Dulwich Project

This project involved working with a young family leading busy lives, who sought the expertise of an interior designer to bring a fresh, modern touch to their home. The transformation included a newly tiled entryway and powder room on the ground floor, along with a bespoke fitted utility area and clever storage solutions. We updated the lighting, reimagined the furniture and layout in their period-style living room, and introduced stylish yet functional design choices throughout.

The renovation also addressed practical needs, such as replacing the original wooden sash windows and adding elegant shutters, while upstairs, we reconfigured the master bedroom to enhance its layout and introduce new furnishings. The entire house was redecorated from top to bottom, with carefully chosen feature wallpaper in a calming palette of blues to tie everything together beautifully.

This approach balanced modern updates with timeless touches, creating a refreshed yet inviting home that works perfectly for the family’s lifestyle.

Project Description

Click on the title below to view more about the project.

Creative Process

At the beginning of every project, we start with a detailed design analysis. This is a vital step where I take the time to understand my clients, their preferences, and their lifestyle. Inspiration can come from a variety of sources, and in this particular case, my clients were drawn to a stunning abstract painting in soft blues and greens.

This artwork became a key reference point throughout the design process, guiding the choice of colours, textures, and finishes for the entire home. By translating the essence of the painting into the mood boards, we created a cohesive and harmonious visual representation of the design concept, ensuring that every element felt connected and meaningful.

Space Planning

Once we had a clear understanding of the clients' wants and needs through the design analysis, we moved on to planning the spaces with functional layouts. This stage begins with creating 2D floor plans, which allow us to explore various furniture arrangements and optimise the flow of each room.

For example, we compared how the space would feel and function with an L-shaped sofa versus alternative configurations, ensuring the layout not only suited the dimensions of the room but also enhanced its usability and comfort. By carefully considering both form and function, we were able to create spaces that seamlessly balance practicality and style.

Material Selection

For the entrance hall, we took the opportunity to introduce quality, colour, and a touch of period charm. Working with the talented team at London Mosaic, we selected a tile pattern that was true to the home’s heritage and complemented our blue palette. These striking tiles stretch the length of the house, flowing seamlessly into the powder room and utility area for a cohesive look.

While my clients initially considered wooden flooring throughout, we opted for carpet in the main living areas to prioritise comfort for their young children. Practicality and functionality were key to creating a home suited to their family’s current needs.

Colour Schemes

With my clients’ love of colour and pattern, developing the palette for their home was an enjoyable and collaborative process. Taking inspiration from the abstract painting referenced in our mood boards, we introduced a beautiful floral wallpaper Feather Flora Soba in the living room.

Working alongside the team at Paint & Paper Library, we curated a paint schedule of blues and neutrals that complemented the wallpaper and reflected their joyful approach to design. To celebrate the home’s period features, we used a combination of mid-strength tones and deep, rich blues to highlight details like the dado rails and cornices, creating a cohesive yet vibrant atmosphere.

Furniture and Decor

This project required a careful balance of sourcing new furniture while thoughtfully incorporating my clients’ existing pieces. We selected a range of items, including sofas, occasional chairs, coffee tables, upholstered pouffes, and a dressing table, ensuring each piece was both stylish and functional.

To add a unique touch, vintage mirrors were planned and installed by the lovely team at The Antique Mirror Company in two decorative niches on either side of the master bed, beautifully framing the space and enhancing its character. The result is a harmonious blend of old and new, creating a cohesive and personalised design.

Lighting Design

My clients’ creative thinking and willingness to experiment with design led to their introduction of a playful yet elegant lighting installation by the Dutch brand Moooi Flock of Light. Known for their breathtaking and innovative designs, Moooi takes its name from the Dutch word for "beautiful," with the extra “O” symbolising something extraordinary in both beauty and uniqueness.

This installation became a focal point, enhancing the space’s ambiance with its striking design and adding a touch of individuality to the overall scheme. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful lighting can transform a room into something truly memorable.

Execution and Installation

One of the key benefits of working with an interior designer is gaining access to their trusted network of skilled professionals. At Ixia London, we introduced a roster of highly experienced electricians, plumbers, glass installers, sash window specialists, and painters and decorators to bring the design to life.

We carefully reviewed all quotations, ensured quality control throughout the process, and coordinated the schedule to fit around the clients’ busy family life. Products were ordered and delivered ahead of time to ensure they were ready on-site when needed, keeping the project running smoothly and on schedule.

Quality Control

Ixia London are available throughout the project but also at the end, to handle the inevitable snagging that is meticulously managed and also to pick up any last-minute client changes or requests.

Project Unveiling

The proof is in the pudding, there is nothing more wonderful than reading the lovely reviews from my clients at the end of the project. "Kirsty, and her teams, have been amazing to work with. She brings great tradesmen and experts and really offers a full-service approach to design and delivery of a project. We've worked with her through the course of nearly a year and she has patiently advised, project manager and ensure the quality completion of all of our works. We couldn't be more pleased with the results!"

Let us craft your vision into reality with bespoke designs that exude luxury and effortless functionality.

Holly Noteboom Griffin

The brief: take a small, oddly shaped room and transform it from a baby’s nursery to a beautiful, comfortable and functional guest space. Not only did Kirsty meet the brief, but she far surpassed our expectations. She cleverly designed a wall of bespoke cabinetry around a king size bed that took into account storage space for suitcases, personal items, nooks for reading lights and charging points - all while not making guests feel as though they are sleeping in a cave. It was a challenging project given the space limitations. In addition to creating an exceptionally functional space, Kirsty gave incredible attention to design details. From hidden storage space for sweets (for midnight feasts!), to door pulls, to intricate cabinet detailing, Kirsty thought of it all. Our guests feel as though they are staying in a very special place. The best part of the project - working with Kirsty! She is absolutely wonderful and we cannot recommend her enough.

Lindsay Barry

Kirsty is just super. She's very friendly, creative, practical and professional. She thinks outside the box about design and budget and really cares about working as a team with her clients to deliver them the results they want. Thanks to Kirsty, I have a beautiful and functional kitchen bathroom - little decisions like encouraging me to tile behind the toilet rather than wallpaper (because it is a high traffic room and used by young boys!) - will make cleaning easier, and less chance to ruin the expensive wallpaper elsewhere! Thank you! I've recommended Kirsty to my friends already.

Berks MumontheRun

We had the great pleasure of working with IXIA London on our recent home renovation and I can honestly say it was such a positive experience from start to finish. Kirsty and her extended team not only listened carefully to our vision, but brought it to reality after we had been mulling over ideas for far too long. Kirsty’s attention to detail, unfaltering energy and open mindset, drove the process forward at a pace that we needed to make it all happen! She can multi-task like the best of them and does an amazing job of shielding the client from all the numerous challenges that comes from procurement and managing trades! She fully respected and complemented our style preferences and we can’t underestimate how she also managed to balance out aesthetics with practicality within all her recommendations, not an easy combo to find. What we appreciated most, was her ability to manage the entire project seamlessly. She has a highly effective way of liaising with contractors and suppliers and maintains open communication throughout the process. From quality issues with procured items, to delays with deliveries (always the case!), we can’t think of anyone who can manage that more successfully and with such confidence. Our home now feels like a true reflection of who we are, but with the carefully thought through aesthetic finesse of IXIA London.

Cat Marshall

Kirsty and I have collaborated on a number of projects. With Kirsty providing exceptional designs and myself creating the bespoke carpentry pieces. From bespoke bars to full feature shelving walls, Kirsty’s creativity, attention to detail and exceptional colour palette really brought Marshall Bespoke Furniture to life and provided the finishing touches to the customers homes. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Kirsty again; or recommend her to anyone looking for an Interior Designer. Catriona Marshall (on behalf of Gavin Marshall) Marshall Bespoke Furniture

simon Gill

We worked with Kirsty as architects and had a fantastic experience. She was incredibly enthusiastic, very professional and brought her excellent taste to the project, knowing exactly how to make the spaces come alive. Most of all, she is a delight to work with - every meeting is a joy. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone planning to create interiors for a new house or revivify their current one. Simon Gill, Simon Gill Architects.

Nadia Taseer

I've worked with Kirsty on quite a few projects and it has been a pleasure. Kirsty is super talented, friendly and really listens to what the client wants. Her ideas are amazing and the end result is always fantastic ! Nadia

West ResDev

Our experience with the Ixia team was nothing short of exceptional. From the initial consultation to the final touches, Ixia's dedication to understanding our clients vision and turning it into a reality was brilliant. The team maintained open communication throughout the project, valuing our input and ensuring that every decision aligned with the clients preferences. Their professionalism, coupled with a genuine passion for their craft, made the entire process both seamless and enjoyable. It's with great confidence that we recommend Ixia to anyone in search of a design company that goes above and beyond. Their ability to bring visions to life is unparalleled, and their unwavering dedication to their clients' satisfaction sets them apart. Hamptons.

Joanna Sheward

It’s always a pleasure to work with Kirsty - would highly recommend. Super professional, responsive & friendly too. A fantastic experience from start to finish!

Katie Sparrow

Highly recommend Kirsty's interior design service. She is professional, friendly, responsive, flexible, and incredibly passionate about what she does. She created mood boards based on our feedback and preferences, and sourced over 100 items for our bedroom and en-suite bathroom which were clearly presented in an Excel spreadsheet. Due to her amazing trade discounts, her interior design service really does pay for itself!! Her positive 'can-do' attitude is amazing, and she is truly client-led in the way that she works and can take the lead on your project to whatever extent works best for you. You won't regret working with Kirsty!

ELizabeth Bell

There are designers who bring wonderful creative ideas, there are project managers who get work done to time, quality and budget, there are lovely people who build their client’s confidence with empathy and sensitivity - but people who can do all three are rare indeed. Kirsty demonstrated all these qualities and many more (fair pricing, attention to detail, great colleagues) whilst helping me transform some rather tired rooms into a bright stylish home, full of light and colour. I am delighted to recommend Kirsty and Ixia - both the outcome and the process were an absolute pleasure.