Lewis Knox
Lewis Knox

Coastal Cottage

Creating a dream coastal Welsh holiday home

Somewhere to switch off from the world, relax and unwind with family, friends and, of course, the dogs too.

Sector: Residential
Style: Rustic Cool
Location: North Wales, UK
Status: Completed 2019
Press: Samuel Heath
Awards: Winner Northern Design Awards 2018
Shortlisted International Design and Architecture Awards 2019

With spectacular coastal and countryside views, this cottage was set to be a dream holiday home in Wales. The brief from our clients was clear. Design a place with plenty of wow factor – think understated yet cool. Somewhere to switch off from the world, relax and unwind with family, friends and, of course, the dogs too.

The interior for this coastal cottage took a sensitive approach to its decor; the studio were mindful of its origin and reinstated the lime plaster, oak beams whilst adding a characterful yet modern take on a farmhouse kitchen.

Firstly, we remodelled the cottage, extending it to suit their need for space. Each bedroom was reconfigured to become more spacious, and furniture was chosen to look simple yet effective, using a mix of metal and timber to be robust and hard-wearing. Plus, loose linen covers over chairs and sofas helps accommodate the dogs.

The result was a charming place, filled with unique character, and ideal for entertaining lots of guests with ease.

Stone country house with slate roofs, chimneys and lit windows facing a long rectangular swimming pool surrounded by wooden decking under a moody blue evening sky
Dark slate-tiled shower wall with a recessed shelf holding two toiletry bottles, a vertical brushed-metal triple control plate with wooden-handled levers, and a folded grey towel with white stripes hanging on a chrome heated rail.
Dark bathrooms can be successful small spaces. Instead of going light to try and make the space appear bigger we embraced the intimate size and went dark to create atmosphere.
Modern bathroom with a glass-front walk-in shower and ceiling rain showerhead against dark slate walls, a pebble-pattern stone floor, wooden vanity topped by a round stone vessel sink, illuminated recessed mirror and folded towels on open shelves.
Farmhouse-style kitchen sink area with a hammered copper apron-front sink, dark bronze tap, stone countertops and dark cabinets beneath a wide window framing rolling countryside and a small potted plant on the sill, with exposed wooden ceiling beams above.
Double bed with a navy duvet, patterned black-and-white cushions and a folded striped throw against a buttoned light headboard on a warm wooden-paneled wall, flanked by curved black bedside lamps and a dark textured wall with a stone mantel holding grouped pillar candles
Cozy bedroom with warm horizontal oak wall panelling and a navy bed topped with patterned black-and-white cushions and beige pillows, framed by a dark painted beam and slanted white ceiling, with an open doorway showing a tiled ensuite bathroom with a toilet and sink.
Rustic-modern kitchen with exposed wooden beams and a central wood-fronted island lit by warm under-cabinet LEDs, concrete floor, stainless-steel fridge, dark cabinetry, a large window over the sink, woven pendant lights and a potted plant in a wicker basket
Close-up of a bedside with a lit curved black metal lamp on a wooden nightstand beside a tufted grey headboard and layered cushions — a beige pillow and patterned cushion atop dark bedding, with a small potted succulent and a magazine on the lower shelf.

As this was a second home, it was a budget-conscious project. So, we spent time sourcing the perfect items from markets, antique shops and salvage yards. Pairing these upcycled objects with bespoke pieces, and more glamorous accessories created a contemporary, rustic style.

Cozy rustic living room with a central stone fireplace flanked by built-in wooden shelves, a hanging wrought-iron chandelier beneath a white plank vaulted ceiling, a light-coloured sofa and blue armchair facing the hearth, warm wood‑panelled walls and large glass doors to the left.
Cozy neutral bedroom with an upholstered double bed centred against a pale horizontal shiplap feature wall, two patterned cushions, matching tripod bedside lamps, a white tongue-and-groove ceiling and large glass doors with light curtains to the right.
Rustic-modern kitchen with exposed wooden beams and a central wood-fronted island lit by warm under-cabinet LEDs, concrete floor, stainless-steel fridge, dark cabinetry, a large window over the sink, woven pendant lights and a potted plant in a wicker basket
Small beige plaster bathroom with a rounded stone pedestal sink and wall-mounted tap in front of a tall mirror, pebble-lined recessed shelves holding potted succulents, a glass-enclosed shower and a dual-flush toilet plate on the wall.
Modern bathroom with pink plaster walls featuring a long rectangular stone basin on a wooden vanity beneath a rustic wooden-framed mirror, a pebble-tiled walk-in shower with overhead rain shower and narrow frosted window, and a chrome heated towel rail holding blue striped towels.

“
Our client requested the ultimate escape. We sourced some unique materials and had fun developing original ideas into each space to help create a haven away from his fast paced world of business.

Helen, Interior Designer

Share this project

WhatsApp icon Facebook icon Pinterest icon Twitter icon

Do you have a project to discuss?

Contact Us

View More Projects

Open-plan living room with exposed wooden ceiling beams and a red-brick fireplace with stacked logs, furnished with light-grey leather sofas and patterned armchairs around a round glass-top coffee table topped with a green plant, large floor-to-ceiling windows with patterned curtains filling the space with daylight and a dining area with a chandelier visible in the background.
Symmetrical twin staircase with polished dark-wood handrails and black metal balusters surrounding an upper landing, centred beneath a cascading crystal chandelier, with neutral beige walls, recessed lights, carpet runners on the steps and four dark wooden doors flanking a small seating area.
Large red-brick three-storey mansion with a terracotta tiled roof and central arched glass atrium, set above a stone lower terrace with three grand arched openings, outdoor dining and lounge seating, tiered landscaped gardens and winding steps surrounded by mature trees.
Double-height foyer with a sweeping carpeted curved staircase and dark wooden balustrade leading to an upper balcony, a cluster of vertical pendant lights above a round entry table with cushioned stools, a tall potted tree in a wicker basket to the left and illuminated built-in shelving with decorative objects to the right.
Luxurious indoor pool with rippling water beneath a recessed ceiling studded with star-like lights and warm cove lighting, a textured illuminated wall, a glass-enclosed sauna, wood-framed lounge seating with cushions and a table with champagne and glasses, and potted plants along the terrace.
Vaulted living room framed by exposed timber beams and triangular clerestory windows, sheer floor-to-ceiling curtains backlighting a dark green sofa with patterned cushions and a blue patterned ottoman; a black piano with sheet music sits to the left, a drum-style chandelier hangs overhead, a small side table holds a white orchid, and a blurred figure walks behind the curtains.
Symmetrical built-in navy-blue bunk beds with X‑pattern upper railings and a central stepped storage staircase, each lower bed made with white sheets, green throws and a teddy bear, set against textured wallpaper and a window to the left.
Dark wood, glass‑paned double doors open onto a bright, symmetrical kitchen framed by white mouldings, featuring a central wooden island with a small potted plant, pendant lights, upholstered bar stools and large windows letting in daylight.
Elegant neutral living room with matching upholstered sofas and armchairs arranged around a coffee table and a marble fireplace set in built‑in shelving, topped by ornate ceiling moulding and a central chandelier, with floor‑to‑ceiling glass doors to the left.
Sunlit modern farmhouse kitchen with white shaker cabinets and a large marble island topped by a pot of green foliage, two woven black barstools with wooden legs, a central black pendant light, open shelving and glass‑front cabinets, a brass faucet and sink under a diamond‑pane window, and built‑in ovens to the left.

Sign up to our newsletter