Built between 1727 and 1730, this Georgian country house has been beautifully renovated to marry its classic proportions and period features with fresh light, color, and practicality. The update offers a welcoming home suitable for a family with four young children, crafted by Olivine Design alongside expert architects and builders.
- Original 18th-century Georgian architecture restored with fresh, light interiors
- Color palette weaves olive, cinnamon, and brick tones for warmth and flow
- New family-friendly additions like a mudroom and scullery enhance daily living
What happened
This elegant house in Northamptonshire, dating back to the late 1720s, underwent a comprehensive renovation starting in 2023. The design team at Olivine Design set out to preserve its historic details, such as the characteristic paneled walls, while introducing new layouts tailored for modern family life. Key improvements included extending the kitchen, adding a mudroom and scullery, and updating bathrooms to offer contemporary comfort without losing the home’s original charm.
Collaborating early with Nick Cox Architects and a skilled construction team allowed the project to thoughtfully reimagine the use of each space. The home now features a light-filled flow through reception rooms and restful bedrooms with rich layers of texture and carefully selected colors that complement the natural light streaming through plentiful windows.
Why it feels good
The renovation balances respect for the home's 18th-century heritage with a lively sense of modern style. The designers used a warm palette including olive greens, cinnamon, straw, and brick accents that unify the interiors without overwhelming the spaces. Textural elements like grasscloth wall coverings and layered fabrics add softness and depth, enhancing comfort while maintaining an air of refined playfulness.
Natural light floods the principal rooms, highlighting the mix of antique and contemporary furnishings. This creates an inviting atmosphere that is both elegant and welcoming for a family setting. The integration of practical spaces alongside thoughtful décor means the house supports the dynamic needs of a household with young children while celebrating its history.
What to enjoy or watch next
Home design enthusiasts and families looking for inspiration will appreciate how this project shows the joys of blending period architecture with modern living demands. Look out for future features that highlight the home's playful uses of pattern and color, especially in the pantry, bedrooms, and living areas where subtle flourishes bring personality to classic spaces.
For anyone considering updating a historic home, this example demonstrates the value of early collaboration with architects and designers who understand how to balance heritage conservation with new functional requirements. The project is a reminder that thoughtful design can create a beautiful family home that honors the past while fully embracing the present.