BATHROOMS & KITCHENS been touched in around 30 years. There were trees growing through the rear entrance and even plants in the bathtub! Despite that, I immediately saw the potential— it just needed vision and care.
WHAT WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES YOU ENCOUNTERED DURING THE RENOVATION?
The biggest hurdle was navigating the layout. Over the years, it had been changed in a piecemeal way, there were two kitchens, awkwardly placed bedrooms on the ground floor for live-in carers, and a layout that didn’ t make sense. We needed to strip it back and rethink the entire floorplan. Structurally, we made major changes, including adding a second floor where there had been a mezzanine, updating all plumbing and electrical systems, and repositioning windows to bring in light and symmetry. Since the property sits within a conservation area, we had to approach external changes sensitively, but we were able to redesign the front porch to better suit the home’ s character.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE FINISHED INTERIOR?
The result is calm, classic and deeply rooted in its surroundings. We kept the palette soft and neutral, inspired by the surrounding countryside. Natural
textures feature throughout, for example, we used tumbled limestone flagstones across much of the ground floor to ground the space and create a sense of lived-in authenticity. The kitchen cabinetry was painted in a muted, chalky tone to sit harmoniously with the rest of the scheme. In the sitting room, we used Farrow & Ball’ s‘ Dead Salmon’ on the walls and added natural raffia wallpaper behind the cabinetry to give texture and depth. With the addition of a log burner and a sisal carpet, it feels warm, welcoming and perfectly suited to family life.
HOW DID YOU TAILOR THE DESIGN TO SUIT THE LIFESTYLE OF THE FAMILY LIVING THERE?
Function always comes first. This is a busy family with teenagers and a dog, so we needed to choose finishes and materials that would stand the test of daily life. We designed bespoke joinery and ensured
every room had both purpose and comfort. Nothing is too precious, but everything feels intentional and inviting. For us, it’ s always about finding the sweet spot between practicality and beauty.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING A FULL RENOVATION PROJECT?
Be brave— but get your team in early. An experienced interior designer can work closely with your architect, builders and trades from the outset, helping you make decisions on layout, lighting, finishes and flow before the work even begins. This avoids costly changes down the line and ensures the whole vision comes together smoothly. If a property speaks to you, there’ s often a reason, it just might need a little imagination to bring it to life.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR CREATING A TIMELESS INTERIOR?
Keep your colour choices classic— soft neutrals and muted, earthy tones tend to stand the test of time. Then layer in natural materials like wood, linen and stone to add texture and interest. The key is to create a balance— tonal depth, subtle contrast and thoughtful layering will always make a space feel timeless and well-resolved.
WHAT DEFINES A“ CLAIRE GARNER” HOME?
We take a personal, down-to-earth approach to every project. It starts with understanding our clients, how they live, what they value and how they want their home to feel. We work collaboratively to design interiors that are deeply individual yet practical, reflecting their lifestyle in every detail.
Our studio is known for creating warm, authentic spaces that feel like home. We take great care with every decision, from layout and lighting to furniture and finishes, making sure it all comes together in a way that feels effortless and meaningful. Most importantly, we build lasting relationships with our clients. Renovating a home is a journey, and we’ re here to guide and support that process from start to finish.
Claire Garner Interior Design Studio 01442 801220 clairegarner. com
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