The exterior gives uber modern, but the interiors are all about countryside charm

Building a new home offers the advantage of creating a bespoke space free from the constraints of old floor plans or previous owners' preferences. However, a significant challenge in new construction is the absence of inherent history, original features, or quirky characteristics that often define older properties. This article details how designers Annabel Hickton and Samantha Liu of Untold Interiors tackled this challenge in a 2024 project: transforming a contemporary new build into a home imbued with a sense of history and character without resorting to pastiche. The clients desired a family home that was practical, comfortable, light, and airy, while also feeling stylish and sophisticated. They needed spaces for daily family life, like breakfast areas for children, and more formal, tranquil areas for entertaining and evening relaxation. Crucially, they wanted to avoid the generic feel often associated with new builds, prompting a focus on unique detailing and finishes. For instance, the limestone floor was chosen with a tumbled edge and rustic grout to achieve an aged appearance, deliberately eschewing mass-produced, overly straight elements. Untold Interiors collaborated with architects Concept Eight from the project's inception, allowing them to influence the interior architecture and design every space to suit the clients' lifestyle. The property, located in the Hertfordshire countryside, replaced an existing bungalow. The designers emphasized the importance of early involvement to tailor the layout and specific room functions. They meticulously considered the shape, proportion, and purpose of each room, integrating distinctive design elements to enhance character. In the double-height entryway, fluted wall paneling and high stone skirting were incorporated, details that are unconventional but create a significant visual impact upon entry. An arched entrance with a pocket door was chosen to introduce softness and a welcoming ambiance, contrasting with a standard rectangular opening. Decorative panels and curved black anodized steel spindles accentuate the hallway's proportions, complemented by wall sconces from Allied Maker and a dark-stained wooden handrail. A 19th-century French bleached walnut gueridon and two aged-brown oak console tables further add historical charm. The designers paid particular attention to ceilings, introducing oversized coving in the family living room, a tongue and groove ceiling in the dark blue media room, and decorative wall beading in the formal dining and lounge. These elements were crucial in making the ceilings feel less generic, adding layers of interest throughout the house. Material selection was also key to grounding the interior and providing warmth, with choices like honed limestone flooring, limewash paint for depth, and antique bronze metal accents. The emphasis was on materials that develop a patina, conveying authenticity and timelessness. The color scheme was primarily neutral but carefully curated to offer depth and interest through natural materials such as oak and limestone flooring, and limewash walls. The designers also incorporated varied textures, patinas, and color tones. This calm background serves to highlight carefully chosen furniture and art, curated by Art Consultancy, Hollandridge, and allows the natural beauty of the garden and surrounding countryside to become a focal point. The kitchen, designed as the heart of the home, is integrated into an L-shaped family living space. Flush wall cabinets and a subtly enclosed extraction fan were chosen to make the kitchen feel like a natural extension of the room, rather than a distinct, bulky area. Additional kitchen storage, a second dishwasher, and a wine store are discreetly placed in a pantry, allowing for a clutter-free main kitchen, especially when entertaining. Notable kitchen features include a four-meter semi-honed Taj Mahal quartzite island, in-frame solid oak cabinets with a sand gray stain, and dovetailed drawers. Bar stools were custom-made. The kitchen collaboration with 202 Design involved bespoke solid oak shaker cabinets with a unique sand gray stain and a hand-decorated finish, alongside Gaggenau appliances and aged brass hardware. In the family living space, oversized seamless coving extends from the walls, accentuating height and echoing the home's curved elements. The home bar, a focal point for entertaining, was inspired by classic hotel bars but designed with a softer, more inviting feel. It features a curved timber arch, a rounded stone countertop, bespoke wall detailing, and decorative bobbin beadwork paneling. Caned chairs and a Porta Romana side table complete the sophisticated setup, which also includes open shelving, beverage refrigeration, and discreet drawers. The master bedroom, with its high ceilings and awkward angles, presented a challenge. Thoughtful design, including high skirting that adapted to the windows and a custom-made door frame, created a serene and intentional space. Sixty percent of the home's elements, including all sofas, were custom-made, requiring careful coordination and testing to ensure perfect proportions. Even functional spaces like bathrooms received meticulous attention, with marble slopes replacing standard shower niches for ease of cleaning and improved aesthetics. The entire project took three years, resulting in a home that feels natural, modern, and understated, yet elegant and timeless, successfully blending traditional country details with contemporary interpretations. #HouseDesign #NewBuild #InteriorDesign #CountryCharm #HistoricFeel #CustomDetails #TimelessDesign #FamilyHome #LuxuryInteriors #HouseDesign #NewBuild #InteriorDesign #CountryCharm #HistoricFeel #CustomDetails #TimelessDesign #FamilyHome #LuxuryInteriors