Herne Bay Road House

Built on a corner site with a pleasant, northwest aspect, this run-down but handsome square front villa had an excellent aspect, good access to light – and a footprint that offered almost enough space, with more to be found in the careful reorganisation of circulation – rethinking bedroom and bathroom access to enhance privacy and create a retreat-like ambience, rather than compromising it within the compact footprint has been one key move.

The interior was also an opportunity to acknowledge heritage, with beautifully crafted timber panelling wrapping throughout the home, becoming part of the furniture and storage in places, and celebrating graceful curves that attract a trailing hand.

The objective of this project was to heighten the luxury of experience, rather than the size of the experience. Every surface has been textured and crafted. In particular, the kitchen is defined by elegant solutions for exceptional compact living. The island is a custom designed, gracefully curved plinth. And the stone slab that extends from floor to ceiling is both a dramatic visual anchor and a vehicle for the neat division of space, with one rear niche accommodating a small scullery, for the business of cooking to be concealed, the other a fully built-in laundry.

Photography by Sam Hartnett

2021 Best Awards - Gold, Residential Interior Architecture category