Award-winning interior design practice, Design by UBER, revelled in the creative challenge of completely transforming this property into the very epitome of stylish family living

Design by UBER are renowned for creating stunning homes which they deliver with creative flair, panache and infinite attention to detail.  With this enviable reputation preceding them, they were commissioned to undertake a full renovation and refurbishment of a Georgian style property. While elegant in style the house was somewhat dated and required a complete overhaul to transform it into a home suited to contemporary family living. 

The brief was relatively minimal and simply required the design to allow for a contemporary and informal lifestyle, suited to the needs of a couple and their young children. The Design by UBER team felt that a scheme in a classic contemporary style would complement the aesthetics of the property. While allowing for a subtle sub-text of underlying elegance, it would also deliver the functional practicality of informal living. Both the interior and exterior of the property needed extensive modernisation and attention was initially focused on the façade of the house. By replacing the existing mock period windows with contemporary sash windows in anthracite grey, a sleek and contemporary look was delivered, having an immediate effect on the property’s kerb appeal.

Within the property, very little adaptation to the flow through the space was required, however, at the rear of the house, Design by UBER altered a rather dark kitchen extension by replacing the existing patio doors with contemporary bi-folding doors. This utterly transformed the room, flooding it with natural light and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor area. The newly configured room allowed for a sociable open plan kitchen, informal dining as well as a family room area. Situated at the back of the property, with views over the garden and adjacent countryside, it is a space that has been designed to be the heart and soul of the home.

Originally the kitchen units were secreted away in one corner of the room, the new design integrated the kitchen into the wider space, ensuring that it works as both a functional and sociable area. The statement cabinetry is in a classic contemporary design with shaker style doors and, in keeping with the family’s desire for informality, it incorporates a feature island and attractively curved booth seating which is perfect for family dining.

The island is finished in a rich shade of dark grey which is offset to perfection by the rest of the cabinetry in off white. Industrial style pendant lighting strategically positioned above the island, dining area and within the family room adds a contemporary touch, while comfortable curved armchairs in the family area subtly reference the round table in the dining space. The Design by UBER team dressed the space with accessories in accents of ocre to bring fresh vibrancy to the schem

The hallway is always an essential part of any home refurbishment as it offers a first and enduring impression. In this case, the entrance hall sits in a central position on the ground floor and has been remodelled to create a statement entrance, perfectly in keeping with such an elegant house. The main focal point is a magnificent feature chandelier consisting of a glass globe surrounded by threaded glass which is styled to create the illusion of spun silk.

Another area of particular note is the lounge, which the team designed as a rich and classically luxurious space while also taking care to retain a feeling of comfortable informality. The focal point of the room is a feature low-level box fire which sits on a marble plinth. Soothing neutral tones form the basis of the scheme, with a faux silk carpet and mottled satin curtains both in silvery tones, while depth and sophistication have been added with accents of navy blue which feature throughout the soft furnishings. The space has been dressed with accessories designed to lift and soften it, making it appear instantly “lived in”. Upon the walls are pieces of abstract art which have been thoughtfully selected to complement the pre-existing artwork.

The aim of this design scheme was to create the perfect family home and, as such, the children’s spaces within the house are especially noteworthy.  Their playroom, on the ground floor of the house, offers a colourful sensory experience designed to encourage learning through creative play. The space houses an eclectic mix of colours with doors to the cabinetry painted in a variety of colours which are complemented by feature multi-coloured lighting. 

The children’s bedrooms on the upper floors are all conceived with very clear identities which, while reflective of each child’s personality and age, are also designed with longevity in mind. The vision was to design rooms which had the scope to be able to mature alongside the children. So while a bedroom in pink and white tones, bedecked with a healthy dose of sparkles and a feature corona over the bed is surely every little girl’s dream, it has been designed so that the accessories and colour tones can easily and inexpensively be updated over time yet the bespoke cabinetry and window treatments will stand the test of time. Focusing on more primary colours for the little boy’s bedroom, this was designed in bold white, red and blue. 

Reflective of the fact that he is slightly older, the room is adorned with wire-framed lamps, bean bags and features a dedicated lego station! A further bedroom has been designed for a teenager and is styled with distressed wood and metal finishes, offering a contemporary, industrial feel. A Velux Cabrio balcony system has been fitted in this room to make maximum use of the balcony space and allow natural light to flood into the room. 

The master suite is always a central part of any interior design scheme, and the team at Design by UBER aimed to create a suite in this home which would offer a haven of serenity. They have designed the bedroom in calming neutral tones of silvery grey while a bespoke upholstered headboard in silver velvet has been placed in such a position as to draw the eye without overpowering the space. There is a sense that every element in the room works in harmony to create an experience of overwhelming tranquillity. Scatter cushions and occasional chairs in shades of mauve add a delicacy to the look.  Beyond the dressing room, which is styled with simple and elegant shaker style cabinetry, the en suite bathroom features a steam shower, free-standing bath and double vanity.

On the second floor, secluded from the rest of the house sits a home office which has been designed with an exquisitely feminine touch. Design by UBER chose wood finishes, and muted tones of pale grey to set the tone, while accents of blush have been used to add a lightness of touch to the space. Desiring an uncluttered look, the team opted for a contemporary desk in a praline grey finish featuring simple, classic lines which sit in pride of place while occasional tables with marble tops add a touch of finesse to the room. 

A project such as this represents a significant responsibility to create a home that fulfils and exceeds a clients’ vision. By delivering a sympathetic design scheme underpinned by a contemporary and neutral colour palette, Design by UBER created a home to be lived in. Consideration was given to every last detail, from the furniture selection - carefully curated from both well-known and boutique niche brands to the specially commissioned bespoke feature pieces to the soft furnishings and accessories all of which serve to perfectly complement both the property and the lifestyle of the family who lives there.  Design by UBER breathed new life into this property and created an exceptional contemporary family home in which to build new memories.

Design by UBER Chelford Road, Ollerton, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 8RY

t: 0333 220 5550 e: info@designbyuber.com