‘The Den’

Project Overview

Fox and Bear Bespoke Interiors recently completed the transformation of a Scandinavian-style timber holiday home built in the 1980s, located in Eccles by the Sea, Norfolk. Situated next to the beach, the property provides stunning views of the sea and is linked by a staircase, making it a perfect retreat for holidaymakers, especially dog owners. The client’s brief was to modernise the home, bringing it up to the expectations of today’s families while maintaining its original charm and character.

Design Challenge The primary objective was to modernise the property without losing its Scandinavian roots. The client wanted to create a home that was functional, stylish, and comfortable for guests, while also enhancing the overall appeal as a desirable holiday rental.

Key Project Features

1. Extension and Reconfiguration
   We began by adding a porch, which not only increased storage but also allowed for internal reconfiguration. This enabled us to add a second bathroom and redesign the family bathroom to improve the flow of the house.

2. Scandinavian Design with a Coastal Twist
   Our design was heavily inspired by the property’s Scandinavian heritage and its coastal location. In the dining room, we used Rebel Wall wallpaper, which features reed patterns similar to the dunes outside. This created a seamless connection between the interior and the breathtaking external views. We also installed salvage wood-effect flooring by Expona to reflect the rustic charm of the beach.

3. Luxurious Bathrooms with Scandinavian Influence
   In the bathrooms, we opted for Karndean Carrara marble planks in a herringbone formation for a touch of luxury. We complemented this with acoustic panel-effect wall tiles by Walls and Floors, maintaining the Scandinavian aesthetic while adding contemporary elements.

4. Functional and Stylish Kitchen
   The kitchen needed to be easy to clean, maintain, and have ample storage. We specified the Alby range of furniture in Fjord, a fitting nod to Scandinavian design. The worktops in the kitchen and bathrooms were unified with Carrara-effect quartz for a cohesive look throughout.

5. Bespoke and Thoughtful Additions
   To make the property truly unique, we included unexpected features such as an outdoor dog shower, ideal for pet-friendly holidaymakers. The kitchen appliances were kept freestanding for easy maintenance. We also repurposed an existing coffee table, sanding it back to its original timber and sealing it for durability.

6. Bedrooms Designed for Comfort and Serenity
   We focused on creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere in the bedrooms. Soft textured wallpaper, oatmeal fabric headboards, and carefully selected wall and ceiling lights added softness and character. Bespoke curtains and blinds ensured privacy and added a luxurious touch, while floral and Boho fabrics were chosen for the bedrooms and lounge, respectively.

7. Personalised Touches
   In true Fox and Bear fashion, we added a bespoke cutlery insert for the dining room, as well as custom coasters and a sofa arm tray, all carrying the name "Den," reflecting the property’s signage and history.

Results
The clients were delighted with the results, and the property has already been booked months in advance, demonstrating its enhanced desirability. The project not only improved the home’s space and functionality but also added comfort and a personal touch, making it a perfect coastal retreat for holidaymakers.

Conclusion
This renovation was a challenging but rewarding project that allowed us to combine modern functionality with the house’s Scandinavian roots. By making thoughtful design decisions and adding unique, personalised touches, we created a holiday home that exceeded the client’s expectations and enhanced its appeal to future visitors..