Case Studies

The design concept for Stokes in Newark celebrates the raw character of an industrial building while creating a warm, welcoming space that transitions effortlessly from day to evening dining. Inspired by the colours and textures of derelict architecture — from broken plaster to galvanised steel and rusted metals — the scheme features hand-painted textured walls that move from light to dark tones, evoking an authentic aged quality. Metallic finishes introduce warm gold hues that complement the working roastery and furnishings, resulting in a visually striking yet harmonious venue. It has been a joy to bring this concept to life for the Stokes family, and I hope every visitor feels inspired within the space.

Leading on from the decadent mural in the entrance, the journey continues into a light-filled corridor — the spine of the hotel — where large arched windows from The Orangery, painted in golden hues, bathe the space in sunlight. Working in collaboration with craftsman Richard, I developed bespoke wall panelling to gently structure the space, framing a series of original hand-painted artworks inspired by traditional Chinoiserie wallpaper. Drawing on complementary palettes from adjoining rooms, the pieces create harmony across the ground floor. Designed for this newly reimagined wedding venue, the artwork evokes romance, calm, and connection to nature, with the Red Crown Crane symbolising love, longevity, and good fortune, while trailing greenery softens the setting.

Designing the bridal suite was an absolute joy.

Conceived as a luxurious private apartment, the space allowed me to fully embrace decadent Art Deco colour palettes with a modern twist, layering bold greens and deep aubergines with rich golden hues. I created bespoke artwork inspired by traditional Deco motifs, reimagined with a contemporary, personal touch. A hand-painted peacock piece — symbolising pride, love, beauty, and elegance — welcomes guests, alongside a full scenic mural and gold-painted details throughout. Flowing voile fabrics around the four-poster bed and floor-length curtains in the bay window complete the romantic, immersive experience for bridal parties.

I was commissioned to reimagine three key transitional spaces at Charlotte House — the entrance hallway and first stairway, the connecting corridor, and the second stairwell — creating a cohesive visual journey that complements the adjacent bar and lounge.

The entrance delivers an immediate sense of drama and luxury, blending Art Deco influence with natural elements. Hand-painted gold ceilings, radiators, and skirting boards frame the space, drawing the eye toward a bespoke floor-to-ceiling mural that establishes a calm, elegant atmosphere with a refined boutique character.

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The corridor leads to two stairwells, continuing the visual journey through the lower floor. From the bold, decadent entrance, the palette evolves gradually, guiding guests through tones that soften as they move through the space. This gentle transition creates a sense of calm progression, allowing each area to feel distinct yet connected. At the far end of the hotel, a lighter hand-painted feature wall introduces delicate hues and subtle gold detailing, echoing the overall scheme while offering a quieter moment of refinement.

The composition provides balance, ensuring the journey feels cohesive, elegant, and thoughtfully resolved from beginning to end.

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One of the final design elements within the bridal suite was reworking several pieces of furniture that were beginning to feel tired. Many items throughout the hotel are antique pieces, thoughtfully sourced and rich with history. With the hotel now under the ownership of Stokes, a certified B Corp company, restoring rather than replacing these pieces aligned beautifully with their sustainable ethos. Each item was carefully cleaned, sanded, and re-stained to preserve its original character while subtly elevating it. By introducing delicate gold accents drawn from the suite’s palette, the refreshed furniture now feels cohesive, refined, and perfectly integrated within the space.