KELLAWAY AVENUE, HENLEAZE
Located in the sought-after neighbourhood of Henleaze in northern Bristol, this semi-detached family home had recently undergone an extensive transformation by a local architect, including a substantial extension, loft conversion and new annexe.
The footprint of the house had been significantly increased, but the clients were now looking for help bringing the remaining spaces together, creating a sense of cohesion between the original house and its contemporary new additions. They approached Khaya Studio to redesign the hallway, living room, dining area and rear reception room.
Having decided that this was to be their forever home, the clients were prepared to make a significant investment in creating interiors that would work beautifully for their family for many years to come. They also gave me an exceptional degree of creative freedom and trust - something I value enormously as a designer. That level of confidence allows me to fully immerse myself in a project and be more ambitious with the design, and I am incredibly grateful to the clients for giving me that freedom.
SCOPE
Hallway, Music room, Living & Dining areas
SERVICE
Interior Design, Project Management & Installation
PHOTOGRAPHY & PRESS
Coming soon...
DESIGN INTENT
My starting point was recognising that this was not a traditional period property, and I didn't want to treat it as one. Instead, the design needed to respond sympathetically to the original architecture while also acknowledging and complementing the contemporary extensions.
The living and dining area presented the biggest challenge. With low ceilings and limited natural light, the space felt darker and more enclosed than it needed to. My priority was therefore to create a greater sense of height, light and spaciousness.
I was immediately drawn to the geometric cladding used externally on the new extensions by the architects. This became an important source of inspiration, leading to a mid-century influenced design language of strong lines, considered proportions and rich, tactile materials.
The existing chimney breasts were retained as an important vertical element, helping to draw the eye upwards and exaggerate the height of the room. These were balanced by bespoke cabinetry running almost the entire length of the space, with lower and upper elements creating strong horizontal lines. The intersection of these vertical and horizontal forms became central to the design.
For the cabinetry finish, what could be more evocative of mid-century design than burl veneer? The clients loved the idea, and the result is a particularly striking feature that brings warmth, texture and character to the room.
Colour was carefully considered across the entire ground floor. With a mid-green kitchen, dusty pink utility room and pale pink cloakroom already forming part of the scheme, I developed a palette that would connect these spaces rather than treating each room in isolation. Rich green tones were layered with warm neutrals and a deep red, introducing depth and drama without overwhelming the home.
The clients wanted underfloor heating and were keen not to continue the pale engineered timber used in the kitchen. Instead, we selected a beautiful green terrazzo flooring, which adds another layer of colour and personality while working beautifully with the cabinetry and surrounding materials.
Fabrics and furniture were an especially enjoyable part of the project. The clients embraced the more expressive direction and selected a wonderful collection of fabrics, while mid-century inspired furniture further reinforced the design. A particular favourite is the limited-edition GUBI armchair, which brings sculptural form and a wonderful sense of character to the space.
The former 'back room' was given an entirely new purpose. Rather than trying to incorporate the husband's love of music into the main living space, we created a dedicated music room - a relaxed retreat where he could listen to records without the speakers and equipment dominating the family living room. Acoustic panels and a deep-pile rug help create the perfect environment for listening, while generous, comfortable armchairs make it a room designed to be enjoyed for hours.
The hallway was equally important. As the first impression of the home, it needed to establish the design language from the moment you walked through the door. The existing staircase felt dated against the newly renovated areas, so the traditional timber balustrade was removed and replaced with a bespoke metal design featuring strong, clean lines and crisp detailing.
The existing carpet was lifted and the timber stairs painted a deep green, allowing the staircase to recede while the new metalwork takes centre stage. A textured runner with black whipping provides the finishing touch, tying beautifully into the dark metal detailing.
Elsewhere, pale green walls create a calm and welcoming entrance, while brushed brass wall lights, a walnut scalloped mirror and a beautiful green marble floating console add warmth, texture and a touch of luxury.
THE RESULT
The result is an elevated and sophisticated family home that feels both cohesive and distinctly individual.
The previously dark and enclosed living and dining area now feels considerably more spacious and airy, while the carefully considered palette, bespoke cabinetry, furniture and layered textures create a sense of warmth and depth. Throughout the ground floor, each room has its own identity while flowing effortlessly into the next.
For me, the success of the project lies in the balance between the original house and its newer architectural additions. Rather than attempting to disguise either, the design brings the two together through a confident and cohesive material and colour palette.
The entire installation was completed in just three weeks, which was a fantastic achievement by the installation team. The clients were away on holiday while the work took place and returned home to a complete transformation.
Their reaction said everything:
“This is absolutely sensational! Beat our expectations and then some. Thank you so much to you and the team. Absolutely awesome.”
It has been an absolute pleasure to work with these clients, and I am so pleased to have created a home that feels personal, considered and ready to be enjoyed for many years to come.
For me, this is what bespoke interior design is all about: creating a home that responds to its architecture, reflects the people who live there and feels entirely their own.
