Lewes, East Sussex: Master Wing of a five-bedroom Edwardian House—Full refurb with a contemporary yet timeless twist

Having bought the house in 2005 and never having completed their own bedroom, this couple wanted a space that reflected their taste.

Brief: Create a modern, calm and fresh space they could retire to for some peace and tranquillity

Style: Contemporary with a traditional twist

Services: Project Coordination, Design concepts and moodboards, Lighting and Electrical plans, Joinery Design, Bathroom design.

This stunning Edwardian house nestles in the picturesque town of Lewes, East Sussex, offering a perfect canvas for a complete transformation of the master wing. The clients, who acquired the property in 2000, had diligently renovated the entire house but never completed the master wing. It was now time to create a space that truly reflected their refined taste and provided them with a sanctuary of modernity, calmness and freshness.

Bathroom with Edwardian-style window and lighting

A contemporary space with a timeless twist

The design concept for this project was to create a contemporary space with an additional twist, merging timeless elegance with modern elements. The aim was to achieve a harmonious balance between classic aesthetics and a fresh, inviting atmosphere.

The master bedroom, with its north-facing windows, presented an opportunity to create a tranquil retreat. The room now exudes a sense of relaxation by selecting a calm neutral palette and incorporating earthy tones while seamlessly integrating the breath-taking views of the South Downs.

We implemented a clever solution to showcase the client's love for books, stacking them under a bench at the end of the bed. This created an artful display and added character to the space. Upholstering an old nursing chair with a modern fabric gave it a new lease of life, providing a cosy reading nook for the clients.

Maximising natural light

The en-suite bathroom, which had east-facing windows, was designed to maximise natural light and provide a seamless transition from the bedroom. We configured the layout to optimise the stunning views of the South Downs, achieving a boutique-like ambience by incorporating luxurious fittings, high-quality materials, and thoughtful lighting design.

We developed a comprehensive lighting and electrical plan considering the different orientations of the bedroom, dressing room and bathroom windows. Each space was treated individually, ensuring the right ambience and functionality. Thoughtful placement of lighting fixtures, including task, accent, and ambient lighting, enhanced the overall design and created a cohesive atmosphere.

Dressing room mirror, looking into the bedroom

Custom doors for freshness and clarity

Custom design doors were incorporated to bring a sense of freshness and clarity to the dressing room. These doors provided a seamless transition for the bedroom and contributed to the overall cohesive design. The joinery design focused on functionality and aesthetics, ensuring ample storage solutions were integrated.

Overseeing the project from start to finish

I was asked to oversee the entire project from start to finish, providing project coordination services. I managed contractors' supplies and timelines, ensuring a smooth and efficient execution of the design vision.

Similarly, I was responsible for sourcing and supplying furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) to streamline the project and maintain a cohesive design. Careful consideration was given to selecting pieces that complemented the overall design aesthetic, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious look and feel throughout the master wing.

A space my clients rarely want to leave

By implementing these designs, strategies and services, the master wing of this Edwardian house in Lewes, East Sussex, was transformed from an eclectic space into a haven of modernity and tranquillity in style. The clients finally have a master bedroom that they can unwind in, with a design that surpassed their expectations and quickly became a space they rarely want to leave.