Transforming a house into a forever home often requires looking past severe imperfections to see the hidden potential. In a recent full-scale renovation, an interior design team took a failing structure and completely reimagined it, blending classic Cotswold design elements with fresh, modern charm.
By pairing contemporary architectural details with soft textures, earth tones, and clean lines, they created a sophisticated yet highly livable space for a growing family.
From the Ground Up: A Structural Rescue
When the interior designers first arrived on the scene, the home was in desperate need of restorative care. The original floor plan lacked natural flow, the finishes were severely dated, and the structural integrity was dangerously compromised. Strikingly, the home's original piers were being held up by old tires and car jacks, leading to dramatically sloping floors. Furthermore, the insulation in the walls and roof was nearly non-existent.
To build a safe, energy-efficient, and sound environment, the team stripped the entire structure down to the studs. This blank slate allowed them to address the foundational issues while preparing the canvas for a beautiful, modern redesign.
Reimagining the Footprint
To maximize functionality, the original footprint was completely reconfigured into a thoughtful, zoned layout:
The Central Hub: The heart of the home now features a spacious, open-concept family area that seamlessly connects the living and dining spaces.
A Kitchen with a View: The kitchen was intentionally relocated into the former primary bedroom, allowing the family to enjoy unobstructed, scenic views of the backyard while cooking and gathering.
The Private Wings: Branching off from the central living area are two distinct zones. One wing houses a private primary suite, complete with a dark, luxurious marble ensuite and an expansive closet. The other serves as a dedicated guest and family wing, featuring a sunlit nursery, a flexible office or bedroom space, and a whimsical guest bathroom defined by a playful green and grey checkerboard floor.
A Modern Cotswold Dream Home: From Ruin to Rescue. Image courtesy of: Laura Prete
A Modern Cotswold Dream Home: From Ruin to Rescue. Image courtesy of: Laura Prete
A Modern Cotswold Dream Home: From Ruin to Rescue. Image courtesy of: Laura Prete
The Heart of the Home
The true anchor of the open-concept living space is a nod to the home's history: the original wood stove by Elmira Stove Works. Serving as the driving inspiration for the living area, this classic piece is honoured by a surrounding wall of rustic brick by Centura Tile. This creates a commanding and cozy visual focal point right from the entryway.
This European-inspired narrative continues throughout the home. Looking up, new vaulted ceilings and hallways are adorned with classic crisp white shiplap and rich, stained wood beams, adding depth and a sense of architectural history to the freshly renovated spaces.
A Kitchen Steeped in Tradition
The custom kitchen is a direct and elegant nod to a traditional English Cotswold cottage.
Colour Palette: A warm, sophisticated palette of smoky blues—courtesy of Benjamin Moore—pairs beautifully with natural walnut elements to ground the space.
Textures and Finishes: To infuse a modern take on tradition, the team introduced unlacquered brass accents and hardware.
Tile Details: Floor-to-ceiling glossy zellige tiles by Centura Tile reflect natural light from the large window, making the room feel bright, expansive, and timeless.
A Modern Cotswold Dream Home: From Ruin to Rescue. Image courtesy of: Laura Prete
A Modern Cotswold Dream Home: From Ruin to Rescue. Image courtesy of: Laura Prete
A Modern Cotswold Dream Home: From Ruin to Rescue. Image courtesy of: Laura Prete
A Modern Cotswold Dream Home: From Ruin to Rescue. Image courtesy of: Laura Prete
A Modern Cotswold Dream Home: From Ruin to Rescue. Image courtesy of: Laura Prete
A Modern Cotswold Dream Home: From Ruin to Rescue. Image courtesy of: Laura Prete
A Modern Cotswold Dream Home: From Ruin to Rescue. Image courtesy of: Laura Prete
A Modern Cotswold Dream Home: From Ruin to Rescue. Image courtesy of: Laura Prete
Ultimately, this extensive renovation proves that with smart design and structural care, a crumbling foundation can be transformed into a masterpiece. The result is a stunning home that pays thoughtful homage to its traditional heritage while functioning beautifully for modern, everyday family life.
At Studio Isabelle Design & Co., the philosophy is simple: they treat every renovation as if it were their own. Understanding that remodelling can be overwhelming, the team offers a seamless, integrated approach to design and construction. By managing every granular detail, they allow homeowners to skip the stress and simply enjoy the transformation.
Led by Principal Designer and Founder Laura Isabelle Prete, the studio is built on a lifelong passion for homes. Growing up watching her parents flip houses, Laura developed a deep understanding of construction early on. She believes that exceptional design creates a profound emotional connection, blending effortless beauty with everyday livability.
Bringing these visions to life is Carmine Prete, Head of Construction, whose meticulous attention to detail ensures flawless execution—all while Oakley, the "Chief Bark-itect," keeps morale high. Together, they provide a tailored, stress-free experience, turning complex remodels into an enjoyable journey toward laid-back luxury.
Great design bridges past and future, creating spaces that evolve with us.
Our built environment is in a constant state of beautiful evolution. At Forma, we believe that architecture and design are deeply personal—they dictate how we live, grow, and connect across every stage of life. As a community of designers, architects, engineers, trades, builders, suppliers, students and creators, we are constantly tasked with bridging what was with what will be. Whether we are exploring innovative new builds, thoughtful restorations, or the visionary people shaping our industry, our mission remains the same: to look beyond the aesthetics. We invite you to explore the human stories woven into the brick, light, and landscapes of the spaces we inhabit. Thank you to everyone who reads, contributes, and shares in this vision.
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