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Case Study: Sweet Caroline

Designed for Living: A Multifunctional Family Home


Brick townhouse with white-framed windows, red roof, and TV antennas. Black door, small garden with potted plants in front. Cloudy sky.

In the heart of West London’s vibrant Queensway, Sweet Caroline provides a sanctuary for a busy family of five. Its design responds to the pace and density that define central London living, transforming a typical London residence into a calming refuge. The project is characterised by practical functionality, flowing spaces, increased light, warm minimalism, and aesthetic harmony.


This full internal renovation goes beyond a mere facelift. Sweet Caroline represents a complete spatial reconfiguration. With a design language that speaks in neutral tones, gentle curves, and thoughtfully layered lighting, the project is infused with a sense of serenity and design harmony. Designed for living: a multifunctional family home.


The Brief


Our clients requested a comprehensive interior redesign that included a new staircase, en-suite bathroom, refurbished bathrooms, a new utility room, and a full home cinema.


Before and After


Bedroom with a double bed and white duvet, light beige carpet, patterned curtains, and two bedside tables. Walls are light gray.


A cozy bedroom with a gold bed, pale pink bedding, an ornate turquoise desk, round mirror, pink chair, and soft beige curtains.

When we arrived on site, we found a property that was gloomy, dark and poorly laid out. Badly lit enclosed spaces, mismatched flooring and small windows resulted in a home that lacked natural light, functionality and a coherent design.


The Challenges


Beige painted wooden staircase with angled steps, leading upwards. Wooden floor below with a white wall and railing beside the stairs.

The staircase presented the main challenge for this project. The goal was to create a striking stairway within a compact area.


In response, we created a bespoke staircase that transforms functional transitions into stylish sculptural moments. Rather than remaining enclosed, the new custom-made staircase is a central element that contributes to the open, connected feel of the home.


With space at a premium, we worked with Stala Antoniades Architects to make use of every available inch using careful spatial planning and interior design. A boxed space above the stairs both fits and conceals the sink area in the master en-suite, providing a clever space-saving solution.


Blurred person descending modern wooden stairs with black railings. Minimalist interior with beige walls and wood paneling, calm atmosphere.

The second biggest challenge was accommodating extensive AV requirements, particularly to facilitate the home cinema. A custom-designed TV surround with acoustically transparent fabric conceals the technology without affecting its performance. The AV requirements are concealed while the aesthetic is maintained.


Cozy living room with gray sectional sofa, colorful pillows, and framed photos on the wall. Warm lighting and modern decor create a relaxed vibe.

Harmonious Space


At its core, Sweet Caroline is an expression of harmony not just of space or light, but also of feeling. From the moment you step inside, there's a sense of calm.


Circular skylight and glowing wall sconce light a staircase with vertical striped walls. Minimalist, modern ambiance with a warm tone.

The architecture avoids abrupt transitions. Instead, the design employs sweeping lines and curved corners that soften the visual field and encourage a seamless circulation between rooms.


Light


Cozy room with a red lounge chair, a potted plant, and string lights outside a window. Soft lighting creates a serene atmosphere.

Light plays a critical role in the success of any London home, particularly one like Sweet Caroline, where natural daylight is a limited resource. The solution? Borrowed-light windows, internal apertures, and layered artificial lighting that come together to expand and uplift the space.


Windows and mirrors have been strategically placed throughout the home to diffuse daylight deep into interior spaces. Light is also used to reveal and celebrate architectural details, highlighting design elements.


Artificial lighting is layered and diverse, with warm recessed light, feature pendants, and concealed uplighting carefully integrated into the architecture. These variations create areas of intimacy and accentuation, allowing residents to set the tone of the home depending on time, mood, or activity.


Bespoke Design


Modern dining room with a wooden table, black chairs, and a red poinsettia. Glass doors lead to a garden. Neutral tones and plants add warmth.

Materials were selected not only for their practicality and aesthetic appeal. From muted oak to soft fabrics and brushed metal accents, every material contributes to a calming sensory experience. Finishes were chosen to absorb and reflect light in gentle ways, reinforcing the sense of tranquillity that defines the project.


Subtly patterned rugs, wall treatments, wallpapers, and panelling enrich the space, overlaying the neutral palette with tactile, textured moments and sculptural elements.


Importantly, nothing is loud or overly complicated. There are no harsh contrasts or competing elements. Everything is in dialogue, contributing to an atmosphere of cohesive calm and clarity.


Sanctuary


Urban patio with wooden planters, a tree, and tiled floor. Yellow buildings in the background. Calm, serene setting.

Sweet Caroline is a family home that responds thoughtfully to its location, its constraints, and most importantly, the lifestyle of its inhabitants.


Through flowing lines, curated light, and harmonious spatial relationships, Sweet Caroline brings a rare sense of peace to the heart of London.


Get in touch today to find out how we can help you transform your home through interior and architectural design.

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