Harmonising History and Modern Comfort in a Grade II Listed Cornwall Manor House

Preserving the essence of historical architecture while infusing modern comfort poses a unique challenge, particularly in Grade II listed estates like this one nestled in the serene landscapes of Cornwall. Such estates, steeped in history, demand careful consideration to maintain their character while accommodating contemporary lifestyles.

Honouring Heritage

The interior design journey of this Cornwall estate began with a deep reverence for its historical significance. Collaborating closely with the estate’s owner, our design team embarked on striking a balance between honouring the estate’s past and meeting the demands of modern-day living.

Our initial phase involved an extensive assessment of the estate’s existing interior elements. We meticulously examined the layout, architectural intricacies, and historic features, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the space’s unique character.

Fortunately, the estate had undergone significant restoration efforts in the past, preserving original features such as fireplaces, mouldings, and windows. This allowed our focus to shift towards integrating the owner’s vision seamlessly into the historical backdrop.

Infusing Culture with a Vibrant Palette

The palette of colours chosen for this venture was to exude happiness and vibrancy, each shade meticulously selected with the principles of feng shui in mind. The intention was to seamlessly weave the clients’ rich cultural heritage into the very fabric of the house’s historical background.

The creative journey we thus embarked on was to bridge cultural nuances and local essence. With an artistic nod to the property’s Cornwall surroundings, we wanted to create an ambiance that resonated with the locale. Drawing from this inspiration, hand-painted wall coverings were crafted to blend local natural imagery, such as native butterflies. This fusion of cultures formed the backbone of our design, reflecting the interplay between the homeowners’ roots and their new homes historical context.

With over 25 rooms, precision in colour and tone was paramount. Our task involved infusing each room with a distinct look, an individual identity. Thus, unique designs ensured that no two spaces mirrored each other.

Embracing Nature

“Home sweet home” is more than simply a throwaway line. The implication being that no matter what, regardless of your type of residence, your home is your refuge. As such, your home is much more than bricks and mortar. It is the area in which you live, the people in your community, and native local wildlife. It is a collection of memories, influenced not only by where we live but where we have lived previously. All of which comes together to remind us that your home is who you are, not where you are. No matter what direction the interior design process takes you, it is only natural that you would want your house to reflect your home.⁣

And it is in nature that we found our jumping off point. Combining the Greek words “bio” meaning “life” and “philia” meaning “love”, biophilia can be interpreted as meaning more than a connection with nature and the living world. What is to say that a love of organic life can not be incorporated into the interior design process?

It should come as no surprise then that at the heart of our inspiration for this Grade II listed refurbishment, lay the heritage of the house and its verdant surroundings. The exterior of the property, with its trees, flora, and fauna, served as a wellspring of creativity. We sought to capture this exterior allure and weave it into the interior space. With trees, plants, flowers, and creatures native to the region found within the property’s very own garden, these quickly became integral elements of our design narrative. Translating them onto the interior walls and canvases, as was the case in the kitchen and dining area, was a delight.⁣

This project exemplifies the unique challenge presented by balancing historical significance with preservation requirements. By seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary design, our studio team transformed this Grade II listed Manor House into a vibrant homage to the owner’s vision and cultural roots with a design that is equal parts traditional and innovative. Through meticulous attention to detail and a keen sensitivity to the client’s aspirations, we created a home that not only meets but exceeds the client’s expectations. Luxurious interior design, when executed with precision and creativity has the power to truly transform a space. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together.