See How Studio Appleby Reimagined this Fabulous Family Home
Studio Appleby is an interior design studio based in the North East of England, who understand that creating a space you truly love is a personal journey
What was the brief from the clients?
The clients had recently moved into their new home and were keen to adapt the space to suit their lifestyle and growing family’s needs. The brief focused on two main priorities: creating a warm and inviting living room where the parents could relax in the evenings, and designing a functional bedroom for their twin girls that would evolve with them as they grow older. The emphasis was on comfort, practicality and timeless design.
What spaces were you working with, and why was there a need for change?
We focused on two key areas: the living room and the twins’ bedroom. Although the house had good bones, these rooms lacked warmth and personality. They needed to be brought up to modern standards, both aesthetically and functionally. The existing spaces were outdated, with insufficient sockets, poor lighting, old pipework and limited storage. Our task was to reimagine the rooms so they would not only look beautiful but also work effortlessly for the family’s day-to-day living.
How did the client’s lifestyle impact your design decisions?
As a family of four with young children, adaptability was essential. We introduced clever storage solutions throughout to cater for their evolving needs. The design also had to be robust and practical, which influenced our choice of materials and finishes. The clients wanted a space where they could unwind from their busy schedules. To support this, we used a palette of neutral and earthy tones with soft, colourful accents to add interest without overwhelming the rooms. In the north-facing living room we gave particular attention to lighting, installing picture lights and dimmable settings to create a soft, ambient feel. We also ensured that all fabrics and upholstery were easy to maintain and durable, providing a balance between elegance and everyday practicality.
Tell us about your approach to colour and lighting.
The home benefits from generous natural light thanks to large windows, but it was important to enhance this with a thoughtful lighting scheme. The north-facing living room, in particular, required layered lighting to ensure it felt cosy and inviting. We used picture lights from Pooky to add both function and atmosphere, along with dimmable overhead lighting to give the clients full control of the mood. For colour, we chose warm and calming tones. Paints such as Mindful by COAT and Oyster Cove 6 by Dulux formed the base palette. We then added natural wood textures, soft greens and blush pinks for depth and softness, and used marble accents to introduce a classic, timeless touch.
Were there any challenges during the project? How did you overcome them?
As is often the case when working with older properties, some hidden challenges emerged. One of the most significant was the state of the electrical wiring. Although it had been partially updated, it needed further work to bring it up to modern standards and to ensure the home was future-proof. We collaborated closely with experienced contractors to carry out the necessary upgrades before we began any decorative work. While this type of work often goes unseen, it is absolutely essential for creating a safe and well-functioning home.
Do you have a standout feature or a favourite space in the finished home?
One of my favourite features is the bespoke built-in joinery in the living room. It provided a smart storage solution to hide away cables and devices, which are necessary for everyday life but not always visually appealing. This joinery transformed an underused area into a focal point of the room. The warm wood finish and integrated lighting created a sense of intimacy and character, tying the space together beautifully. It is both practical and full of charm.
Were the clients pleased with the result?
Yes, they were absolutely thrilled. The spaces felt tailored to their needs and full of personal touches. The client says: ‘The completed rooms are absolutely beautiful – we would not have been able to produce anything near this wonderful without Studio Appleby. Our needs have been listened to by Ina who was knowledgeable, patient, thorough and professional throughout the process.’
Watching the family settle into their transformed home was incredibly rewarding and a reminder of why we do what we do.
