Chapter 02 · 2025

The Franklin's Family Home

A family home between two tastes

Location: Greater Manchester
Type: Open-plan family home
Materials: oak · cork · terrazzo · linen
Year: 2025

Linen

Olive

Walnut

Terracotta

01 · The brief

Eva and Xavier wanted their open-plan family home to feel stylish yet practical with two young children. Their priorities were clear: sustainability, storage, and a design that reflected both of their personalities, Xavier's love of bold colour and Eva's preference for calming neutrals. They also wanted the home to reflect their values of hygge and sustainability, while weaving in subtle nods to Bristol, sailing, and the mid-century character of the property.

02 · The challenge

The biggest challenge was balancing contrasting tastes while ensuring the space worked for everyday family life. The home needed to feel calm and refined, but also layered with personality, storage, and warmth.

Approach

A functional, open-plan layout that flowed seamlessly from room to room.
A neutral and earthy base was chosen to bring light and calm, while layers of bold accents, sculptural lighting, and natural textures introduced depth and individuality.
Sustainable materials, warm woods, cork, and eco-friendly finishes tied everything together, ensuring the design supported both the family's lifestyle and values.

03 · The palette

Linen

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Olive

#666b45

Walnut

#453b2e

Terracotta

#8c3d1a

Colour concept board with fabric swatches, paint samples, and natural materials on oak — Sample-led from the start, tones and textures confirmed in real life.

Inspiration mood board: woodland, sailing, Bristol, hygge, natural textures — Bold, nature-led, with personal threads woven throughout.

Finishes board with striped linen, ikat, cork, terrazzo, shell wallpaper, and olive velvet — Sustainable materials, warm woods, cork, and eco-friendly finishes.

Flow and floorplan layout showing open-plan kitchen, dining, and living spaces — A functional layout that flows seamlessly from room to room.

Living room mood board with green velvet armchair, sculptural lighting, and Bristol references — Calming, comforting, hygge. Stripes to lengthen the space.

Hallway and cloakroom design with shell wallpaper, olive bench, and cork accents — Shell paper to acknowledge Bristol and Xavier's love of sailing.

Kitchen mood board with 3D render, terrazzo surfaces, and brushed brass track lighting — Modern, homely, welcoming. Recycled terrazzo surfaces.

Dining room mood board with wooden pendants, terracotta curtains, and walnut table — Multi-functional, layered lighting, the gathering spot.

04 · Highlights

01A carefully curated colour palette: earthy neutrals paired with greens, terracotta, and bold accents for balance.
02Natural and sustainable materials sourced responsibly, chosen for warmth, tactility, and longevity.
03Sculptural lighting in organic forms to soften the space and reflect hygge and biophilic principles.
04Integrated storage and multifunctional furniture, ensuring family life remains uncluttered and practical.
05Room-specific touches: a shell wallpaper in the hallway to nod to sailing, a green dining room anchor wall for storage and display, and a warm, welcoming kitchen with recycled wood terrazzo surfaces for texture and interest.

05 · The outcome“The final design brought together Eva and Xavier's personalities in a space that feels both personal and practical. It balances sustainability with style, creating a home that is warm, functional, and truly their own; a place to relax, entertain, and grow together as a family.”

Next chapter

Woodland Retreat

A main-bedroom sanctuary beside the trees