Kia Designs

TL;DR: Some consider interior design as a frivolous expense, while others fear it means filling their space with overpriced décor. But in reality, a skilled interior designer is a game-changer.    RTFA: A professional interior designer brings a trained eye that goes beyond aesthetics, ensuring every element - from window placement to room proportions - enhances both form and function. Acting as a crucial link between architects, contractors, and suppliers, they streamline communication and prevent costly errors. With insider access to exclusive materials and expertise in sourcing high-quality products, designers offer homeowners unique, durable options not readily available to the public.     Ironically, rather than adding unnecessary costs, their ability to optimise budgets, prevent overspending, and secure industry discounts often makes hiring a designer a financially savvy decision in the long run.    A striking example of the value of expert interior design can be seen in the transformation of a Grade II listed estate in Cornwall. Creating a modern, functional space while respecting the historical significance of the estate represented a challenge.    With its rich architectural heritage, the estate required a delicate balance between preservation and modernisation. Our design team took great care in assessing the existing interior elements, including the layout, original features, and structural details. While previous owners had already restored elements such as fireplaces, moldings, and windows, the task at hand was to ensure the updated design complemented these historic features rather than overshadowing them.    By working closely with the estate’s owner, the design team's concept honoured the home’s past while adapting it for contemporary living. The result was a flawless integration of tradition and modernity, enhancing the essence of a space in a way that respects its history, purpose, and future.    By combining expertise in materials, space planning, and coordination, an interior designer ensures that every element of a home serves a purpose.    📸 Philip Raymond 🖤    #InteriorDesignExperts #SmartHomeDesign #FunctionalLuxury #TimelessInteriors #HistoricHomes #LuxuryWithPurpose #DesignedForLiving #CustomHomeDesign #SeamlessLiving #InvestInYourSpace   

TL;DR: Waking up to the London skyline in a stunning Islington penthouse? Dreamy. Now, picture that same space doubling as a productivity hub for your work life.    RTFA: Imagine starting your day with a breathtaking view of the iconic London skyline, framed perfectly by the windows of a luxurious Islington penthouse. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Now, take that same space and transform it into a sleek, high-functioning workspace, tailored to meet the demands of your professional life. The result? A seamless blend of comfort, productivity, and elevated living.    At first glance, the concepts of “home” and “work” might seem worlds apart. But they share a critical similarity: both are designed to serve you. Your home provides a tranquil retreat, offering a serene escape from the buzz of city life. Your workspace, on the other hand, is all about focus and efficiency, engineered to help you perform at your best.    What happens when we merge these two worlds?    The contrasts - relaxation vs. productivity, refuge vs. powerhouse - may seem stark, but the overlap is undeniable. Both spaces must adapt to your needs, offer comfort, and, most importantly, elevate your lifestyle.    Designing for this modern duality means carefully considering how these environments coexist. It’s about choosing materials, layouts, and finishes that allow effortless transitions between work and rest. It’s proof that you don’t have to choose between luxury and functionality, that you can have both.    This kind of harmonised design challenges the notion that work-life balance requires separation. Instead, it shows that integration can be just as fulfilling. A penthouse that lets you flow from conference calls to cocktails at sunset?     What do you think? Can a space truly be both your sanctuary and your powerhouse? Share your thoughts below or save this post for your next design project.    #LondonSkyline #IslingtonPenthouse #LuxuryInteriorDesign #WorkLifeHarmony #ModernLivingSpaces    📸 Anna Stathaki 🖤

TL;DR: Hiring an interior designer might seem like an extra expense, but in reality, it saves you time, money, and frustration. From avoiding costly mistakes to ensuring your space looks cohesive and professional, having an expert handle your design project makes all the difference.    RTFA: When you’re planning a design project, it’s tempting to think you can handle it on your own. After all, it’s your space, your vision. But the reality is, DIY projects can quickly turn into time-consuming tasks, with unexpected mistakes that can end up costing more than hiring a professional in the first place.    An interior designer brings expertise to the table, turning your ideas into a seamless, functional, and beautiful space. We know how to select the right materials, work with contractors, and manage timelines to ensure everything runs smoothly.    One of the biggest advantages of hiring a designer is the time saved. DIY projects often lead to hours of research, sourcing, and decision-making. With an interior designer, you can focus on the bigger picture while we handle the details. We also know how to avoid costly mistakes, from incorrect measurements to choosing the wrong materials, which can be common when designing without experience.     It’s also about making the most of your budget. A designer knows where to invest and where to save, ensuring your money is spent wisely.     Hiring an interior designer is about making sure the process is easy and stress-free. It’s about getting the results you want, without the hassle of managing everything yourself.     Ready to start your design project? Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help bring your vision to life.    #LuxuryInteriorDesign #InteriorDesignProfessionals #DesignExperts #HomeRenovation #LuxuryLiving    📸 @annastathakiphoto 🖤

TL;DR: Heritage meets innovation in this Hampstead retreat. A Grade Listed Cottage, where bespoke shaker-style cabinetry, a statement blue oven, and vaulted ceilings coalesce to create a space that balances charm, functionality, and modernity. Intrigue in every corner.⁣    RTFA: Blending classic and contemporary design might seem like a challenge, but this Grade Listed Cottage in Hampstead is proof that it's possible and that it can be transformative.    The kitchen is a standout example. Bespoke shaker-style cabinetry brings a timeless, traditional feel, perfectly complementing the cottage's inherent character. The bold choice of a blue oven goes beyond function, serving as a stylish focal point that ties the room together. The result? A kitchen that’s equal parts visually captivating and practical; like any true heart of the home should be.    Moving into the master bedroom and ensuite, the vaulted ceilings and exposed beams celebrate the cottage's heritage, while clever design solutions maximise every inch of space. Thoughtful features like a window seat and dual wardrobes blend storage with style, while the layout accommodates a four-poster bed without overwhelming the room. It’s proof that not only do luxury and functionality have to compete, but that they can also coexist.    And then there’s the ensuite. A hidden mega flow unit, concealed behind a large mirror, ensures optimal water pressure without compromising on aesthetics. This subtle yet smart design choice highlights how every square foot can be leveraged to enhance both form and function.    When heritage architecture meets modern innovation, you don’t have to choose between charm and practicality. This Hampstead retreat is a testament to how thoughtful design can create spaces that are not only beautiful but perfectly suited to everyday life.    📸 Anna Stathaki 🖤    #HampsteadRetreat #ClassicMeetsContemporary #SmartDesign #InteriorInspo #CottageCharm

TL;DR: Great design begins with great listening. At Kia Designs, we create spaces that reflect you. It all starts with a meaningful conversation where we dive into your lifestyle, aspirations, and the story behind your vision.     RTFA: Design is a reflection of your life, personality, and aspirations. We believe that truly exceptional interiors start with understanding. In our 15+ years of creating bespoke (and sometimes award-winning) spaces, we’ve learned that the key to extraordinary design lies in deep listening and meaningful collaboration.    The journey starts with the first consultation—a pivotal meeting where we don’t just learn about your favourite colours or styles. We ask open-ended questions that dig deeper: How do you want to feel in this space? What memories or experiences inspire you? What’s a perfect day in this room look like? These insights are the foundation for a design that’s not just functional but also emotionally resonant.    Active listening is essential here. We’re fully present, picking up on every detail of your vision. Visual aids like mood boards, fabric samples, and sketches help bring your ideas to life in real time, sparking conversations and uncovering possibilities you may not have considered. It’s a collaborative process where your input shapes the outcome.    Throughout the design journey, we revisit the insights from that first meeting, ensuring every decision aligns with your vision and needs. From functional layouts to personal touches, every detail works together to create a space that feels intuitively right for you. It’s this client-centred approach that transforms a house into a home and a concept into reality.    Whether you’re dreaming of a sophisticated open-plan kitchen, a luxurious master suite, or a playful children’s space, we’re here to help. At Kia Designs, our goal is to craft interiors that reflect who you are while exceeding your expectations.    Let’s create something extraordinary together. A space that feels like you! DM us or visit our website to schedule your consultation today.     #LuxuryInteriorDesign #InteriorDesignProcess #BespokeSpaces #ClientFirstDesign #KiaDesigns    📸 Anna Stathaki 🖤

TL;DR: Exceptional design starts with one thing: truly understanding the client. We believe listening, empathy, and collaboration are the keys to creating interiors that don’t just look stunning but feel like home. From meaningful conversations to tailored designs, our process ensures your vision is at the heart of every detail.    RTFA: The foundation of every successful interior design project is clear communication and genuine understanding. At Kia Designs, we prioritise listening to our clients’ goals, preferences, and daily needs to create spaces that are both functional and beautiful.    It all begins with the initial consultation. This is where we gather insight into your vision—exploring your preferences, lifestyle, and practical requirements. By asking open-ended questions and encouraging meaningful conversations, we can uncover the details that make your space unique.    Key strategies we use during this process include:    ✨️ Ensuring we focus entirely on your input to understand your vision fully.  ✨️ Helping you share the inspiration behind your preferences and choices.  ✨️ Using mood boards and samples to turn abstract ideas into clear, actionable plans.  ✨️ Confirming key details at every stage to stay aligned with your goals.    By combining these strategies, we ensure that every design decision reflects your vision, making the process collaborative and stress-free.    If you’re ready to create a space that perfectly suits your style and needs, let’s talk. Book a consultation with us today, and together we’ll bring your vision to life.    #LuxuryInteriorDesign #InteriorDesignStudio #ClientFocusedDesign #TailoredInteriors #KiaDesigns    📸 Adam Robertson 🖤

TLDR: Designing a luxurious London home starts with high-quality materials, statement lighting, bespoke furniture, and a thoughtful colour scheme. We combine these elements to create spaces that are both functional and stunning. Whether you're aiming for timeless elegance or modern sophistication, we can help turn your vision into a reality.     RTFA: Creating a luxurious home means paying attention to every detail. We focus on combining high-quality materials, bespoke pieces, and thoughtful design choices to ensure your space feels elevated and sophisticated.    High-quality materials are the foundation of any luxurious design. We select premium materials such as marble, brass, and silk to bring a sense of indulgence into the space. The mix of textures creates depth and interest, transforming a room into something that feels both rich and inviting.    Statement lighting plays a critical role in setting the tone of a room. We choose lighting fixtures like chandeliers, pendants, and sculptural lamps that not only illuminate but also enhance the overall aesthetic. Lighting becomes an integral part of the design, adding glamour and sophistication to your home.    Bespoke pieces are a key element in making a space truly unique. From custom cabinetry to specially designed furniture, these one-of-a-kind pieces are crafted to meet your exact needs and preferences. They add a personal touch, ensuring that no two rooms are ever the same.    A cohesive colour scheme ties everything together. We work with neutral palettes accented by jewel tones or metallics to create an elegant and timeless feel. The right colours are essential to achieving a sense of luxury and harmony throughout the space.    Finally, we focus on comfort. Luxury is not just about the appearance of a room, it’s also about how it feels. We ensure every piece, from sofas to throws, balances both style and comfort, creating a space you’ll want to relax in.    We’re committed to bringing your vision to life with thoughtful design choices and a focus on luxury that lasts.    #LuxuryInteriorDesign #HighEndHomes #BespokeDesign #InteriorDesignLondon #LuxuryLiving

TL;DR Nestled in the heart of Kensington, this townhouse transformation tells a story of merging history with modern-day living. Brimming with timeless elegance, this home has undergone a remarkable transformation.     RTFA: Our team faced the challenge of maintaining the home’s historical charm while reshaping its interior to meet the needs of a growing family. The result? A sophisticated blend of old-world grandeur and contemporary functionality.    When it comes to a renovation like this, the goal is always to strike the right balance between preserving the original character of the space and introducing modern conveniences. From the outset, we knew that minimal changes to the layout would preserve the essence of the home, but that thoughtful tweaks were necessary to improve its flow and make it more liveable for today’s lifestyle. Every element – from the flooring to the lighting - was carefully considered to elevate the space while honouring its roots.    One of the most exciting aspects of this renovation was the transformation of the lower ground floor. What was once an underutilised, forgotten space has now become the heart of the home. We’ve turned this level into a multifunctional space that serves as both a place for relaxation and entertainment. By incorporating a gym complete with a climbing wall, we've added an exciting new feature that serves not just as a fitness area, but as a place for family bonding and wellness.     In every room, we focused on creating zones that seamlessly flow into one another. We reimagined spaces to cater to the needs of the family, creating a principal suite on the first floor and multiple reception areas that encourage both privacy and togetherness. Our mission was to make the most of every square foot, combining utility with luxury, ensuring every inch of this home felt intentional and purposeful.    Are you ready to take your home to the next level? Contact us today to start your own journey of transformation.    📸 Anna Stathaki 🖤    #KensingtonTownhouse #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HistoricalHomes #ModernLiving #BeforeAndAfter #HomeTransformation #LuxuryDesign #FamilyLiving #DesignInspiration

TLDR: In the redesign of this luxury Kensington apartment, we used the emotional impact of colour psychology to select rich hues that evoke comfort and relaxation. From a teal velvet Chesterfield sofa to curated moody artworks, every element was chosen to create a layered, sophisticated living space.     RTFA: Focusing on more than just the aesthetics, the goal was to create a home that resonated emotionally, providing a space where the family could truly unwind. A standout piece, the Felix Chesterfield 3-seater sofa, was upholstered in a luxurious velvet teal, bringing timeless British design into a contemporary context. With its deep texture and tufted detailing, this sofa invited relaxation, perfectly complementing the space’s overall vibe.    A key element in this design process was understanding the emotional power of colour. Colour psychology is a fascinating field that explores how hues can influence our moods, thoughts, and behaviours. We strategically selected colours that would create an atmosphere of calm and inspiration throughout the apartment.    The walls were painted in deep, warm tones, paired with luxurious velvet accents and polished metals. This colour palette was specifically selected to nurture feelings of comfort and sophistication. For instance, the deep greens and teals were used to promote relaxation and calm, ideal for spaces where the family could unwind.    Ultimately, we curated an interior that not only reflected the client's personality and lifestyle but also utilised colour psychology to create a space that felt energising yet soothing. Every design decision was intentional, making the home both practical and emotionally resonant.    #InteriorDesign #ColourPsychology #LuxuryLiving #HomeMakeover #DesignInspiration    📸 Anna Stathaki 🖤

TL;DR: We believe that design shouldn't be restricted to chasing trends or simply filling rooms with luxury items for the sake of it. Design thrives when it creates a home that works for real life; when it's beautiful, functional, and uniquely you.    RTFA: At Kia Designs, we believe true timeless design is a home that reflects your personality and serves your needs as both an individual and a family.    Trends are fleeting, changing as quickly as the seasons. That’s why we consciously distance ourselves from their ephemerality, opting instead to create spaces that stand the test of time. For us, design isn’t about following what’s “in”; it’s about what’s “you.”    When asked about our “style,” our answer might surprise you: “All of them and none of them.” Why? Because every project we take on is entirely unique. Our design process is led by two core principles:    1️⃣ Client-Led Vision: Every home we design is a reflection of its occupants; their lifestyles, tastes, and aspirations.    2️⃣ Design-Led Creativity: We explore the endless possibilities of materials, layouts, and finishes to ensure your space is as functional as it is beautiful.    Whether it’s a subtle refurbishment or a complete transformation, our mission remains the same: to create spaces that our clients will love and live in for years to come. A home, as it should be.    Do you want to learn more about creating a timeless home that fits your life? Drop us a comment with your top interior priorities or save this post for inspiration later!    📸 Anna Stathaki 🖤    #TimelessDesign #BespokeInteriors #FunctionalLuxury #ClientLedDesign #LuxuryInteriors