 
   
	A Home That Works For Entertaining & Family Life
                      
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The Brief
The brief was to create a family home that was both functional and stylish and somewhere our client could entertain and spend time with family and friends. This home is a new build in Hertfordshire – there was originally a bungalow on the site which the owners lived in for a couple of years but that was then demolished when works started. The client is a young family of five – they have three boys under 12 and have lived in the area for quite a few years. The property has two floors and six bedrooms with a separate pool house. This home needed to be practical, comfortable, but also light and airy. The client wanted the house to feel stylish and sophisticated. They love entertaining, so it was important that they had a couple of more formal spaces they could use with friends but also retreat to in the evening after the kids went to bed – rooms that felt special and tranquil and that were no-go areas for the children.
The Aesthetic
The house feels very natural and modern but in an elegant and timeless way. You’ll see quite a few traditional country details which have been reinterpreted for today. We considered the shape, proportion and the purpose of each room and tried to add unique design details that added character. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and views of the surrounding landscape, the property showcases the finest in contemporary craftsmanship combined with natural materials, custom-made furniture and textural finishes.
We carefully selected the natural materials, such as the oak and limestone flooring and limewash walls, and played with textures, patina and colour tones. We wanted to create a calm background with colour in the furniture and artwork. The neutral palette also allows you to really take in the views of the garden and surrounding field with the horses grazing – it really is the epitome of countryliving.
LET'S TAKE THE TOUR
The Entrance Hall
Welcoming you into the home is a dramatic double height entrance with striking vertical fluted wall panelling and limestone staircase. The decorative panels and curved black anodized steel spindles accentuate the hallway’s proportions, while wall sconces and the dark stained wooden handrail enhance the elegant design. A 19th century French bleached walnut gueridon adds character alongside two aged-brown oak console tables.
We applied the fluted wall panelling and high stone skirting, which is not typical at all, but the client trusted us that these details would make a difference – they are also very impactful when you first enter the house. The arched entrance brings softness and a sense of cosiness to the space – it feels more welcoming than a standard rectangular-shaped entrance. Every element feels timeless – like the tumbled edge and honed limestone floor, as well as the limewash paint that adds depth and the antique bronze metal accents.
Console Tables:  RH
Circuler Vintage Table: Lorfords
Wall Lights: Allied Maker
The Media Room
In the media room, deep blue panelled walls paired with textured wallpaper set off a collection of art by Richard Ballinger and Hugh Hamshaw Thomas. Angular interior detailing continues to define the room – namely the limestone fireplace and herringbone brickwork, recessed ceiling and brass pendant light. A deep bespoke sofa and a corner armchair add a sense of relaxation to the space, while custom-made joinery supplies plenty of storage. Together, these elements create an atmospheric, cosy room where all the family can curl up and watch a film together.
Textured Wallpaper: Mark Alexander
Sofa, Armchairs & Coffee Tables: Bespoke 
Coffee Table Fabric: Zimmer Rohde, Tikopia
Rug: Tim Page Carpets
Side Tables: OKA
Joinery: 202 Design 
The Formal Dining/Living Room
On entering the formal dining and living room, we have created sophisticated spaces full of bespoke artistry, statement design and aged bronze accents. A custom-made, four-metre travertine table sits beneath a series of bronze pendant lights, hanging from recessed tongue and grove ceiling panels. A handcrafted bar featuring marble countertop and curved timber architrave set against decorative bobbin beadwork panelling makes a striking focal point. Caned bar chairs and a side table with marble top, Verdigris and gold legs add further elegance.
For the handcrafted bar, we wanted to create a true statement piece that served as the focal point for entertaining friends and family. The inspiration came from the sophisticated charm of a classic hotel bar, but with a softer, more inviting feel that complements the warmth of the home. The focus here was on elegant craftsmanship. A curved timber arch frames the bar, while a rounded stone countertop profile adds a sense of softness. Bespoke wall detailing and decorative bobbin beadwork panelling introduce visual interest, creating a distinctive and refined backdrop. Caned chairs and a Porta Romana side table with a marble top, Verdigris and gold legs complete the space, adding layers of texture and sophistication. This bar features generous open shelving for glassware, dedicated wine and beverage refrigeration, and discreet drawers for snacks and accessories, ensuring effortless entertaining in a beautifully curated space.
Dining Room
Dining Table: Atelier 278, Bespoke 
Pendant Lights: J Adams
Dining Chairs: Soho Home
Living Room 
Sofas Bespoke: Designed By Untold Story
Sofa Fabric: Paolo Moschino
Coffee Table: OKA
Side Tables: Robert Langford 
Table Lamps: Vaughan 
Ottoman: Bespoke
The Kitchen
A wide arched doorway with pocket doors leads you into a L-shaped, open-plan kitchen and pantry, dining and family living space. Crittall windows and doors flood the room with light, while views of the garden provide a serene backdrop to the handcrafted oak kitchen and waterfall island with honed Taj Mahal quartzite countertop. Pendant lights and integrated stainless-steel appliances offset the neutral-toned colour scheme.
We designed the kitchen to be the heart of the home, and it forms part of the L-shape family living space that also includes the family dining and living areas. Apart from the flush cabinets, we enclosed the big extraction fan with curved boxing to make it less bulky and overpowering. There’s also extra storage, a second dishwasher and sink and wine store in the pantry next to the kitchen, which can be closed off and helps keep the mess out of sight especially when the client is hosting a party.
Bar Stools: Bespoke 
Pendants: Holly Hunt 
Kitchen: 202 Design
The Family Living & Dining Room
For the family living space, we wanted it to be spacious yet cosy. We introduced the oversized seamless coving that is a continuation of the wall. It accentuates the height of the space and adds softness, echoing the arch door and all the curves we introduced at the entrance.
The dining space beyond beholds a more modern rustic feel. A bespoke live edge timber table is paired with matching bench and mid-century inspired, walnut chairs. A duo of lights from Arteriors hang above. The living area is full of comfort. A corner sofa designed by us upholstered in linen is arranged with a sculptural white oak coffee table and armchair with cane detailing. Art consultancy HollandRidge, which curated the art throughout the home, sourced an abstract painting by Ivon Hitchens complementing the richly hued scatter cushions.
Sofa: Bespoke 
Sofa Fabric: G P & J Baker
Coffee Table: Bespoke 
Chairs: Soho Home 
Lights: Arteriors 
The Study
This features an African walnut desk, paired with a leather office chair. Timber panelling and timber joinery with fluted detail was custom made. A travertine table lamp with a striking bronze shade completes the room’s refined aesthetic.
Desk: Julian Chichester
Joinery: 202 Design
Desk Lamp: Monologue
The Main Bedroom
On the first floor, a tranquil suite blends modern British craftsmanship and architectural accents with a gentle muted colour palette and far-reaching views. At the centre is a handcrafted, ash four-poster bed and bedside tables. Stepped limestone skirting and pitched ceilings add interest and lead through to the adjoining dressing room and bathroom, which features bespoke oak cabinetry and his and hers vanity units.
The room in general was a difficult shape with awkward junctions and angles and lots of services to hide. With some clever and thoughtful designs, like the high skirting that stepped in response to the windows and the architecture outside, we managed to create a calm and serene room. With considered detailing, everything looks intentional.
Bed: Turnpost
Bedside Tables: Julian Chicester
Bedside Lamps: Soho Home
Rug: Schumacher
The En-Suite Bathroom
This room uses a natural colour palette to create a calm and relaxing environment using beautiful materials, including book-matched marble and limestone floor. Bespoke vanity units, bronze mirrors and a beautiful free-standing bath furnish the room.
Taps: Gessi
Bath: Devon Devon
Vanity: Bespoke 
The Boot Room & Powder Room
The downstairs boot room features custom-built joinery with brass detailing and an upholstered bench, while the powder room has bespoke fluted concrete wall panelling and a marble vanity unit. A trio of low hanging handcrafted porcelain pendant lights complete the space.
Walls: Farrow & Ball, Mouse's Back 
Concrete Wall Panelling: Clayworks 
Mirror: Pooky 
The Kids’ Bedroom
In spaces that are predominantly for children, we like to create spaces they can grow into. It’s about transforming a room into a place where they can play – for example, carpeting so it’s comfortable to play on the floor, and bright colours that feel inviting and fun.
The Guest Rooms
Further guest bedrooms blend warm earth-toned colours with linen fabrics and oak and rattan furniture – the armchairs add a touch of classic comfort.
Four Poster Bed: Neptune 
Armchair: Rowen & Wren 
The Pool House
This is a separate building with a living space, kitchenette, bathroom and a gym next to the outdoor pool. Here, we wanted a relaxed, beach house style with Ibiza vibes, that was good for entertaining. It’s also been future proofed so can be turned into a granny flat one day.
Dining Table: Eichholtz
Dining Chairs: Sweetpea & Willow
Photographer credit: Astrid Templier & visit UNTOLDINTERIORS.COM
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