Welcome to Show Homes
A recent project has been to work on the total renovation of a
C17th Jacobean Hall
The team of skilled craftsmen and builders employed many traditional techniques, from lime plastering and beautiful carpentry and timber restoration to gently ease the house into the 21stC, whilst carefully preserving all the period detail and features.
Specialist builders Spring Barn Developments from Newmarket, co-ordinated all the building works, and have a great deal of experience with listed and timber framed buildings. They used many traditional techniques and materials to cleverly integrate the initially unattractive modern annex with the old original part of the house, whilst creating a contemporary interior space. The high standard of workmanship, attention to detail, and high spec finish really stand out.
The clients brief was for us to maintain all the character and charm of this Grade II listed property (this is also a legal requirement on listed buildings), yet create a clean lined contemporary feel that not only allowed the stunning architectural features to shine through, but also create an environment fit for a busy young family.
Chalky Farrow & Ball paints in soft neutral colours provided a perfect foil
to the exposed timber frame stud work, which was in fantastic condition, considering it's 400 year age. A natural palette was used throughout the house to create a sense of calm that allows the beauty of the building to 
become the star feature. Natural materials like linen, cotton, sisal, antique travertine, oak and washed granite, compliment the exposed brick, lime plaster and timber. The clients and I selected an interesting a range of natural materials with their own defining tones and textures that add visual weight and interest to the design scheme, as a more pared down alternative to using patterns.
Many local crafts people were involved in the renovation, including upholsterers, and blacksmith Joseph Evans who made the beautiful hand forged curtain poles in a gunmetal finish, throughout the house.
Contemporary wet rooms, and a stunning family bathroom, really
epitomise the brief for this project, they work with the structure of the building, and yet with high spec contemporary fittings selected by the clients, to deliver the ultimate spa experience. Kestrel Furnitures highly experienced team from Norwich worked closely with the clients, the builders and myself to produce these amazing bathrooms.
Builders: Spring Barn Developments, Newmarket
Bathrooms: Kestrel Furniture, Norwich
Design a home
.jpg)
