‘Our brief was to take inspiration from the new-build Georgian-style architecture, to reference classic Georgian interior details, and create a luxurious, warm and comfortable family home,’ explains Sophie Stevens, Creative Director of SGS Design. The result is a considered blend of old and new. ‘It’s Georgian with a touch of modern,’ explains Chantelle Turner, Senior Architectural Interior Designer. ‘We applied that logic when designing the architectural features - Georgian with a twist.’

Because the room proportions are so generous, SGS Design specified everything from plaster mouldings, joinery, furnishings and bathroom fittings with this in mind. The majority of the furniture, the stairs, doors and window frame joinery are bespoke, made to enlarged dimensions to ensure the scale of the design complements the property. The internal door ironmongery is Coniston Door Levers in Polished Nickel by Samuel Heath. ‘Aesthetically, the Samuel Heath ironmongery is one of the few options suitable for the bespoke, oversized doors that we used in this project,’ explains Sophie. ‘It’s essential the scale is right for the door proportions, so with the large-format levers and selection of rose sizes, we can combine the right products to achieve the look we’re after.’

The emphasis for the sociable clients was on entertaining extended family, friends and their children’s friends, so convivial seating spaces, an indoor swimming pool, gym and a basement housing a cinema room and a club were high on their wishlist. ‘There was a focus on having family time and being able to have everything in the house,’ says Sophie.

A pared-back palette of warm whites, soft greys and blue greys, with earthy accents, is an ode to neutrals, providing a calm, easy-on-the-eye interior that also succeeds in feeling cossetting and cosy. SGS Design are known for their expertise in blending materials, texture and colour, and bespoke furniture and joinery were layered with patterns and decorative finishes to bring interest to the muted schemes. Mohair and velvet fabrics inject sumptuous texture, linen textured wallpapers elicit a nuanced aesthetic on the walls, and curved furniture and detailing bring a softness that offsets the house’s clean lines. ‘The curve logic was applied consistently,’ explains Chantelle.

Natural materials such as richly hued woods, used on the flooring and joinery, are perfect for introducing warmth, while sumptuous stone evokes a sense of opulence. A resplendent limestone staircase, with classically elegant railings, curves gently upwards from the entrance hall, while exquisite marble is crafted into sleek fireplaces in the sitting and dining rooms. The dining room fireplace is carved from Palissandro Blue marble from Spain and it was the starting point for the scheme. ‘We selected the slab and it works really well with the warm colours and timbers, and soft grey-based blues in there,’ says Sophie. Marble also forms a focal point in the kitchen with an exquisitely veined marble island worktop, as well as statement marble-drenching in the bathrooms. ‘We like to have natural elements wherever we can. We’d always rather work with natural stone and marble if it’s possible - it’s a luxury that we get great pleasure from when we see it installed properly. You also know that no one else is going to have that piece,’ says Sophie.

As well as showcasing Samuel Heath ironmongery, the house also features Samuel Heath brassware in two of the adult children’s ensuites. ‘The client had previous experience with Samuel Heath products and they liked the style, wide selection of finishes and product quality,’ explains Sophie. ‘When we designed and specified the bathrooms for this project, the Forme collection was new to the market and we were excited to see the products installed. We haven’t been disappointed and continue to specify Forme with all the different formats and finish combinations available. Forme is lovely because it is a versatile design that seems to appeal to both a male and female dynamic and fits in any bathroom scheme, depending on the finish. You can also add finishes and textures to it to make it feel slightly different.’

In the daughter’s ensuite, a sophisticated and elegant aesthetic was required. Referencing the house’s Georgian architectural roots, deliciously glossy chain-marble-effect porcelain, with its soft grey veining, wraps the walls and floor, while a glass vanity elicits a contemporary feel. Our Classic Forme brassware in Brushed Gold Matt finish injects a glamorous jewel-like aesthetic and brings warmth to the scheme. The contemporary oval bath tub was elevated with the iconic Forme floorstanding bath/shower mixer, which the client instantly fell in love with. ‘They like everything chunky and that was quite a big item that was chosen quite early on in the project,’ says Chantelle.

In the son’s ensuite, the scheme is monochromatic and masculine, with alluring dark-veined Arabascato marble forming a wow factor backdrop and beautifully echoing the industrial-style black metal-framed shower screen and contemporary reeded black vanity. Our Speed Forme brassware in Matt Black was chosen to complement the dramatic aesthetic, with the gentle curves softening the scheme. ‘The levers and handles are all ergonomic to the touch, and the classic design will age well,’ says Sophie. ‘Throughout, we softened corners where we could to introduce a slight calmness. It’s also a Georgian empire reference – the columns and oval windows are details pulled into the interiors. It’s very subtle and not overstated and makes the schemes a little more feminine and flowing as well. In the son’s ensuite, where there is a masculine palette with darker accents, it’s nice to add a little softness.’

The carefully considered design by SGS Design has resulted in a sumptuous masterpiece beautifully tailored to the client’s lifestyle that marries the best of Georgian architecture with modern conveniences, yet its raison d'être as a sociable family home is at the heart of the project. ‘It’s one of those houses that although it’s immaculate and looks like nobody lives there, it’s definitely lived in and enjoyed by extended family and friends,’ says Sophie. ‘They live in it and they party in it and it hasn’t suffered as a result. The finishes all withstand that, and I think look even better with use.’