A house of restoration, romance and joyful reinvention. This project is Aly’s own home and the most personal canvas we’ve ever layered. Set within a handsome Victorian terrace in Leamington Spa, the house had unfortunately lost its architectural sparkle over time. We weren't looking for a structural rescue mission, but rather a central creative laboratory - a stepping stone to host impromptu gatherings, long wine-fueled evenings, and the happy overlap of design and daily life. What began as a cosmetic lift quickly evolved into a joyful experiment in atmosphere.

From the outset, the rooms were shaped by the thrill of the hunt. We spent two years beachcombing through salvage yards, antique markets and family archives, gathering a mismatched chorus of cupboard handles and soulful furniture. We layered rich textures, honest patinas and contemporary art. Lost grandeur was gently reintroduced with architectural jewellery - reinstating mouldings, panelling and ceiling roses to create spaces that feel eclectically collected over a lifetime.

The true puzzle was balancing where to splurge and where to hold back, a dance most evident in the kitchen. Once a dark corner defined by a faux-timber worktop and bare plasterboard (where flying pasta sauce became accidental abstract art), it is now a space that breathes. We tossed out oppressive corner cabinets for airy marble shelving on warm brass brackets. A full-height wall of glazed Zellige tiles cheerily bounces the light, while a gleaming Bertazzoni oven greets you the moment you step through the front door

Living here taught us how a space shifts through seasons, softening with every footprint. More than a home, this house became a sandbox for testing instincts that shape our studio’s private client projects.

It was a true pleasure to fling open the doors for Warwickshire Open Studios, transforming our front window into a micro-gallery. Hosting ceramicist Gaea Nayo for live demonstrations and tactile Kurinuki workshops allowed us to invite others into our world, celebrating the beautifully imperfect stories woven into these walls.