ENGLISH COUNTRY MANOR

Nestled in the quintessential Oxfordshire countryside, this traditional English manor thoughtfully blends classic charm with modern simplicity. Working closely with Todhunter Earle, Adam Richards Architects, and RW Armstrong, the project required a design sympathetic to the manor’s heritage while seamlessly integrating a contemporary extension, suitable for family life.

The lighting design scheme, led by EU Design Director Sabrina Fiorina and UK Design Lead Hazel Park, focused on a decorative, layered lighting approach that enhances the architectural character with warmth and subtlety, achieved through the precise purposeful placement of our miniature fittings.

One of the primary challenges was integrating lighting seamlessly into an architecturally complex structure while preserving the home’s character and meeting the expectations of the project. Navigating the complexities of pitched and sloped ceilings meant mastering light to eliminate glare while preserving crisp, uninterrupted sightlines. Striving for a minimalist aesthetic, every fitting was carefully considered, ensuring nothing intruded on the architecture’s key elements.

The client’s brief was for decorative lighting to take central stage. This was thoughtfully used throughout to infuse the spaces with ambient warmth. To complement this, we carefully integrated subtle task and feature lighting to ensure practical functionality without detracting from the overall decorative scheme.

The library, one of the most traditional rooms in the house, features recessed shelving, a traditional chimneypiece and a rich, characterful warmth. To preserve the integrity of the original structure, no downlights were used. Instead, ambient lighting was achieved through Vorsa Ports discreetly mounted to exposed beams, offering gentle, indirect illumination. Task lighting was introduced through elegant reading lamps, providing focused illumination without disrupting the room’s calm.

Concealed LED strips were integrated into the joinery to create a warm perimeter glow, while Wallace picture lights were carefully placed to highlight artwork throughout the space.  Custom detailing in the shelves allowed lighting to be recessed above and below each level without increasing the visual bulk, ensuring the shelving remained slim, refined, and true to the room’s historic feel.

The main hallway sets the tone for the home’s quiet elegance, defined by its soaring, curved archways and beautifully sculpted geometry. To preserve and celebrate these architectural details, Lucca 40 uplights were subtly positioned at the base of each arch, drawing the eye upward and casting a soft glow across the smooth plaster curves. This approach avoids visual clutter while emphasising the scale and craftsmanship of the space.

A hidden bar cleverly concealed within a cupboard is brought to life by our Minims. Carefully installed to shine through glass shelves, this miniature fitting, highlights the bold wallpaper, creating an unexpected moment of drama – perfect for an evening tipple.

Meanwhile, the grand main hall entrance celebrates its soaring archway with focused illumination from Lucca 40 fittings, expertly placed to accentuate the intricate detailing of the existing architrave. These thoughtful touches add layers of interest and sophistication, ensuring every corner of the home is both functional and visually captivating.

In the secondary kitchen, a rich forest green palette and traditionally tiled floor set the tone for a space that is both practical and characterful. Vertical LED strips were integrated into the cabinetry to provide a soft, ambient glow, gently illuminating traditional fine china without overpowering the room’s natural warmth.

For essential task areas, Polespring 50 downlights were used to deliver focused, functional lighting, while also drawing attention to artwork along the walls. A long, simply lit corridor connects the kitchen to the rest of the house, subtly guiding the transition between spaces and continuing the purposeful, atmospheric approach to lighting.

To the left, lighting was designed to complement the richly patterned wallpaper by Sarah Vanrenen, adding elegance while supporting functionality. Polespring 40 downlights were precisely positioned to accentuate the traditionally styled sink, while decorative wall lights flanking the mirror provided flattering, even illumination for daily grooming tasks. To enhance night time comfort,  Cazalla fittings were discreetly integrated into the skirting board as a low-glare, motion-activated night light, offering both safety and atmosphere without disturbing the room’s calm.

To the right, a more architectural approach was taken. A recessed sage green bath sits beneath tiled pitched walls, where downlights were intentionally avoided to prevent glare and preserve the clean ceiling lines. Instead, Cazalla lights at low level introduced a subtle ambient glow, while Polespring 40 fittings, carefully scaled to suit the proportions of the space, offered targeted illumination, balancing practicality with a soft, spa-like atmosphere.

The result is a home that feels effortlessly balanced where old and new are brought together through light. By using a mix of ambient and task lighting, without relying heavily on downlights or automation, the scheme highlights the home’s key features while keeping things functional for everyday life.