03/08/2026
One of my very favourite parts of any project happens long before the fabrics, finishes or furniture are chosen.
It always starts with the floor plan. Really getting under the skin of a house. Understanding how a family lives, where coats and school bags land, where the hoover lives, where morning coffee is enjoyed, where everyone naturally gathers, and where they retreat when they need a moment of quiet.
It’s often tempting to think bigger is better, but I’m increasingly convinced the opposite is true. We seem to have reached peak open plan and, for good reason, we’re rediscovering the joy of rooms with purpose. Cosy sitting rooms, studies, boot rooms, laundry rooms, larders and proper dining rooms for lingering over supper, alongside a smaller everyday table in the kitchen for family life.
I love creating homes with spaces that each have their own character and purpose. Somewhere to entertain, somewhere to work, somewhere to escape with a book, somewhere for the inevitable life admin to happen out of sight. It isn’t about making a house feel smaller – it’s about making it work harder and feel better.
I genuinely think this is where we add some of the greatest value for our clients. These early decisions influence everything that comes afterwards, which is why it’s always a shame to be brought into a project once the layout has already been fixed. Get the bones right and everything else has a much stronger foundation
