Oxford - UK
This project centred on transforming a multifunctional open-plan kitchen, dining, and children's play area within a family home in Oxford, UK. The space had gradually become overwhelmed by the practical realities of family life, and the brief was to restore balance, sophistication and comfort for the adults without displacing the children… creating a home that could equally support everyday living and hosting guests.
Set within a beautifully considered contemporary home where vaulted ceilings, generous Velux skylights, warm wide-plank oak flooring and mid-century modern furniture speak to a confident, eclectic aesthetic, the potential of the space was clear from the outset.
The transformation began with a fresh coat of white paint throughout, creating a clean, neutral canvas that allows all colour to come from the furniture, artwork and accessories, a deliberate choice that brings cohesion and breathing space to what is a busy, multifunctional room. The layout was then entirely reconsidered, with each zone (kitchen, dining and play) clearly sectioned to give every function its own sense of place within the open-plan space.
In the children's area, two wall-mounted blackboards were painted directly onto the wall, replacing a freestanding board that had consumed valuable floor space. Positioned beneath the photo wall, they integrate naturally into the room whilst freeing up the floor and adding a playful yet graphic architectural detail. Storage solutions were introduced throughout to house toys with intention, selected pieces displayed decoratively, reducing visual clutter while keeping the children's presence warmly felt.
The palette was drawn from the colours of the existing ball pit, informing a lively yet cohesive scheme that connects each zone. The main walnut dining table (previously hidden under a protective cloth) was restored to its role as a design centrepiece, with a dedicated children's table introduced for crafts, homework and everyday meals. Kitchen counters and the island were decluttered through smarter storage, while Art Deco–inspired accessories added personality and refinement.
The result is a vibrant yet structured Oxford family home where colour, function and design work in harmony, bringing order, warmth and elegance back into a well-loved space.