empire villas - Cirencester Cottage

Georgie Mcdonald
Jan 1
5 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Cottage Farmhouse Interior Design Transformation in Cirencester

At G R Design Studio, we had the pleasure of working on a beautiful old cottage in Cirencester, full of character and charm. Our task was to create a modern but characterful cottage while preserving the period features that made this property so unique. The goal was to breathe new life into the house, which included three bedrooms, lounge, kitchen/dining area, utility room, all while working within a fairly conservative budget.

The client wanted a cosy, modern farmhouse aesthetic that celebrated the period features of the cottage, such as the herringbone wood flooring and uneven walls, while also making the space more functional and contemporary. The challenge was to maintain the charm of the existing features while introducing modern elements that would transform the space into a welcoming, practical home.

This project was especially meaningful as it was the client’s first home, making it incredibly sentimental for them. Creating a space that would feel personal, welcoming, and reflective of their story was something we truly cherished.

Design Approach

Getting to know our clients and how they use the space is of utmost importance to us. While we want the space to look stunning, we also want it to be functional for their everyday life. Our aim is always to design spaces that fit their personality and are timeless, so they don’t feel the need to change the design in a few years just because the “trend” is no longer in fashion. This philosophy is what truly guides our design approach.

Key Interior Design Elements

Neutral Tones: Soft, warm neutrals like creams, taupe's, and soft greys set the tone for the entire home, creating a calm and welcoming environment. These shades will blend seamlessly with the natural textures and wooden accents in the space.
Rich Accents: Deep shades of green and royal blue have been chosen to provide pops of colour, adding vibrancy and a sense of depth. These hues were carefully selected to reflect the lush countryside surrounding the cottage, bringing the natural beauty of the outdoors in. The green tones evoke the greenery of the Cotswolds, while the royal blue adds a touch of serenity and sophistication, reminiscent of the sky and natural elements found in the landscape. These colours will be used in accent areas like the lounge and hallways, offering a beautiful, sophisticated contrast to the lighter neutrals and connecting the interior to the surrounding countryside.
Natural Materials: The herringbone wooden flooring will remain a key feature of the home and regenerated to bring out the natural colour, complemented by natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and wool to create a tactile, inviting atmosphere. Rattan baskets and potted greenery, such as the olive tree, will add organic charm to the design.
Soft Furnishings: The sofas, cushions, and throws will feature muted neutral tones in creams and taupe's, contributing to the space's inviting and cosy atmosphere. These elements will help maintain a relaxed, timeless aesthetic.
Antique Brass Accents: Antique brass will be used throughout the home to add warmth and elegance. From lighting fixtures like pendant lamps and sconces to door handles and furniture hardware, the brass elements will offer a sophisticated yet timeless touch that enhances the rustic charm of the space.
Statement Lighting: Vintage-inspired brass lighting fixtures, including pendants and sconces, will help create focal points while adding warmth and character. The antique brass finish ties beautifully with the wooden elements and enhances the modern farmhouse feel.

Standout Spaces

The result is a space that feels cohesive, personal, and rooted in character. The cottage now reflects the charm of its heritage while being reimagined as a functional, stylish home for modern living. Our clients were over the moon with the transformation and we couldn’t be prouder to have played a part in bringing their vision to life.

We reinstated the fireplace hearth using a soft natural stone that beautifully complements the tones of the oak flooring, adding subtle texture and a sense of permanence. A reclaimed oak mantel was added above, enhancing the focal point and introducing rustic charm with a timeless feel.

To frame the large window, we installed double pinch pleat curtains in a warm linen fabric. These bring both elegance and practicality to the space—softening the room while offering privacy and gentle light diffusion. The curtains are finished with antique brass tiebacks featuring a delicate bee motif, a subtle but meaningful touch that held sentimental value for the client. This thoughtful detail also echoes other metallic accents throughout the room, creating a sense of cohesion and understated charm.

The built-in shelving and cabinetry were refreshed, giving new life to existing features and helping the alcoves feel considered and cohesive. We introduced layered lighting, combining antique brass wall sconces with a central pendant to create a warm, ambient atmosphere and elevate the room’s functionality from day to evening.

Finally, we styled the space with soft furnishings in natural linens, wool throws, and tactile cushions to complete the look—resulting in a relaxed yet elevated room that feels both lived-in and loved.

The herringbone floors were professionally sanded and re-oiled to enhance the rich, natural tones of the wood. This instantly lifted the room and brought warmth and texture back to the forefront.

In the hallway, we utilised the existing panelling, refreshing it with a two-tone paint scheme—a warm white on the upper walls and ‘Adulting’ by COAT on the panelling below. This soft sage tone adds subtle colour and depth, while the warm white keeps the space feeling bright and open. The result is a hallway that feels characterful yet calm, and beautifully in tune with the rest of the home’s natural palette.

The Final Result

This Cirencester cottage has been reimagined into a home that honours its period charm while embracing everyday practicality and comfort.

The living room now exudes warmth and calm, with the reinstated fireplace hearth grounding the space and the oak mantel drawing the eye to the centre. The new curtains frame the room beautifully, and the antique brass details create a consistent, refined tone throughout.
Textures and materials have been layered to perfection—linen, wood, brass, and stone—all working together to tell a story of quiet luxury.
The hallway now feels connected and considered, not an afterthought. Its simple design features carry the character of the cottage from one space to the next, enhancing flow and consistency.

Ultimately, this project proves that thoughtful design doesn’t require a huge budget—just a clear vision, strong understanding of the client’s needs, and a deep respect for the existing bones of the home.

The space now feels warm, intentional, and truly lived-in—ready for memories to be made.

Client Testimonial

“Working with Georgie has been an absolute dream from start to finish. She completely understood our vision and somehow managed to turn our scattered ideas into a beautifully cohesive home that feels like us. Every detail—right down to the paint colours and finishes—was so thoughtfully considered, and nothing ever felt rushed or off the shelf.

We especially appreciated how she honoured the character of our cottage while bringing in a fresh, modern feel. The result is a home that’s not only stunning, but functional and full of heart. We’ve had so many compliments from friends and family—and most importantly, we genuinely love spending time in every room.

Thank you, Georgie, for making our first home so special. We couldn’t recommend G R Design Studio more highly.” — Tanya & Dave

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