Transforming a period home requires more than a fresh look—it demands an understanding of its history and character. For the Failand Farmhouse, Khaya Studio reimagined a dated sitting room into a warm, timeless space that balances contemporary comfort with the charm of traditional farmhouse interior design.
In this Behind the Idea interview, Kate Fryer, Interior Designer at Khaya Studio, discusses the inspiration, design process and challenges behind the renovation. Discover how thoughtful material choices, architecture-led design and a turnkey approach helped create an interior that feels seamlessly connected to its surroundings.
What was the brief?
The clients approached Khaya Studio to redesign and renovate their formal sitting room, a space that had become dated and underutilised over time. While generous in scale and blessed with wonderful views across the surrounding landscape, the room lacked warmth and personality, and no longer reflected how the family wished to live and entertain. The brief was to create a fresh, light-filled scheme that felt comfortable, welcoming and in keeping with the character of the farmhouse.
How did the initial pitch/brainstorming phase go?
Respecting the architecture and history of a building is always at the heart of our design approach. Our aim was to create a scheme that felt entirely at home within the property, as though it had evolved naturally over time rather than been recently introduced. Throughout the design process, the client was drawn to the soft greens and warm amber tones featured within the concept boards. These colours became the foundation of the scheme, bringing a sense of tranquillity while subtly reflecting the surrounding countryside. An engineered oak floor was selected to introduce warmth and authenticity, while providing a timeless backdrop for the furnishings.
What was the process behind ideating the concept?
Having always dreamt of living in a home with exposed ceiling beams, the client was delighted when we sourced faux beams in a finish carefully chosen to complement the new flooring. Existing wallpaper was removed and the walls redecorated to create a lighter, more cohesive canvas. New lighting was introduced throughout to enhance atmosphere and functionality, while bespoke window treatments in a soft green patterned fabric frame the beautiful views beyond without competing with them. The finishing layers were equally important. A carefully selected rug, new sofas, footstool and statement mirror were introduced to bring texture, personality and a sense of completeness to the room.
What was the production process like?
Khaya studio project managed the process throughout installation giving the client a full turnkey experience.
What was the biggest challenge during production? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was having multiple trades on site and co-ordinating them all within a two week installation window. We aspire to minimise disruption to our clients in order to give them an enjoyable experience.
What is one funny or notable thing that happened during production?
There was a radiator leak which meant that the flooring installation had to be delayed by a few days.
What’s the main message of this project and why does it matter?
At Khaya Studio, we really try to respond first and foremost to the architecture of the buildings we work within. The way we approach a Coach House with grand scale versus a mid century bungalow versus a Farmhouse is entirely different. We want our interiors to sit seamlessly within their surroundings.
How long did it take from inception to delivery?
6 months from moodboarding to installation & styling.
Can you describe the creative spark or inspiration behind the initial concept? Was there a specific moment or insight that ignited the idea?
The clients love of softer muted tones while wanting it to feel refreshed and inviting. Her dream of wanting to live in a home with ceiling beams.
Credit list for the work?
Photography by James Cameron Photography