views of the South Downs.
Another priority for the designers was to ensure that every room served a distinct purpose, effectively utilizing every nook. With the luxury of four sitting rooms, one was transformed into a movie room, while another was adapted into a game room.
Kitchen: Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry creates a seamless appearance. Cabinetry designed by Studio 9 Design; crafted by Alistair Fleming Design. Cabinet finishes in Hardwick White, Farrow & Ball and Portland Stone, Little Greene. Pendant light from J Adams & Co. Tumbled limestone floor tiles by Mandarin Stone.
The grandeur of the house posed challenges, yet a color palette rooted in soft hues, with occasional deeper earthy tones, was envisioned to cultivate a sense of tranquility.
"Simple choices like maintaining the same color for the architrave, cornicing, and skirting while washing the walls and ceiling in a single shade enhance that calmness," notes Alice.
This design approach allowed Studio 9 Design to maintain their signature organic style, which Alice describes as very natural.
Dining Nook: A banquette provides a cozy corner for casual dining around a French farmhouse table. Banquette finished in Portland Stone, Little Greene. Pendant light from Soho Home. Artwork sourced from the client's collection. Antique bentwood chairs reupholstered in leather. Walls painted in Skimming Stone, Farrow & Ball. Cushions from Studio 9 Living.
"We always aim to meet the clients' requirements – each space has unique needs – but our approach in this instance remained true to our identity, taking into account the natural materials, the light, the surroundings, and the property's history, as well as the energy and flow of each area. The result is a timeless modern design," Alice concludes.
Bringing character into the interiors while encouraging the clients to embrace bolder colors was a challenge. Some of the richer tones were initially met with hesitation, as the samples seemed dark, and the clients desired a bright ambiance. Ultimately, they recognized the value of incorporating these deeper shades for added depth and warmth.
Main Bedroom: The oversized headboard is upholstered in mohair, while the ottoman features an old French fabric. Headboard fabric by Vescom. Rug from Heal's. Curtains made of Irish linen by John England. Vintage chaise longue covered in linen.
Limewash textural paint creates a subtle backdrop in the sitting area.
"Although this finish wouldn't have been typical during the property's original era, we achieved a sense of movement, layering, and texture that exceeded our expectations," Alice observes.
Curated finishes and layered textures contribute to the thoughtfully designed atmosphere. "We enjoyed experimenting with various textures," Bahar remarks. "This is a signature approach we apply across our projects."
Dining Room: This simplified scheme includes a custom table and vintage G Plan chairs. Texture is enhanced with the rug and oak herringbone flooring. Walls are painted in Skimming Stone, Farrow & Ball. Custom solid oak table designed by Studio 9 Design. Europa pendant light by Felix Lighting Specialists. Rug sourced from Crucial Trading. Artwork is a vintage find.
Throughout the house, natural materials and fabrics were prioritized. Limestone covers the kitchen floor, creating a light aesthetic, while oversized herringbone timber flooring complements the scale of the main living areas.
"With such muted tones, the spaces required a touch of pattern, but we did so subtly," Alice explains.
Softness is introduced with rugs made from pure wool. Eye-catching furniture was either custom-made or carefully curated, with vintage and antique pieces revitalized through contemporary natural fabrics.
Bathroom: Expansive mirrors enhance the airy atmosphere, with a statement roll-top bath as the focal point. Vanity units designed by Studio 9 Design; crafted by Rutland Bespoke Woodwork. Mirrors by Rutland Bespoke Woodwork.
The furniture was selected for its sleek silhouettes, contributing to the overall ambiance.
In the kitchen, meticulous attention was given to the cabinetry design, resulting in a clean and contemporary interpretation of the Shaker style.
This house has undoubtedly been reinvigorated, exuding a serene ambiance.
