How do you transform an uninspiring 1970s house into a breathtaking, authentic family home? For this Guildford interior design project, our brief was to unlock the full potential of a property that had great bones and a beautiful garden but lacked character, flow, and connection to its surroundings.
The original house was dark and awkward, with small rooms, poor circulation, and little opportunity to enjoy the garden views. Our clients saw the location’s promise, and with our design vision, we reimagined every aspect of the layout and finish to create a home that now feels warm, vibrant, and filled with life.
Reimagining the Layout
Working closely with a brilliant architect, we completely restructured the house. Extensions were added to the side, rear, and first floor, while almost every internal wall was removed to allow for a new, flowing layout. Externally, the property shed its dated 1970s façade in favour of a modern, cladded and rendered finish, punctuated by expansive glass windows and doors.
One of the most transformative moves was relocating the entrance to the centre of the house. Instead of being met with a dark corridor, you now walk in to instant views of the garden — creating a sense of openness and connection to nature from the very first step inside.
Kitchen & Family Spaces
The kitchen became the star of the design. With no original character to lean on, we brought warmth and depth through a full wall of reclaimed timber — cleverly incorporating a secret door to a highly practical utility room. To balance this rustic element, we kept the cabinetry and worktops simple in porcelain, directing attention to our standout feature: distressed copper splashbacks that shimmer with texture and individuality.
Flexibility was another key priority. We designed a large family room off the kitchen that could remain open-plan or be closed off with a sliding barn door. To create a moodier contrast, we used a darker palette, bespoke timber joinery for the entertainment system, and playful custom neon signage — blending sophistication with a sense of fun.
Alongside these zones, we also created a grown-up lounge, a study, and a dedicated pantry, each designed with the same level of detail and care.
Bedrooms & Personal Spaces
oversized headboard, and even a suspended rattan chair, it celebrated the scale of the space while remaining calm and inviting. Vintage finds were layered with modern craftsmanship, grounding the room with warmth and individuality.
The children’s bedrooms were approached with joy and imagination. One was designed around a brief of “butterflies,” resulting in a flamboyant, colourful scheme with a velvet floral headboard and a full wall of butterfly art. The other contrasted softly, with pastel pink walls, twinkling gold stars, vintage furniture, and whimsical touches like Alice in Wonderland artwork. Both rooms captured their personalities while feeling timelessly charming.
A House Transformed
What was once a dark, awkward property is now unrecognisable — a luxury Surrey renovation that celebrates flow, light, and family life. By layering reclaimed materials, bespoke joinery, and playful design choices, we created a house that feels joyful, authentic, and entirely unique to our clients.
✨ Guildford Restoration reflects our philosophy at SP Interiors: turning challenges into opportunities and creating homes that exceed expectations. Every decision was guided by collaboration, care, and a belief in interiors that inspire, enrich, and endure. This project stands as proof that with thoughtful design, even the most uninspiring house can be transformed into a family home full of character and joy.
If you are planning a Surrey interior design project — whether a restoration, large-scale renovation, or new build — we’d love to collaborate. Get in touch with SP Interiors or follow along on Instagram and LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights into our process.
