Shortlisted for a design award

The Design Award

Last week Sadie Pizzey Interiors received the thrilling news that we were shortlisted for a design award. The International Design and Architecture Awards 2020 , which will be announced on 18th September this year at Grosvenor House Hotel.

We have been shortlisted in the Regeneration and Restoration Category, for transforming a 1970s Guildford house into a modern, inspiring home. The awards celebrate the global interior design and architecture industry.

The design awards are an incredible platform for designers and architects to showcase their talents and be rewarded for what they’ve achieved. Sometimes designing can be a lonely business. It can be hard to keep hold of the initial pride you felt for a design. Being shortlisted or even winning an International Design and Architectural award, reinforces that we are not alone and dispels the doubt and insecurity that all designers and architects feel. I am passionate that coming together as an industry and connecting with each other only makes us stronger and richer as we continue to grow as designers.

The 1970’s Transformation

Transforming this dingy, claustrophobic, tired 1970’s house into a modern inspiring home was a huge triumph! The original house was so dark and separated from the garden. Light and a connection to nature was a vital part of the design.

We extended the house on 3 sides and then clad in fibre cement board and render. Swapping bulky UPVC windows for sleek aluminium designs, created a more modern aesthetics. We designed large sliding panels to cover the 12 metre expanse of the rear of the house. We also added two Juliet balconies to the first floor.

To improve the oppressive feel of the original house, we lowered all the ground floors to increase the ceiling height. Most of the internal spaces were also opened up or reconfigured. To increase the light in the front of the house, our design incorporated large crittall style aluminum doors to the entrance of the kitchen. This allows the beautiful garden to be the first view you see as you enter the house.

Biophilia

The connection to nature was so important because of how depressing the house had previously felt. This design is deeply rooted with how human beings need light, space and a connection to nature and the outside. It was also important to create a home that reduced stress levels and provided a constant connection with the outside. The space and light played a huge part in this. The addition of a six metre, reclaimed wood wall in the kitchen, with hidden doors also contributed to the biophilic feel to the space.

There were elements of this throughout the home. We reflected the reclaimed wall in a bespoke media unit in the family room. Burnished metals were used for all the kitchen splash-backs. In the hall we created a bespoke oak staircase, which is framed with large panels of preserved moss art.

A wall of doors is camouflaged in a rich dark green, which echoes the addition of large tropical plants.

Darker Rooms

For the darker spaces at the front of the home, we reconfigured them into a home office and grown-up lounge. We embraced the darker rooms with rich blue tones, tanned leathers and metallic finishes.

The First Floor

Due to the master suite being a new addition, we were able to create a vaulted ceiling with a Juliet balcony to create increase scale and light. We designed a supersized bespoke midnight blue, linen headboard to centre the space, and flagged it with mid century additions. The large ceiling height also produced an opportunity for a bespoke, bamboo hanging chair, which adds beauty and a playfulness to the design.

The children’s rooms, which previously had been bland boxes were transformed. One into a flamboyant space, with tropical butterflies and the other; a perfect little girls room, with dusty pink walls, vintage furniture and quirky Alice in Wonderland prints.

The Designs Success

Much of the success of the house is due to the biophilic additions. They provide a strong connection to the outside, as well as providing therapeutic outcomes. The design has also created new striking, modern, features, which can be a challenge in modern properties.

The house is unrecognizable from it’s depressing start and is now uplifting and inspiring in every way. 

If you would like Sadie Pizzey Interiors to work wonders with your home, then contact us to discuss your project further.