Full-house refresh for a Cambridge family home
My clients had lived in their Cambridge home for over twenty years, raising two sons through all the wonderful chaos that comes with children. Their semi-detached property had plenty of space and character, but after two decades of family living they wanted to create a more cohesive and intentional interior design.
SERVICES
Full interior design service
Space planning
Layout drawings
3D visualisations
Lighting design
Comprehensive specification of all products and finishes
Furniture sourcing
On-site support during implementation
THE CHALLENGE
Like many busy households, the client’s interiors had evolved organically - a mix of practical high street pieces and much-loved finds that served their purpose but never quite came together.
Now, with their children grown and flown, the couple were ready to transform this happy house into a more grown-up space that retained its vibrant character. They approached Feioi looking for support to be brave with their choices and create interiors that felt both sophisticated and fun.
OUR DESIGN APPROACH
-
Following completion of a new extension, the first phase began with a kitchen that would become the heart of the home. Taking time to get to know the couple, I explored how they like to cook and the routine of their mornings before drawing up a design that would balance function with style.
A bespoke breakfast unit with pocket doors houses the coffee machine and extensive tea collection, keeping everything accessible for leisurely weekend breakfasts.
The generous island features a small prep sink, perfect for washing vegetables while watching TV during preparations for dinner, while a partner cooks at the hob behind. A separate main sink means someone can always make tea without interrupting the washing up and the spacious pantry provides abundant, organised storage.
Drawing on colours from nature produces a feeling both impactful and welcoming. Bold green cabinetry paired with burnt orange tiles creates a dramatic yet surprisingly warm palette.
-
In the front room and snug, favourite existing furniture was combined with carefully sourced vintage pieces, including a beautiful mid-century sideboard. New sofas, rugs, cushions and thoughtfully displayed artwork brought everything together in a cohesive design.
Small but clever details transformed the previously underused and forgotten snug into the couple’s favourite room for relaxation. Asymmetrical bespoke joinery and a wrap-around mantle shelf balance the space, while pulling furniture away from the walls created an intimate, cosy feel. The built-in media unit subtly angles the TV for better viewing from anywhere in the room.
-
The downstairs cloakroom and bedroom ensuite have been refreshed with clean and functional design, while playful tiles and wallpaper inject personality and echo the confident colour palette of the home.
THE TRANSFORMATION
The couple placed complete trust in the Feioi design approach, even when the vision was still taking shape. Their willingness to be brave with colour and embrace the process has resulted in a home that’s sophisticated, functional and refreshingly un-boring.
This revitalised central Cambridge home works as beautifully for Saturday morning coffee as it does for entertaining friends on a Friday night.
“Taking on the design and redecoration of a large part of our house after building work was a daunting task. Jennifer was recommended to us by a friend and we knew from our first meeting that we would work well together. She took time to listen and understand how we wanted to use the rooms.
Jennifer interpreted our discussion into flexible, zoned areas for cooking, dining, and relaxing, with electrical and lighting layouts to match. She suggested a great colour scheme, and sourced lighting, furniture, and accessories that all worked together brilliantly.”
Photography by: Studio Florere