From our “Art Deco Gem” project in Richmond

Renovations don’t always begin with a blank slate. More often, homeowners come to us mid-build, overwhelmed by decisions, running short on time, and unsure how to bring the old and new parts of their home into harmony. That was exactly the case for this Richmond family. Their ground-floor extension was already underway, choices were piling up, and the beautiful Art Deco character of the original house risked getting lost in the momentum of the modern addition.

They knew how they wanted the space to feel, but turning that feeling into a cohesive palette, functional layout and unified aesthetic had become stressful. This is precisely where mid-build support becomes one of our most valuable services.

1. The Challenge: A Build Already Running, A Vision Not Yet Clear

The property presented a wonderful mix: a graceful Art Deco front reception transitioning into a new, light-filled extension. But without a design lead, the kitchen, dining and living areas were beginning to feel disjointed. Decisions were being made in isolation, and the clients described themselves as “lost in the details” – a common and completely understandable experience during a fast-moving build.

Our task was clear:

Bring clarity, protect the essence of the home, and create a bold yet timeless vision that would connect every space from front to back.

2. The Strategy: Unifying the Ground Floor With Purpose, Flow and Personality

To anchor the entire floor, we developed a design strategy that balanced the rich history of the house with the clean lines of the new architecture.

Blending Old and New Through Craft and Colour

One of the first steps was restoring and redefining the foundation of the house: the flooring.

We sanded and sealed the original Art Deco parquet flooring, bringing back its warmth and craftsmanship. From here, we designed a sequence of considered floor transitions that acted almost like a narrative through the ground floor – original parquet moving into a crisp, modern geometric tile in the kitchen, then shifting into a deep, modern wood floor in the living space.

This progression doesn’t just look beautiful, it provides a subtle but powerful visual bridge between eras, ensuring neither the heritage nor the extension feels abrupt or disconnected.

A Bold Modern Palette That Respects the Past

The clients were drawn to modern, confident colours, and we embraced that.

A palette built around navy cabinetry, warm greys, brass accents and playful red lighting created a bold modern look – but always in conversation with the home’s Art Deco architecture. Instead of replicating period details like the original fireplace, we reinterpreted them: curved silhouettes, elegant lines, tactile finishes and a richness in tone that echoed the original era without slipping into pastiche.

Supporting Real Family Living

Great design must live as well as it looks. Durable materials, thoughtful zoning and layered lighting were essential to ensure the ground floor felt elegant but never precious. Every element was scaled to the architecture, from pendant lights to furniture proportions, creating a layout that supports everyday and social living effortlessly.

3. Turning the Vision Into Something Tangible

With the direction aligned, we produced moodboards, detailed layouts, material samples and a full lighting strategy.

This is the stage clients often find transformative, when abstract ideas become something real, cohesive and easy to visualise. Seeing how colours, textures and shapes communicate with one another brought instant clarity.

4. Sourcing & Specification: High-Impact Choices, Zero Overwhelm

Mid-build leaves little room for hesitation, so we honed the options to a concise, high-impact edit:

•  A contemporary kitchen in navy, grey and crisp worktops

•  Red sculptural pendants providing a joyful, modern contrast

•  A solid oak sideboard paired with an elegant mid-century Halabala chair

•  Velvet curtains and textured accessories to soften the architectural lines

•  Brass hardware and lighting to subtly honour the Art Deco heritage

We paired investment pieces, items that would set the tone and last for years, with savvy, budget-conscious selections in areas with less visual weight.

5. The Result: Modern Warmth, Historic Character and Seamless Flow

Through tight coordination with the contractors, we ensured every detail aligned with the refined design. The completed ground floor now feels unified, soulful and modern, with a natural flow from the restored historic reception room through the kitchen and into the bright new extension.

Most importantly, the family saw their personal style reflected back at them but elevated and more harmonious than they could achieve alone.

If You’re Mid-Build and Feeling Overwhelmed…

You’re not behind.  You’re exactly where many homeowners find themselves. And it’s never too late to bring in expert support. Some of our most impactful transformations begin when we step in mid-build.

If you’d like clarity, confidence and a beautifully connected home, we’d love to help.

Explore the full Art Deco Gem project on our website, or book a Discovery Call to get started.