Transforming a contemporary exterior into a charming, historic interior: Designers' ingenious makeover on a new build.
Creating a brand new residence that exudes an air of history, minus the creaky floorboards and cobweb-filled corners, is no walk in the park. That's exactly what the designers behind this stunning 2024 home sought to achieve. From the outside, this bad boy boasts a contemporary charm, but step inside, and you'll find a treasure trove of character - think paneled walls, interesting ceilings, and stone floors. Here, Annabel Hickton and Samantha Liu, the masterminds behind Untold Interiors, take us on a tour of this masterpiece, sharing their secrets to instilling character into a new build.
"The client wanted a family-friendly home that was both practical and comfy, yet stylish and sophisticated," Annabel reveals. "They love hosting friends and having cozy spots to unwind after the kids hit the sack."
To make the home feel like it wasn't just another cookie-cutter new build, Annabel and Samantha dedicated major time crafting unique, one-of-a-kind detailing and finishes. For example, the limestone flooring boasts a tumbled edge and rustic grout, while the interior design team purposely avoided anything that felt mass-produced or too symmetrical.
Collaborating with architects Concept Eight, the Untold Interiors team joined forces right from the beginning, designing the interior architecture and interiors for this newly built home nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside. The original bungalow on the site was demolished to make way for the magnificent residence.
"It's crucial for us to be involved from the get-go," asserts Annabel. "It allows us to contribute to every aspect of the design and planning, ensuring every space is tailor-made for the client's lifestyle."
From the double-height entranceway adorned with fluted wall paneling and high stone skirting, to the cozy family living room featuring oversized coving, decorative wall beading, and tongue and groove ceilings, no detail was left untouched in this beauty. The designers even went as far as carving out lovely slopes in the marble for shower storage in the bathrooms - talk about thinking outside the box!
The core philosophy behind the project was to create a calm, neutral palette with unexpected, unique details in each room. To give the home warmth, the team carefully selected materials with patina and authenticity, like the tumbled edge and honed limestone floor, limewash paint, and antique bronze metal accents.
In the posh family living room, the designers worked with Art Consultancy, Hollandridge, to curate artwork that adds pops of color. The neutral palette also allows one to truly soak in the stunning views of the garden and the neighbouring field with grazing horses - idyllic countryside living at its best!
The magnificent kitchen, the heart of the home, forms part of the L-shaped family living space that includes the family dining and living areas. Flush wall cabinets were installed to seamlessly blend the kitchen into the room, and the design team intentionally enclosed the big extraction fan in a curved boxing to keep it less bulky. A spacious pantry next to the kitchen houses extra kitchen storage, a second dishwasher and sink, and even a wine store, ensuring festive gatherings run smoothly.
The kitchen island, measuring a whopping four meters, boasts a semi-honed Taj Mahal quartzite surface, in-frame solid oak cabinets with a sand gray stain, and dovetailed drawers. Custom-made bar stools complete the space.
Beware, for the home bar is not just a good-looking showpiece; it's a statement piece designed for effortless entertaining. The inspiration? The sophisticated charm of a classic hotel bar, softened with a more inviting feel that complements the warm vibe of the home.
The home bar features curved timber arches, a rounded stone countertop profile, bespoke wall detailing, and decorative bobbin beadwork paneling. Caned chairs and a glam Porta Romana side table with a marble top and Verdigris and gold legs complete the space, adding layers of texture and sophistication.
And let's not forget the master bedroom, which posed a slight challenge due to its unconventional shape and low ceiling height. With clever design moves like high skirting that stepped in response to the windows and the outside architecture, a custom-made door frame that perfectly fit the angle of the ceiling, and the incorporation of 60% bespoke elements, the team managed to create a calm, serene space that exudes considered detailing.
So, there you have it - a new build home that feels like it's been around for centuries. It's modern, yet oozes character. It's stylish, yet comfortable. And best of all, it's completely original - a true testament to the power of design!
Enrichment Data:Creating a new build home that exudes timeless charm, while still maintaining a modern edge, can be achieved through the strategic blending of traditional and contemporary design elements. Here are some strategies to achieve this look:
- Mix Old and New Materials: Combine classic materials like brick, stone, and wood with modern materials such as steel and glass. This will create a harmonious and timeless aesthetic.
- Add Vintage Elements: Incorporate vintage or antique pieces within a modern framework to add character and history to a new build.
- Employ Traditional Design Elements with Modern Twists: Integrate classic architectural features such as dormers, gables, and overhanging eaves with modern materials or finishes.
- Neutral Color Palettes with Accents: Opt for a neutral color palette with accents of richer tones or textures to evoke a sense of age. For instance, a modern farmhouse may feature whites, grays, and earthy tones with black accents and natural wood elements.
- Strategic Window Placement: Utilize large glass panels in living areas to bring in natural light while maintaining privacy in private spaces. Incorporate clerestory windows or dormers to add depth and light.
- Neutral Base with Colorful Accents: Create a calm, neutral base for the home with accents of color and texture throughout. This will provide a harmonious balance between old and new elements.
By blending these strategies, you can design a new build home that oozes character and charm while still maintaining a modern appeal.
"The interior design project, led by Annabel Hickton and Samantha Liu of Untold Interiors, aimed to create a family-friendly home that seamlessly combines lifestyle, home-and-garden, and home-improvement elements, resulting in a stylish and sophisticated residence."
"In achieving this goal, the team employed strategic blending of traditional design elements with contemporary finishes, such as mixing vintage and modern materials, adding unique detailing, and using a neutral color palette with accents. This approach ensured the home exudes an air of historic character while maintaining a modern edge."
