design et al are delighted to announce that Oakeve Interiors have been shortlisted for Residential £5 Million Plus (Property by Value) Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2017.
The design brief given to Oakeve Interiors for Hurlingham was to create a truly impressive, new family home of grand proportions set in mature south-facing grounds appealing to sophisticated buyers looking for a central Beaconsfield location. The house was constructed using handmade external materials, to promote and maintain the established ‘Manor House’ elevations. The use of stone mullion windows, stone door surrounds and gothic front arch, were original and key architectural elements which gave the house its grandeur and presence within the street scene. Softened by mature, generous planting, the house had an understated stature typical of large historic houses from generations past. Internally, the highest quality craftsmanship and resources were brought together to create a luxuriously appointed, technically advanced opulent home. Designed with intelligent room flow, abundant natural light and muted tactile fabrics and finishes, the house engendered comfort and well-being.
Connection of spaces was also important, as the house was to have both formal and informal living areas. Family living and enjoyment and entertaining and socialising were given equal importance as spaces were connected depending upon their anticipated purpose. Within the bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, relaxation, comfort and tranquillity were key design principles for the house infrastructure components, such as underfloor heating, air conditioning, lighting and audio visual. Bespoke furniture and cabinetry was designed specifically for the Hurlingham, ensuring design continuity throughout the property, which when used in conjunction with a complementary colour palette, results in a holistic, comprehensive and thoughtful scheme. White Phalaenopsis Orchids were a luxurious addition to the scheme, used to soften the grey high gloss of the bespoke furniture. A dining terrace and separate outdoor entertaining area with external gas fire and surround sound maximised the benefit of the mature, south-facing generous garden, promoting socialising and entertaining in summer months. In summary, the house was designed to promote owner well-being and encapsulate the ‘aspirational lifestyle’ choice for any discerning prospective purchaser. 
First impressions are important and one of Oakeve Interiors favourite aspects of Hurlingham was the entrance hall and connected landing areas above. Entering through the oak panelled door and leaving behind the statuesque ‘Manor House’ exterior façade, visitors are led in to a capacious hallway where oak panelling continues the ‘Manor House’ journey, but where contemporary Serip chandeliers draw the visitor’s eye to the landing area above and beyond. The first and second floor galleried landing areas are vast, with the continued panelling and Serip chandeliers providing the connection to the entrance hallway below. White Phalaenopsis Orchids were an opulent addition to the scheme throughout Hurlingham and were used to soften and assuage the more formal areas of the drawing and dining room. Oakeve Interiors further key aspect of the project was the flow between various aspects of the house. The more formal drawing room and dining room, connected through double doors, were staged with similar colour palettes, bespoke furniture and tactile, luxurious soft furnishings, with complementary accessories and lamps completing the holistic interior design. This was also achieved in the vast kitchen/ breakfast area/ family room and home cinema, where a grey, silver and black colour palette was utilised to bring these less formal, family entertaining areas together.
The traditional ‘Manor House’ façade of Hurlingham distinguishes itself from neighbouring properties, creating a statement, luxury residence on one of the most exclusive residential roads in Buckinghamshire, whilst the interior design scheme applied throughout delivers an opulent, contemporary, elegant show home, fully addressing the design brief, and engendering the ‘aspirational family lifestyle’ choice. Careful consideration was put into spatial planning and room layout design, ensuring that there was a seamless flow throughout the property, but also provided clear demarcation of certain areas of the house for more or less formal entertaining.