Our clients – a family of four – had moved into a terraced home that needed updating. Our brief was an interiors scheme for the whole house. The living room needed character adding back to it, so we chose pieces that complimented the original features of the beautiful house. The neutral bathroom was designed to feel light and airy. In the kitchen, deep hues compliment neutral wood, for a modern update. For the study area – an extension of the living room – we chose a muted blue to contrast against the light oak, for a calming space to work, featuring bespoke joinery (seen here).

Client: Private Residence In Central London Brief: To supply & install carpet to stairs as a runner
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional carpeted u-shaped wood railing staircase remodel in London with carpeted risers

The architect and designer Guy Derwent was approached by his client with a clear and compelling brief: to completely transform a grand Victorian terrace house they were planning to renovate. The client envisioned something far beyond a standard renovation – this was to be a bold and dramatic reimagining of a family home that could grow with them over time. With the property having remained largely untouched for more than fifty years, the architects saw an opportunity to unlock its potential and deliver a contemporary design that would contrast beautifully with its Victorian heritage. The existing layout consisted of a series of small, disconnected rooms to the rear of the house. To respond to the client’s need for openness and flexibility, the architect proposed a radical restructuring of the ground floor: The rear rooms were completely removed Suspended timber floors were lowered by up to two metres to align with the garden Two bold extensions were added The first extension filled in the side return with a London stock brick facade and a glazed roof, while the second – a striking black steel and glass pavilion was glazed on three sides and placed along the garden elevation. This new pavilion redefined the building’s relationship with the garden. Its steel-framed glazing created a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior, offering a sense of immersion in the surrounding landscape. At the heart of the plan sits a dramatic, five-metre-tall dining space that acts as a transition from the original entrance hall into the new addition. A large, circular cast-glass window, framed in steel, provides a visual and spatial link between old and new, allowing light and movement to travel through the depth of the home. Throughout the project, a series of black metal elements were introduced as sculptural interventions – each marking moments of transformation within the house. These included the bespoke steel framed circular window, a custom metal staircase, a cylindrical support column, and the striking steel and glass garden pavilion. Together, they formed a coherent architectural language that underscored the project’s bold intent. Our steel windows and doors played a vital role in delivering the project’s vision. The architects chose steel for its refined sight lines and distinctive material character, which helped bridge the gap between the historical context of the building and the bold new additions. The black steel frames provided a crisp contrast to the pale London stock brick and added definition to the glazed pavilion, reinforcing the sense of architectural precision. In particular, the fine steel profiles of the garden room allowed the extension to feel both lightweight and immersive, blurring the boundary between the house and its garden. The architect drew inspiration from the Bauhaus Movement, particularly the work of Walter Gropius, whose approach to functional beauty and industrial materials informed the design of the garden pavilion. Here, our glazing system was used not just for transparency, but as an expressive architectural element. The carefully proportioned panels help to conceal the roof thickness and reinforce the pavilion’s industrial yet abstract character – a deliberate nod to product design and modernist detailing. Sustainability was an important factor in the selection of materials. Our steel systems, made from 99% recycled content and 100% recyclable, aligned with the project’s broader environmental goals. The architects noted that this commitment to material longevity and circularity was central to their decision to use steel. The durability and recyclability of the windows and doors ensured the project met both aesthetic and ethical criteria. This London terrace house now stands as a celebration of contrast – between heritage and innovation, solidity and transparency, tradition and transformation. Our steel windows and doors were not simply components; they were essential tools in crafting a home that is as bold and expressive as it is functional. The result is a home designed for modern family life, where light, space, and materiality come together in perfect harmony.

Client: Private Residence In North London Brief: To supply & install white carpet to stairs as a runner
Inspiration for a transitional carpeted curved staircase remodel in London with carpeted risers

Client: Private Residence In North London Brief: To supply & install carpet with stair rods to stairs
Example of a mid-sized classic carpeted u-shaped wood railing staircase design in London with carpeted risers

Located in Buckinghamshire, this bedroom project is a great example of our approach to smart design, quality finishes, and practical touches. Our designer created the space, perfectly capturing the brief from the outset with no revisions needed. Our dedicated Installation and Project Manager then managed the project, overseeing every detail from start to finish to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. For this project, we soundproofed the floors, updated the lighting, and handled the full decorating work, transforming not only the master bedroom but also two additional bedrooms. The finished furniture features Porcelain Nature fronts paired with a Smoked Oak carcass, brought together by 22mm Modern Vinyl worktops. Elegant brushed nickel fluted bar handles add a subtle touch of texture and warmth. Clever features like an IR sensor wardrobe light and a pull-out shoe shelf make this space as functional as it is stylish. A matching chest of drawers completes the setup. At Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Kitchens, we believe the details matter. This project is a great example of how clever design and good workmanship can really change a home for the better.

This amazing remodel by J.S. Brown & Co. in the River Forest neighborhood in Dublin, Ohio was designed with sunshine in mind! By removing an interior wall, the kitchen was completely opened to the adjacent sunroom for maximum views of the spectacular back yard. Also on the mission brief from the homeowners was shady place to enjoy their yard outdoors. A large roof over a paver patio was just the ticket for watching the grandkids run around in cool comfort.

Additions, renovations, and restorations on established Boston-suburb streets. Winchester is where a lot of my Boston-area work has lived for years. The town has a residential character built on early 20th-century stock: Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Shingle style, the occasional Federal, on tree-lined streets where what you do to one house is visible to the rest of the block. The projects below are additions, renovations, and restorations. The brief is almost always the same: keep what's working, fix what isn't, and make the new work look like it belongs to the original house. Done well, an addition is invisible from the street and the family lives in a house that looks like it was always that way. Done poorly, the work announces itself, and the house ends up reading as two houses: the original, and the one the architect tried to add. When a project falls under Winchester's Historic Districts Commission, I work closely with the commission. When it doesn't, I still pay attention to the neighbors. The town has a strong sense of its own architectural fabric. The work that lasts here is the work that doesn't fight it.

Client: Private Residence In Marylebone Brief: To supply & install Xylo R54 wood flooring to premises
Example of a trendy entryway design in London

Client: Private Residence In North London Brief: To supply & install wood flooring to room
Transitional living room photo in London

Louisa, San Clemente Coastal Modern Architecture The brief for this modern coastal home was to create a place where the clients and their children and their families could gather to enjoy all the beauty of living in Southern California. Maximizing the lot was key to unlocking the potential of this property so the decision was made to excavate the entire property to allow natural light and ventilation to circulate through the lower level of the home. A courtyard with a green wall and olive tree act as the lung for the building as the coastal breeze brings fresh air in and circulates out the old through the courtyard. The concept for the home was to be living on a deck, so the large expanse of glass doors fold away to allow a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoors and feeling of being out on the deck is felt on the interior. A huge cantilevered beam in the roof allows for corner to completely disappear as the home looks to a beautiful ocean view and Dana Point harbor in the distance. All of the spaces throughout the home have a connection to the outdoors and this creates a light, bright and healthy environment. Passive design principles were employed to ensure the building is as energy efficient as possible. Solar panels keep the building off the grid and and deep overhangs help in reducing the solar heat gains of the building. Ultimately this home has become a place that the families can all enjoy together as the grand kids create those memories of spending time at the beach. Images and Video by Aandid Media.

Midwest college town Champaign, Illinois, is not exactly known for cutting edge residential architecture so when this custom contemporary was built in 1996 it was the talk of the town. Designed by architect G.T. Hardwick, it was commissioned by a local successful business owner who was retiring and desiring a slice of solitude amongst the trees. It's changed hands a couple of times since and was most recently purchased by a University of Illinois design school faculty member in 2018. The home was in dire need of updating and so the new owner turned to Jennifer Ott Design with the brief to completely update the kitchen and dining areas, creating a contemporary yet fun and welcoming vibe.

In the kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors allow for an abundance of natural light, which is reflected through the shiny, polished surfaces of the marble and metal island as well as the lacquered cabinetry. The large kitchen island features a bookmatched statuario marble that is not only a piece of art with its magnificent veining, but also a practical workspace and dining area for the whole family. The wooden base with metallic accents add for the perfect contrast to the mainly white kitchen and give you a brief preview into the look and feel of the entire home.

Claude Clémaron Bespoke Wood Interiors built this luxury bespoke fitted living room cabinets for our client’s residence in Guildford, Surrey. Expertly crafted and made to last in sustainable wood, the storage and display furniture brings unique character to the room. The style, dimensions and composition of the fitted furniture pieces was briefed by our client’s interior designer. The floor to ceiling and wall to wall bespoke cabinetry wraps around the doorway leading to the entrance hall. Other features include a custom-lit space to accommodate a piano, two fireside niches housing a pair of matching table lamps and tailored cubbyhole display boxes. Cubbies are more versatile than shelving in a unit, as they can display items such as ornaments and pictures and can be individually customised with lighting, doors or internal shelves. The result is a beautifully organised multipurpose media room and music lounge for relaxing, watching TV, entertaining and playing the piano. Classic shaker-style with contemporary features Handcrafted in a classic style in a deep grey green satin matt finish the cabinetry also incorporates contemporary features such as lighting and concealed cabling. To minimise disruption and speed installation, the cabinets were prefinished in Fallow & Ball Card Room Green before delivery. The lower cupboards feature shaker-style recessed flat panel doors. These are handle-free with concealed hinges to maintain the unit’s streamlined look; and the soft-closing doors are operated by an effortless push to open system. Integrated lighting with concealed wiring The made to measure fitted unit has been customised with integrated lighting. Lights include spotlights for the piano player, essential for reading sheet music, and flush built in mini-LED downlights in some of the display openings to highlight key items. Concealed sensors mean it only takes a wave of the hand to dim or switch the lights on or off. Both lighting and cabling were installed into the cabinets prior to installation with wiring concealed, yet accessible.

Client: Private Residence In Chalk Farm Brief: To supply & install Furlong wood flooring Next Step 125 21000
Living room - contemporary living room idea in London

Our job was to enhance the character and comfort of this communal space, where our vibrant village residents come together for a diverse range of activities throughout the week. From spirited games of darts and cozy movie nights to lively coffee group gatherings and the eagerly anticipated Friday happy hour, our design aimed to create a welcoming haven for this active and sociable group of retirees. Wainuiomata has a strong sense of community in which the locals take great pride in being a part of. Responding to this was essential to the brief by paying close attention to the geographic features, history and cultural significance of Wainuiomata as a place. To complement these features, the interior design works as an extension of the outside; the palette is inspired by the raw materials, colours and robust forms seen in the nearby natural environment. Moments of forest greens are featured in the joinery and wall colours, paired with warm timber accents and stony textures on the servery benchtops and fireplace surrounds. Grooved details on the wall panelling and intricately woven textures in the furniture upholstery further add to the refined rustic feel.

The brief was to provide a contemporary four bedroom home with two living spaces with rooms taking advantage of the magnificent sea views. Photography by DRAW Photography Ltd

Client: Private Residence In London Brief: To supply & install grey carpet to stairs as runner
Staircase - mid-sized transitional carpeted u-shaped wood railing staircase idea in London with carpeted risers

The End of the Ultra-Slim Wedding Suit For several years, men’s formalwear was dominated by narrow lapels, short jackets and trousers cut close to the leg. The style created a sharp outline, but it often left little room for sitting, dancing or eating comfortably. Current tailoring is moving towards a more balanced shape, with cleaner shoulders, a defined waist and trousers that follow the leg without gripping it.This change does not mean that wedding suits have become oversized. The newer approach sits between skinny and loose. It keeps the structure expected of formal clothing while allowing the cloth to hang properly. For grooms, that balance is useful during a day that may involve a ceremony, photographs, dinner and several hours on the dance floor. Look For Shape Rather Than Tightness A well-fitted suit should create a clear outline without relying on tension. Collections of Marc Darcy suits include tailored three-piece designs, checks and textured fabrics that suit the current preference for visible structure and considered proportions. The jacket should sit close enough to define the waist, but the front button should fasten without pulling the cloth into an X-shaped crease. At the shoulders, the seam should finish close to the natural shoulder point. Extra width can make the jacket look borrowed, while a shoulder that is too narrow may cause the upper sleeve to collapse. Fit should be assessed while moving as well as standing. Reach forward, sit down and raise both arms. A tailored jacket will never feel like casual sportswear, but it should allow the groom to carry out ordinary movements without sharp restriction across the back or chest. Give The Jacket Enough Length Very short suit jackets became common alongside skinny trousers, but they can disrupt the proportions of a three-piece outfit. If the jacket finishes too high, the waistcoat may appear longer than the outer layer and the trousers may look as though they begin too low. A more traditional jacket length usually covers most of the seat and divides the body more evenly. This can make the legs appear longer without shortening the jacket excessively. The correct length depends on height and body proportions, so two men wearing the same chest size may still need different jacket lengths. View the suit from the back and side rather than relying on a front-facing mirror. The vents should lie flat, and the hem should not lift away from the body. A side photograph can reveal an unbalanced jacket more clearly than the changing-room mirror. Choose Trousers That Fall Cleanly The move away from very tight tailoring is most noticeable in suit trousers. A modern tailored leg can still be neat at the ankle, but it should provide enough room through the seat and thigh for the fabric to fall without horizontal lines. Trouser pockets offer a useful fit check. If they pull open while standing, the waist or hips may be too tight. The fly should lie flat, and the waistband should remain in place without depending on an overtightened belt. Higher-rise trousers can work particularly well with a waistcoat because they reduce the chance of shirt fabric appearing between the two pieces. The hem should make gentle contact with the shoe rather than gathering heavily around it. A short hem can work with narrow trousers but taking it too far may make the suit look dated once the current cropped style moves on. A slight break is easier to wear with different formal shoes and tends to look balanced in full-length wedding photographs. Let The Waistcoat Support the Silhouette A waistcoat adds structure through the centre of the outfit, but only when it fits correctly. It should lie flat against the shirt and cover the trouser waistband. Tightening the back strap cannot correct a waistcoat that is the wrong size or too short. Current three-piece styling often places greater emphasis on the waistcoat. Double-breasted designs, contrasting fabrics and wider openings can distinguish the groom without requiring a brightly coloured jacket. When the groom removes the jacket later, the waistcoat keeps the outfit looking complete. Allow room for a full meal and several hours of wear. A waistcoat that feels acceptably close during a brief fitting may become uncomfortable at dinner. Sit down with every button fastened and check whether the lower edge presses into the waist or causes the front to bow. Use Stronger Lapels Carefully Wider notch and peak lapels are returning after years of extremely narrow designs. A broader lapel can frame the shirt and tie, balance the shoulders and give the jacket a more formal character. Peak lapels create a particularly strong line on double-breasted jackets and evening suits. The lapel width should still suit the wearer. A very broad lapel can overwhelm a smaller frame, while an extremely narrow one may look out of proportion on a broad chest. The shirt collar, tie width and lapel should relate to one another without matching exactly. A wider lapel also leaves less need for decorative extras. A simple buttonhole flower or plain pocket square may be enough. Large lapel pins can crowd the upper part of the jacket, especially when the cloth already contains a check. Avoid Buying According to the Size Label Alone The same labelled size can fit differently across designs because cut, fabric and construction affect the garment. Begin with accurate chest, waist, inside-leg and approximate jacket-length measurements. Compare those figures with the retailer’s size information rather than ordering the size worn in another brand without checking. If the jacket fits at the shoulders but needs slight shaping through the waist, a tailor can often make the adjustment. Sleeves and trouser hems are also commonly altered. Major changes to the shoulder line or jacket length are more difficult and may not be economical. Do not choose the smallest size that can be fastened. A suit that looks tight in the fitting room is unlikely to become more comfortable during a long wedding day. Cloth should skim the body and return to a clean position after movement. Balance a checked suit with simple styling Texture and checks remain popular in wedding tailoring, particularly for country houses, converted barns and traditional venues. These fabrics already add depth to the outfit, so the cut should remain controlled and the accessories relatively quiet. A plain white, pale blue or cream shirt gives a checked suit a clear foundation. Choose a tie from one of the secondary colours in the cloth rather than introducing another strong pattern. A white pocket square works when the suit contains several shades and does not need further decoration. Shoes should support the proportions of the trousers. A very slim shoe may appear too small beneath a fuller hem, while a heavy casual sole can pull attention away from the tailoring. Oxfords, Derbies and refined brogues usually provide enough visual weight without looking bulky. Coordinate the wedding party without forcing one fit Matching groomsmen suits can become difficult when every member of the party has a different build. Insisting on an identical close fit may leave some men comfortable and others visibly restricted. A better approach is to keep the cloth, colour and main design consistent while adjusting jacket and trouser sizes for each person. The groom can stand apart through a waistcoat, lapel shape or accessory rather than wearing a suit cut much tighter than everyone else. This creates a connection across the group without treating one silhouette as suitable for every body. Arrange fittings early enough to identify size and alteration issues. Group orders should be checked well before the wedding, particularly when trousers need hemming or jackets require sleeve adjustments. Each person should try the complete outfit with the intended shirt and shoes. Judge the suit by the whole day A wedding fitting often lasts less than half an hour, while the suit may be worn for twelve hours or more. Comfort should therefore be tested under realistic conditions. Sit for several minutes, walk upstairs and check the waistband after moving around. Pay attention to the parts that cannot be seen clearly in a mirror. The collar should remain close to the shirt at the back of the neck. Jacket vents should not pull apart, and the trouser seat should follow the body without sagging or strain. The current move towards balanced tailoring gives grooms more room to choose clothes that look formal without feeling restrictive. Clean shoulders, a shaped jacket and trousers with a natural fall will outlast extreme proportions. A suit that allows the groom to stand, sit and celebrate comfortably is also more likely to look composed in photographs taken throughout the day.