PROJECT 1
INTERIOR DESIGN INSTITUTE ASSIGNMENT PROJECT
1950s Family Home – Ground Floor Renovation
PROJECT TYPE: Residential Interior Redesign (Ground Floor Only)
Scope: Kitchen, Dining, Living, Study, WC, Laundry, Storage
The client—a married woman with a ten-year-old daughter and a twelve-year-old son—commissioned a full renovation of her home’s ground floor to better suit her family’s lifestyle. While the bedrooms are located upstairs, the focus of the project was to modernize the primary living areas below.
A passionate home cook, the client expressed a clear desire to remain connected to her family while in the kitchen, preferring open, family-oriented spaces over formal entertaining. A structural engineer’s assessment confirmed that the perimeter walls and those supporting the upper staircase were load-bearing and could not be removed, shaping the boundaries within which the design had to evolve.
The brief outlined several key requirements for the redesign:
Must-Have Inclusions
An open-plan layout that integrates the kitchen, dining, and living areas
A water closet (WC)
A laundry space—either a separate room concealed behind full-height cabinetry or integrated within another room
A dedicated study—either as a separate room or incorporated as a workstation
THE PROPOSAL:
A thoughtful redesign proposal that placed the kitchen at the sunlit north end, anchoring it with a central island for prepping, gathering, and casual meals. Sightlines were opened between the kitchen, dining, and living zones, promoting both flow and conversation. Built-in dining seating and sliding doors to the patio enhance the home's casual entertaining style.
A cozy living area with a fireplace and TV creates a relaxed family hub, while a concealed laundry and added built-in storage maintain a clutter-free look. A flexible study nook with Murphy bed was designed to double as a guest space, complemented by a nearby guest-accessible bathroom.
Throughout the redesign, the original structure was respected—including load-bearing perimeter walls—while the layout was optimized for light, movement, and function. The result is a warm, modern interior that supports everyday family life with style and ease.
Design Presentation & Specification
To bring the client’s vision to life, three bespoke colour schemes were developed and presented during the concept phase. After careful review and collaboration, a final moodboard was selected—capturing the calm, functional, and family-oriented atmosphere the client desired.
The final design package included:
One curated moodboard representing the cohesive look and feel of the entire ground floor
Four detailed sample boards—one for each room—showcasing proposed finishes, fabrics, and textures
A comprehensive FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) and Lighting schedule, outlining all design elements with clear specifications:
Material selections
Product codes
Colour references
Supplier names and links
