Before & After: Coach House Project

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a good before and after. The transformation, the detail, the atmosphere shift - it’s where thoughtful design truly reveals its impact.

In this recent Coach House project, we transformed the living and dining rooms of a charming period property into spaces that feel warm, cohesive and effortlessly inviting. As an interior designer working across Bristol, Bath, Somerset and the Cotswolds, projects like this are a reminder that even beautiful homes can benefit enormously from considered design.

Let’s take a closer look at the transformation.

The Before: Characterful but Disconnected

The property itself was full of charm - exposed stone, generous proportions and wonderful natural light. However, the living and dining areas felt slightly disconnected and underutilised.

Like many period homes in Somerset and the surrounding areas, the architecture was strong but the layout and styling didn’t quite support modern family living. The rooms lacked cohesion, warmth and a clear design direction.

Our clients wanted:

• A welcoming living room with depth and comfort

• A dining space that could host generously

• Better flow between the two areas

• Storage solutions that didn’t compromise style

• A timeless feel that respected the property’s history

The Design Approach: Warm, Layered & Cohesive

When designing period homes across Bristol, Bath and the Cotswolds, I always begin by asking:

How can we honour the architecture while making the space work beautifully for modern life?

For this Coach House project, the answer lay in colour, lighting, layout and bespoke detailing.

A Grounded Colour Palette

Inspired by the clients’ love of gardening, we brought the outdoors in with a rich, earthy palette.

• The living room walls were wrapped in a muddy green, creating depth and calm.

• The dining space was kept lighter with a soft, pale neutral to provide contrast while maintaining cohesion.

• Accents of warm, earthy tones added softness and subtle energy.

This approach allowed each room to feel distinct, yet visually connected - something I prioritise in every interior design project in Somerset and Bath.

Before & After: The Living Room

Before:

The living room had lovely bones but felt slightly flat. The layout didn’t maximise comfort, and the lighting didn’t fully highlight the architectural features.

After:

The transformation centred around atmosphere.

We reworked the layout to create a natural focal point and incorporated generous seating for relaxation and entertaining. Layered lighting was introduced to enhance the original features, especially in the evening.

The result is a room that feels cocooning yet elegant - a space to unwind by the fire during winter months or gather comfortably with friends.

Thoughtful colour choices and texture layering brought the entire room together, proving that impactful change doesn’t always require structural alterations - just expert guidance and design clarity.

Before & After: The Dining Room

Before:

The dining area lacked presence and storage. It felt transitional rather than intentional.

After:

This is where bespoke design made a real difference.

We designed custom banquette seating to maximise guest capacity while introducing hidden storage - ideal for modern family life. The addition of an antique dining table and chairs, carefully sourced, ensured the space felt layered and established, as though it had always belonged in the property.

Now, the dining area feels purposeful, warm and sociable - perfect for long lunches and celebratory evenings.

Why Before & After Matters

Many homeowners across Bristol, Bath and the Cotswolds live in beautiful properties that simply aren’t functioning at their best.

The “before” often isn’t bad - it just isn’t working fully.

Professional interior design bridges that gap. It brings:

• Cohesion

• Spatial clarity

• Elevated comfort

• Storage solutions

• A sense of calm

And most importantly - confidence.

Clients often tell me they knew something wasn’t quite right in their home, but couldn’t articulate what. That’s where working with an experienced interior designer in Somerset or Bristol makes all the difference.

The Final Result: A Home That Feels Effortless

The completed Coach House living and dining rooms now feel:

• Welcoming

• Grounded

• Elegant without being formal

• Practical without feeling functional

• True to the home’s heritage

Most importantly, they feel like home.

Design isn’t about trends. It’s about creating spaces that support your daily life while bringing beauty into the everyday.

Considering a Transformation of Your Own?

If you’re based in Bristol, Bath, Somerset or the Cotswolds and feel your home could work harder - or feel calmer - I’d love to help.

At Khaya Studio, I work with time-poor homeowners who want an end-to-end interior design service, delivered thoughtfully and professionally. From concept to installation, every detail is handled with care.

You can explore more of our portfolio here.

Or get in touch to arrange an initial consultation.

Because sometimes, all it takes is the right design perspective to transform a space entirely.