From Dubai to the UK: Transforming an Esher Home into Hotel Chic Living
Design Package: Whole Home Renovation | Service: Design & Project Management | Location: Esher
This project was not one of our usual design-led commissions, but rather a large-scale renovation with a tight turnaround that demanded precision and honed project management skills. Our client was relocating back from Dubai and needed their UK home fully ready to move into. As they were still living abroad during the process, they placed enormous trust in us to oversee every detail on their behalf. The property itself had great bones but was tired, unloved, and in need of a complete refresh. The brief was clear: create a stylish, cohesive, and effortless space, a true “hotel chic” retreat that would feel like home from the moment they walked through the door.
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Property - Before
The Brief: Luxury with Sophisticated Minimalism
When we first walked through the house together, it was clear that the layout worked, but the interiors lacked character and had been neglected. On the surface, the property looked fine, but as we began to dig deeper it became clear that many of the finishes were poorly executed and not up to the high standard our client expected. The goal was to transform this into a home that felt both luxurious and calm capturing the sophistication that matched their style.
D&R Design: Bespoke Wardrobes
While storage wasn’t the biggest challenge in this project, it was certainly the most design-led element. The existing wardrobes across all bedrooms were not only dated and unattractive but also a poor use of space. In some cases, doors opened directly onto walls, preventing them from functioning properly and making daily use awkward. We took a fresh approach with a fully bespoke design, rethinking the layout to optimise space while introducing a sleek, tailored aesthetic. The result is wardrobes that are not only highly functional but also an elegant design feature, bringing both practicality and a touch of luxury to each room.
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D&R - Wardrobes After
Project Management
Cohesive Flooring
One of the biggest transformations came from replacing all the flooring throughout the property. We chose a beautiful wood finish that brought warmth, texture, and continuity to every room. The effect was immediate: the house instantly felt bigger, brighter, and far more harmonious.
A Fresh Palette
From the outset, the client had a very clear vision of the colour scheme and overall aesthetic they wanted to achieve. Our role was to guide and refine their ideas where needed, but primarily to source and manage the best team of suppliers to bring that vision to life with absolute precision. With the client still living abroad during much of the process, trust was paramount, they relied on us to oversee every detail and ensure the flawless finish they were dreaming of. The entire property was repainted to create a calm, elegant backdrop that feels cohesive throughout, perfectly aligning with their desired hotel chic style.
Crittall Doors
The client wanted their Crittall doors to complement the overall look and feel of the space. Our role was to manage every stage of the design and installation, sourcing and coordinating the installation. The final result integrates seamlessly into the space, combining elegance and functionality exactly as the client envisioned.
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D&R - Work in Progress
D&R - After Pics
Design in Process
The Result: Seamless Sophistication with a Personal Touch
This run down property is now unrecognisable. Walking through the home, there’s a sense of flow, cohesion, and modern chic. The bespoke details and fresh finishes give it that vibe our client dreamed of, luxurious with a clean look and feel.
Once lacking in character and quality, this Esher home has been transformed into a refined sanctuary that reflects the client’s style perfectly. It’s always rewarding to see a client’s vision realised so seamlessly, especially when they’ve placed their trust in us from abroad.
Client Testimonial
“I asked Design & Refine to take care of the interior renovation of our new home and I’m absolutely thrilled with the results. Nat and Jenna demonstrated their creativity immediately, advising us on wooden flooring, carpets and paint colours, plus produced bespoke joinery designs. All of these elements brought a cohesive yet individual feel to the entire home. They then project managed the six-month renovation, liaising with builders, electricians, plumbers, tilers and carpet fitters. All whilst I was still living abroad! Their communication throughout was clear and timely. The final result is absolutely stunning and I would highly recommend Design & Refine to anyone with a project large or small.”
Ready to transform your space? Book your free discovery call today and let’s bring your vision to life.