CHAPEL ROW, BATH
Chapel Row forms part of a terrace of three Grade II listed townhouses, originally designed by renowned Georgian architect John Wood the Elder and dating back to approximately 1734. Built as part of the western expansion of Bath, the terrace is constructed from the city's characteristic limestone ashlar, with slate roofs, sash windows, elegant stone detailing and deep mansard roofs.
The houses were first recorded in the local rates in 1734, making them part of Bath's fascinating early Georgian development. The name Chapel Row derives from a nearby chapel built by John Wood in 1732, which was later demolished in 1875. John Wood the Elder was instrumental in shaping Georgian Bath, and his influence can still be seen throughout the city today. Working within a building designed by such an important figure in Bath's architectural history makes it all the more important to approach any interior changes with sensitivity and respect.
The clients contacted Khaya Studio before they had even purchased the property, keen to involve us from the outset. Our brief was to bring character, warmth and a greater sense of purpose to two key areas: the stairwell and the basement dining room.
SERVICE
Interior Design, Project Management & Installation
SCOPE
Stairwell & Dining Room
PHOTOGRAPHY & PRESS
Coming soon...
DESIGN INTENT
The stairwell was a particularly well-used space, and the clients were keen to introduce wallpaper but understandably nervous about committing to such a prominent pattern. After exploring several options, they fell in love with a leafy William Morris design in soft green tones. Inspired by nature, it brings the outdoors in, creating a sense of freshness and extending the feeling of greenery beyond the property's relatively modest courtyard garden.
The basement dining room presented a different challenge. With tiled flooring and limited natural light, it felt cold and lacked the warmth and atmosphere the clients wanted for a space that would become an important part of family life. I was immediately drawn to the beautiful central stone fireplace and wanted to restore its prominence within the room. As the clients had no intention of using it as a working fireplace, we explored a more practical alternative: transforming the opening into bespoke shelving for their recipe books and reading material. This also introduced valuable storage for the adjoining, relatively compact kitchen.
To give the former fireplace the visual warmth and presence it deserved, we painted the shelving a deep, earthy red. This rich tone became the starting point for the wider scheme, complemented by soft blue walls and a warm red rug underfoot. The final layer was lighting. A combination of integrated shelf lighting, a picture light, a new central chandelier and matching wall lights creates a flexible, layered scheme that can adapt throughout the day. Opposite the fireplace, a generous reclaimed mirror helps reflect the available natural light around the room.
THE RESULT
The result is a home that feels settled, welcoming and entirely at ease with its Georgian setting. The stairwell now has a confident sense of personality, while the basement dining room has been transformed from a cold, overlooked space into a warm and inviting place for the family to gather.
By celebrating the original stone fireplace, introducing thoughtful storage and layering colour, texture and light, we have given these spaces renewed purpose without losing their sense of history. The intention was always to create interiors that felt as though they had always belonged here – and I am delighted that the clients love the outcome. I wish them many happy years and wonderful memories in their new home.
CLIENT'S REVIEW
"From start to finish, Kate was a total professional. We gave her a rather difficult brief as our Georgian period Bath dining room was subterranean but she stepped up to the challenge and the end result is a total transformation. It is light-filled and now feels like a warm and cozy space for entertaining and family meals - we are so pleased with the end result!
Kate is friendly and approachable, and was willing to pivot when some of our plans changed mid-design. She offers a cadre of professional tradesman who did their jobs impeccably, and on schedule. We would not hesitate to recommend Kate to other Bath home-owners in need of interior design assistance."
- Victoria C | Chapel Row Project | Google Review