Studio Milne designs a calming family home with texture and warmth

Studio Milne is a London-based interior design consultancy specialising in residential and boutique commercial projects. Led by Ruth Milne, who is a qualified Interior Architect, the studio designs highly functional, well-considered interiors that not only maximise the potential of spaces but also create environments that are beautiful and unique.

Here we share the Loughton family home project as a design case study where Ruth created a comfortable, calming space with texture, natural materials, warm colours, and planting. It features statement lighting, luxury furniture, a timber veneer kitchen as well as floor-to-ceiling glazing to let the natural light stream in.

One of the biggest transformations in this project was the kitchen/living area, which was opened up to create and maximise the space. But, as Ruth says, “In this open plan kitchen/living space I also wanted to create some separation when you walk into the room. I designed a bespoke planting divider which meant the room still felt light and open while adding lovely greenery. The contractors worked from my plans, building a low wall with a Caeserstone top to tie in with the kitchen worktops.”

The kitchen

In the kitchen, Ruth’s designs were brought to life by Holte Studio, using a mixture of IKEA and bespoke elements with their fronts. Utilising every inch of space in the kitchen the team installed bespoke shallow units to fit perfectly. The additional worktop and shelf allows the family to display planting, their favourite pieces of tableware and plenty of cookery books to inspire them at mealtimes. Ruth adds: “I love the natural feel that a timber kitchen brings, and for this project, Elm was perfect, bringing some rich warmth to the space.”

Furniture tip from Ruth

“If you want to save money on the interior design of a space without sacrificing on style, I often advise my clients to purchase key investment pieces and pair them with more affordable options. In this case, I included a Soho Home boucle sofa in my design and paired it with Zara Home chairs in a similar fabric. Being next to the luxury Soho Home piece, soft furnishings, statement lighting, and planting elevates them, making them look more expensive than they are.”

Chimney breast

Ruth wanted to clad the chimney breast surrounding the bioethanol fire with tiles and found the perfect ones from Parkside. They have a chamfer, which creates lovely texture and interest, especially when the light hits them and creates shadows.

Dining table

The dining table and benches are extra special as they were a bespoke commission made by the talented Gavin Coyle Studio.

Lighting

Ruth included beautiful statement lighting throughout the space to elevate the look and feel of the room. She specified Original BTC pendants over the kitchen island and Lampe de Marseille wall lamps over the dining table – these a design classic, created by master architect Le Corbusier in 1954.

The beautiful art featured in this project was sourced at An Artful Life Studio. Other suppliers include Bora (hob) and Little Greene Paint Company (paint).

For more information about Studio Milne and to see all projects please visit studiomilne.co.uk

Photography: Alexandria Hall Photography

READ ANOTHER DESIGN CASE STUDY HERE.