Case Study: The Coach House Project, Bristol

A Heritage Coach House Reimagined for Contemporary Living

Tucked away in the Failand area of Bristol, this former Coach House presented a rare and rewarding opportunity to sensitively reimagine a historic building for modern life. Surrounded by greenery and steeped in local history, the property sits within what was once a rural estate setting on the edge of the city - an area known for its heritage homes and distinctive architecture.

Originally built as a service building, the Coach House would have played a vital supporting role to a larger principal residence, housing carriages, horses and staff. Over time, as modes of transport evolved, buildings like this were thoughtfully adapted into residential use - offering characterful homes with a unique sense of place. Our role was to honour this history while creating a comfortable, elegant and highly functional home.

The Brief

The client approached Khaya Studio seeking an interior designer in Bristol with experience in period property renovation and heritage homes. Their vision was clear: to enhance the character of the Coach House while introducing warmth, cohesion and a sense of calm suited to contemporary living.

Key objectives included:

• Respecting the building’s historic origins

• Enhancing natural light and flow

• Introducing a refined, timeless colour palette

• Balancing character with modern comfort

As with many heritage properties, the challenge lay not in adding more, but in listening to the building and responding sensitively to its proportions, materials and story.

Design Approach

Our design approach focused on quiet, confident interiors that feel rooted in the building’s past while supporting modern lifestyles. We avoided anything overly trend-led, instead favouring timeless interior design principles that would age gracefully.

A carefully curated palette of soft, earthy tones was used to create warmth and continuity throughout the space. Natural materials and tactile finishes were introduced to complement the building’s robust structure, while bespoke elements were carefully integrated to enhance functionality without competing with the architecture.

Where possible, we allowed original features and proportions to lead the design - ensuring new interventions felt intentional and sympathetic. Thoughtful lighting, layered textures and carefully selected furnishings helped soften the interior and create a welcoming, lived-in feel.

The Result

The finished Coach House is a calm, elegant home that feels deeply connected to its heritage while offering all the comforts of contemporary living. The interiors sit comfortably within their historic shell, with each space flowing naturally into the next.

The project is a testament to the value of sensitive interior design and project management, particularly when working with period buildings. Rather than overpowering the space, the design enhances what was already there - celebrating craftsmanship, proportion and materiality.

This Coach House now feels cohesive, warm and timeless: a home that honours its past while being perfectly suited to modern life.

A Heritage-Led Approach to Interior Design

At Khaya Studio, we specialise in heritage homes, period properties and character buildings across Bristol, Bath and Somerset. Each project is approached with care, respect and an understanding that historic buildings require a considered, knowledgeable design approach.

If you’re looking for an interior designer in Bristol to guide you through a heritage renovation - from concept to completion - we’d love to hear from you.

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