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Matthew James is an award-winning, boutique interior design studio for those who have vision, and trust in the creative process to deliver it. 

Project Type: Kitchen + Bathroom Renovation
Design: Matthew James
Photography: Damien Kook
Construction: Ireland Building Group
Joinery: FOUND Kitchens + Joinery

Awards + Recognition:
KBDi Awards 2026 - Finalist, Small Kitchens
KBDI Awards 2026 - Finalist, Small Bathrooms
Project Feature - Lo&Co Interiors

BRUNSWICK HOUSE /
OLD BONES, NEW SOUL

Brunswick House is a project that proves good design isn't always about creating more space. Sometimes it's about making better use of what's already there.

Working entirely within the existing footprint of a Victorian terrace, the renovation transforms two of the home's most constrained spaces; a centrally located kitchen and a compact bathroom, through careful planning, thoughtful material selection and a commitment to resolving rather than removing existing conditions.

At the heart of the project, the kitchen navigates a series of fixed constraints, including an existing hallway thoroughfare, chimney stack and retained window. Rather than treating these elements as obstacles, the design embraces them, incorporating the chimney into the kitchen itself and reorganising the space around a central island that improves functionality, storage and everyday usability. The result is a kitchen that feels effortless despite the complexity behind it.

Materiality plays an equally important role in shaping the experience of the home. Travertine, burl veneer, handmade zellige tiles and living brass introduce warmth, texture and depth, creating an interior that feels rich and layered without overwhelming the architecture. Every material has been selected to complement the existing home, reinforcing a sense of cohesion and permanence throughout.

This approach continues into the bathroom, where an unchanged footprint is carefully reworked to accommodate a larger shower, vanity, toilet and integrated laundry. A curved, semi-enclosed shower lined in handmade bejmat tiles becomes the defining feature of the space, introducing softness, texture and a sense of craftsmanship.

Brunswick House is ultimately a story of resolution. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can unlock the potential within an existing home, creating spaces that feel more intuitive, more connected and more enjoyable to live in. Rather than relying on dramatic gestures, the project finds beauty in careful decisions, proving that some of the most successful transformations happen within the boundaries that already exist.