Calm and Textural Interior Design for a Family Home in Loughton, Essex

Studio Milne was commissioned to design the interiors of a modern family home in Loughton, Essex. The brief was to create a calming, contemporary space with a natural, organic feel. This full-house interior design project blends earthy tones, layered textures and clean-lined joinery with thoughtful details that bring warmth, comfort and personality to the space.

From the outset, the focus was on creating a light-filled, inviting home rooted in natural materials and soft colour choices. The open-plan layout was carefully reworked to optimise flow between the kitchen, living and dining zones while still offering moments of visual separation. A bespoke divider planted with greenery was designed to define the entrance to the kitchen-living space without blocking light or closing off the room. The plinth was topped in Caesarstone to tie in with the kitchen worktops, bringing cohesion and continuity.

The kitchen, designed by Studio Milne and realised in collaboration with Holte Studio, combines IKEA cabinetry with bespoke elements and Elm timber veneer fronts. Elm was chosen for its rich grain and warming tone, giving the kitchen a sophisticated yet understated look. A run of shallow storage units was custom-built along the wall by the entrance, topped with worktop space and open shelving to house planting, favourite ceramics and family cookbooks. This clever layout maximises storage while keeping surfaces looking curated and calm.

The living area features a balanced mix of high-end design and more accessible pieces, creating an interior that feels effortless yet refined. A boucle Soho Home sofa anchors the seating area, paired with soft Zara Home armchairs in similar tones. This high-low approach gave the clients a stylish and comfortable space without compromising on quality.

The fireplace was designed as a visual focal point. The chimney breast is clad in beautifully textured Parkside tiles with a subtle chamfered edge. These catch the light and create depth and interest throughout the day, particularly in contrast to the smooth painted walls. The fireplace itself is fitted with a sleek, bioethanol burner for warmth and ambience without the need for a chimney.

In the dining area, a bespoke table and benches by Gavin Coyle Studio offer a crafted, one-of-a-kind centrepiece. Overhead, Studio Milne specified the iconic Lampe de Marseille wall lights in homage to Le Corbusier’s original 1954 design. The lighting choices throughout the home elevate the space and add a sculptural quality, with Original BTC pendants bringing soft illumination to the kitchen island.

The hallway and staircase were refreshed while retaining the original concrete stair structure. This striking architectural detail adds depth and character. To keep the stairs soft underfoot, Studio Milne specified a wool runner by Sophie Cooney. The landing area was kept pared-back, allowing the materiality and natural tones to speak for themselves.

The family bathroom presented a design challenge due to its long, narrow footprint. To maximise functionality, compact sanitaryware was chosen and the space was tiled throughout in Terrazzo Nouveau porcelain from Mandarin Stone. These tiles have colour and flecks that run through the full depth of the tile, meaning no trim is required. This practical and visually clean solution adds texture and movement to the small space.

For the main ensuite, a printed porcelain tile that mimics the texture of natural stone was used across both floor and walls. This budget-friendly solution offers the beauty of stone with the low maintenance benefits of porcelain, making it ideal for family life.

In the darker-toned master ensuite, visual interest was created by using two tile formats in the same finish. Large format squares were paired with slim rectangular tiles to keep the palette cohesive while subtly defining areas. A built-in shelf and recessed niche provided practical storage for plants and daily essentials, ensuring the space was as functional as it was beautiful.

Planting plays a key role in the design language throughout the house. It enhances the sense of wellbeing and connection to nature. Paired with earthy tones and organic materials, it completes the sense of calm and comfort that defines the project.

This project reflects Studio Milne’s residential interior design ethos. It combines smart spatial planning with layered textures, meaningful materials and thoughtful details. The result is a calm, practical and visually rich family home designed to grow with its owners.