SOUTHWOLD VILLA

When my client entrusted me with redesigning their grand Georgian villa, it had been stripped back to a shell—much of its original character lost over time. From the outset, we knew this would be a holiday let, so the brief was clear: it needed to feel both luxurious and full of personality.

I set out to reintroduce a sense of Georgian elegance, while layering in a more playful, unexpected edge. The challenge was creating something that felt grand and impressive, yet still warm, inviting, and practical.

In the living areas, I combined classic proportions and detailing with comfortable, stylish furnishings—pieces that nod to the Georgian era but feel relaxed enough for modern living. The centrepiece is an antique sofa, which I had reupholstered in Regency stripes, bringing a sense of history back into the room. I paired this with swaged linen striped curtains to enhance the period feel while keeping it soft and relaxed.

A palette of soft neutrals and rich, tactile fabrics creates warmth, while moments of quirkiness add character and individuality throughout.

Lighting played a huge role in shaping the atmosphere—almost all vintage chandeliers, carefully sourced to bring back that sense of grandeur while adding their own unique story to each room.

Elegant living room with beige paneled walls, a chandelier, striped curtains on glass doors, and various sofas with patterned pillows, a wooden coffee table, and framed photos on the walls.
Living room with two sofas, a coffee table with books and a vase of flowers, a fireplace with a mirror and decorative vases, framed photos on the wall, and a chalkboard.
A traditional living room with a beige and blue striped sofa adorned with multiple patterned cushions, a floral central cushion, and a matching curtain on the left. The room features a patterned area rug and a wall with six framed black-and-white pictures arranged in two rows, six frames in total. To the right is a white fireplace mantel with a porcelain vase on top.
Decorative throw pillows on a sofa, one pillow with a floral and butterfly pattern and two with a green geometric pattern, dark blue sofa, white paneled wall in the background.
A bedroom with a white bed, gray pillows, two lamps on side tables, framed pictures on the walls, and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
A dining room with a wooden table set with plates, napkins, wine glasses, and a floral centerpiece. The room features dark blue wainscoting, beige walls, and sheer curtains on the windows. There are chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and a kitchen area with red cabinets and a marble countertop at the back.
Elegant living room with beige paneled walls, a chandelier, a mirror above a fireplace, framed photos on the wall, a flat-screen TV, a floral sofa, a striped sofa with pillows, and a coffee table with books and a vase of flowers.
A living room with a navy blue velvet sofa adorned with decorative pillows, a patterned rug, a paneled wall with four framed black-and-white artworks, two wall-mounted lamps, and a radiator on the right.
A vintage-style bedroom with a white bed, beige walls, framed pictures, wooden furniture, and a chandelier.
A dining room with a long wooden table set for a meal, surrounded by six chairs. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The room has teal walls with decorative plates and framed pictures, large window with curtains, and a door at the back.
Double vanity bathroom with marble countertop, two oval sinks, two gold faucets, two mirrors, a central soap dispenser, and a wall-mounted light fixture
View of a bedroom with three beds, striped wallpaper, and a chandelier in a house.
A vintage bathroom vanity with two sinks, white marble countertop, and brass faucets. Two mirrors are hung above with brass hanging rods and a decorative small wall hanging in between. The room has beige beadboard walls, a large window with sheer curtains, and a radiator to the right.
Two single beds with ornate wooden headboards in a cozy bedroom, separated by a small wooden bedside table, with blue and white striped wallpaper and yellow bedding.
A cozy bedroom with a bed dressed in white and blue linens, decorated with multiple pillows, flanked by nightstands with lamps, a window letting in natural light, framed artwork on the walls, a chandelier, and a patterned chair in the corner.
A narrow staircase with a beige carpet and a brass handrail on the left side, leading up to a small landing decorated with a large, ornate oval mirror on the back wall. The walls are painted a warm terracotta color and are adorned with framed photographs or artwork. An elegant chandelier hangs from the ceiling at the top of the stairs.