The Coastal Pensieve
Perched on the British seaside, this three-bedroom Victorian home once wore its history proudly — bay windows bracing the salty winds and original details nodding to another era. Then came the renovations, which swapped heritage charm for something sleeker and shinier. Enter a young family, armed with modern art, contemporary furniture, and a plea: could we make it feel like home again?
Atelier Akuko stepped in to reimagine this period property, weaving seaside stripes and Victorian florals back into the mix while keeping things firmly in the twenty-first century. The result is a Brighton interior design project that balances family-friendly function with a dash of character — think bespoke furniture with an anthropomorphic grin, rugs and curtains that nod to heritage, and playful little hideouts for the smallest resident.
A palette of pale blue, terracotta red, and garden green sets the stage for a symphony of textures and materials — chrome, lacquer, marble, and velvet blending seamlessly with contemporary pieces. It’s a Victorian house renovation, yes, but one that refuses to take itself too seriously.
Old bones, new spirit — your turn? → Explore Rebel Room(s).
The living room — the most elegant corner of this Victorian home — mixes period charm with contemporary edge. A green-and-blue embroidered floral rug anchors the colour story, while a curved sofa invites long conversations, flanked by sculptural post-modern chairs that keep things just the right side of quirky.
At the centre of the living room, a vintage terrazzo coffee table sits atop three mirrored spheres — a playful clash of warm stone and cool reflection that anchors the space.
A figurative floating fireplace mantel becomes a striking focal point in the living room, paired with statement art — a black-and-white photograph by Malick Sidibé.
Framing the Victorian logwood fireplace, a pair of black lacquered storage units with bold cylindrical legs bring balance to the living room. Their distinct silhouettes serve as statement furniture pieces, adding practical storage with a dash of eccentric character.
Just off the living room, the dining area extends the story with its own personality. A brutalist travertine dining table, crowned by a lightweight glass top, anchors the space — a piece of statement furniture designed for gatherings, conversation, and shared moments.
On the dining area wall, two oversized art pieces merge into a mural-like composition. Their soft green and blue strokes suggest mythical creatures and half-forgotten legends, turning statement artwork into a backdrop for everyday dining.
The palette carries through in bespoke dining chairs, custom designed by Atelier Akuko and upcycled from 90s conference seats. With carved backrests that mix rounded and angular edges — and playful use of negative space — these statement chairs bring bold expression to the dining area.
Inspired by the boundless energy of the family’s toddler, the nursery was designed as a burst of vibrant colour, pattern, and shape. Renter-friendly by necessity, the space shows how playful nursery interior design can be both temporary and full of personality.
To encourage independence and belonging, furniture and art were placed at the toddler’s eye level — a simple design move that turns the nursery into a child-friendly space for exploration and discovery.
Furniture was upholstered in playful geometric fabrics, adding colour and pattern to the nursery design.
Safety came first in the nursery design, with a custom radiator cover that neatly conceals plugs and keeps the space child-friendly and hazard-free.
The nursery walls became a gallery of meaningful art, including framed tea towels by Nigerian-British artist Yinka Ilori — a playful burst of colour and culture within the space.
Beyond the kitchen, a narrow L-shaped patio opens up — its design inspired by a resident palm tree. The outdoor space blends British seaside charm with a splash of Mediterranean vibrancy, bringing holiday energy home.
A modular rattan sofa, reupholstered with bespoke striped fabric, and a custom pavé-style coffee table crafted from repurposed marble samples evoke the essence of the Mediterranean. Weather-proofed art pieces affirm the notion that when it comes to styling, outdoor areas deserve the same treatment as indoor rooms.
A cabana-style outdoor bar station, clad in embroidered floral fabric, anchors the patio design — a playful nod to Victorian heritage amidst the seaside setting.
A period home revived with design that honours its architecture while avoiding seaside clichés. By blending modern art, bespoke furniture, and context-sensitive decoration, this Brighton renovation proves that heritage can meet contemporary life without compromise. → Want the same balance of respect and reinvention in your own home? Explore Rebel Room(s) Luxe.
Whether you’ve got Pinterest boards for days or no clue where to start, I design residential and commercial interiors that work hard, feel amazing, and surprise you with those magical “how-did-I-live-without-this?” details.
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Service Packages
Rebel Room(s)
Your bespoke residential interior design service.
Rebel Room(s) Lux
Your bespoke residential interior design, procurement and project management service.
Rebel Rooms Commercial
My bespoke commercial interior design service for independent retail spaces, boutique hospitality experiences and creative workplaces.
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