Architect-Designed Home
Bringing warmth and personality to a striking modern home
We were invited to help Claire & Stewart settle into their stunning seven-bedroom architect-designed home in Saffron Walden. While the property was beautifully crafted, its striking modern architecture and expansive spaces initially felt empty, and their existing furniture didn’t sit well within the vast interiors — particularly the dramatic hallway. The couple knew they wanted the main spaces to feel “WOW” but weren’t sure how to achieve it alone, or where to start with art, styling, or layout.
To bring their home to life, we carefully balanced respect for the architectural shell with practical, liveable design:
Main Hallway & Statement Features:
We transformed the vast entrance with a striking light feature suspended in the void, visible from the approach to the house. A bespoke mild steel handrail was designed for the staircase — elegant, slender, and comfortable to use — adding human scale without detracting from the architectural beauty.
Tailored Nooks & Functional Spaces:
The hallway, stairs, and landing were made more inviting with a study nook and library corner, complete with custom bookshelves. Window dressings and carefully considered lighting were added throughout to enhance comfort and cohesion across the main spaces.
Luxury & Lifestyle Enhancements:
The master ensuite was reimagined as a luxury hotel-style retreat, offering a serene space to unwind while overlooking the generous grounds.
Across the home, furniture, rugs, lighting, bespoke storage and shelving, curtains, blinds, artwork, styling accessories, and plants were thoughtfully layered to bring personality, cohesion, and warmth.
The result is a home that honours its architectural pedigree while feeling entirely personal and inviting.
The space was ‘wow’ but when we put our things in, it looked rubbish. The hallway seemed a bit like a vase empty aircraft hangar. We didn’t have art, we didn’t have the right furniture and I didn’t really know what to do with it so hence it was “Kate - HELP!”
Claire
Would you recommend working with An Artful Life?
Absolutely. It makes you come up with ideas that you’ve never thought of and see things differently. The hall stairs and landing are probably my favourite areas, but there’s little bits like my study nook and the reading area - they’re just really nice spaces and even if you’re not sitting in it, it just makes me smile, I can see it from everywhere. Its great!
Claire
Take the first step to an Artfully Transformed home that you love with our Project Guidance Pack. Select Free Guide and receive the first section free.
