Located in one of the main streets of Esher, a leafy town in the county of Surrey, UK, this house is set amongst high-end properties that showcase a variety of architectural styles. Esher is inhabited largely by London professionals seeking convenient access to the city but with the tranquillity of open spaces to retreat to in the evenings. The house extends over several floors and boasts expansive, well-lit rooms seamlessly connected by a palette of harmonious colours, textures and furnishings. These elements create a cohesive classical-colonial ambience, accentuated by geometric patterns such as the recurring circles in the dining room. The predominant ivory colour flows seamlessly from the entrance to the dining and living areas, creating a sense of unity without stark contrasts, except in the kitchen where a nearly all-black scheme – with the notable exception of the work surfaces – complements the built-in appliances. Oliver Thorne, principal of Ridgeback Project, the firm leading the renovation, explains the client’s vision: “The client wanted a contemporary design rooted in traditional neo-Georgian architecture and using exclusively high-quality materials and finishes. This approach combines modern aesthetics with classical influences to create a sophisticated, timeless space.” The project features high ceilings, abundant natural light, open-plan living spaces, clean styling and a meticulously selected colour palette. “We knew that large-format ceramic tiles were essential for the floors in such large spaces, and after extensive research arrived at the solution you see today.” The architects opted for Blustyle’s Yosemite large-size slab collection (90×90 cm) in the Lake version, a limestone-effect porcelain stoneware tile that authentically replicates the original natural stone with rich, true-to-life colours and veins.
“The client had discerning taste and the design process was painstakingly thorough,” explains Thorne. “Once the style had been decided on, the designers worked with a carefully curated colour palette, introducing complementary textures and materials to ensure a harmonious overall vision without stark contrasts. The floor tiles played a key role, not just in terms of colour, but also in texture and style. Porcelain stoneware is also ideal for underfloor heating in winter and provides a cooling effect in the summer.”
The Yosemite collection stands out for its aesthetic and technical qualities and has earned GREENGUARD GOLD certification, the Underwriters Laboratories standard that sets strict limits on VOC emissions. The GREENGUARD GOLD certification is widely recognised by sustainable building programmes and regulations worldwide, including LEED (international) and BREEAM (UK).
Nature is a dominant presence in this private home in Esher, Surrey, flooding in through the large windows that surround the living room. The intensity of the natural light and the colours of the outdoor landscape blend harmoniously with the earth tones of the furnishings, such as the round table, the upholstered chairs and the cupboard, a reminder that the noise and bustle of the city is literally a world away.
