22/10/2026
A thought you might like to see a little before and after from my Wivenhoe project.
One of the biggest challenges with this room was its shape. It was long and narrow, and we needed to create both a living and dining space that felt connected, calm and comfortable.
The back of the room was particularly dark, and I really didn’t want it to feel like somewhere you simply walked through. I wanted to make it inviting and give that end of the room a purpose.
We also had soundproofing to consider, so there was quite a lot to think about beyond the furniture and decoration.
My client is an academic, a keen photographer and loves art. He also has a wonderful collection of books, so I wanted to make sure there was somewhere for him to display the things he loves and bring his personality into the room.
We designed bespoke oak shelving around the doorway, with integrated lighting to bring some much-needed warmth to that darker end of the space. I love how it’s become a feature of the room, rather than just somewhere to store books.
For me, good interior design is about much more than choosing beautiful things. It’s understanding the space, working through its challenges and creating a home that feels right for the people living in it.
Swipe to see how this part of the room looked before. It really is an extraordinary transformation.
Wivenhoe, Essex
Interior design — House of Lexden
Finished photography — Anya Rice | Interiors Photographer
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