Our clients wanted a living room that felt both elegant and inviting, a space built around warmth, texture and natural materials, with craftsmanship at its heart. The vision called for a full transformation rather than a surface refresh: a complete strip out of the existing room, structural improvements and a feature wall of bespoke joinery anchored by a wood burning stove.
Working closely with the clients from concept stage, our design team developed a scheme centred on a full-width wall of handcrafted solid oak cabinetry, layered with considered details, aged brass, woven leather and integrated lighting, alongside premium materials selected for both their beauty and longevity.
Delivering a space of this specification meant going back to the building’s bones. The existing room required a complete strip out, with structural works to the floors, ceilings and chimney before any of the finer work could begin. The chimney structure needed to be rebuilt and a new flue installed to accommodate the wood burning stove at the centre of the design.
The joinery itself presented its own demands. A full-width cabinetry wall combining solid oak, aged brass shelf detailing, woven leather panel inserts, integrated lighting and a concealed radiator requires absolute precision, both in the workshop and on site, where every junction, shadow gap and panel must align perfectly.
Work began with the structural phase: a complete strip out followed by works to the floors, ceilings and chimney, preparing the room to the exacting standard the design required. A new flue was installed within the rebuilt chimney, ready for the wood burning stove that will form the heart of the room.
The cabinetry was designed in-house and handcrafted in our Leicestershire 5,000 sq ft workshop. Built in solid oak, the full-width unit features aged brass shelf detailing, integrated lighting and woven leather panel door inserts, a tactile detail that brings depth and texture to the lower cabinets. The joinery is finished with a Caesarstone quartz worktop and conceals an integrated radiator, keeping the lines of the room clean and uninterrupted.
Underfoot, bespoke heat-treated oak flooring was imported directly from the manufacturer, Mardegan Legno, in Italy, chosen for its rich tone and exceptional quality.
With the structural works complete and the cabinetry now installed, the room is already taking shape as the warm, considered space the clients envisioned. The final stages, including the fitting of the wood burning stove and finishing details throughout, are now underway.
Currently in build, with photography and final case study to follow on completion. This project reflects what Montagu Design & Build does best: in-house design, workshop craftsmanship and meticulous delivery on site.
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Sharvari supports the design process through detailed 3D visuals and presentations, helping clients clearly understand spaces, layouts and finishes before work begins on site. Her work plays an important role in bringing ideas to life visually, allowing projects to be carefully considered and refined before construction begins.
With both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Interior Design, Sharvari combines creative thinking with technical accuracy to produce visuals that support both the design team and the client journey. Having been part of the Montagu’s team for the past two years, she has become a key part of the studio, helping ensure every project is communicated clearly, thoughtfully and with attention to detail from the outset.
Heath is a highly experienced craftsman who plays an important role in delivering the detailed finish and quality craftsmanship seen throughout Montagu projects.
Working across bespoke interiors, joinery and wider renovation works, he brings a practical, considered approach to every stage of the build process. With strong technical knowledge and years of hands-on experience, Heath helps ensure projects are completed to a consistently high standard with careful attention to detail.
Lee leads the groundworks side of projects, overseeing the early-stage preparation and structural groundwork that forms the foundation of each build.
With practical experience and a strong understanding of site operations, he helps ensure projects begin efficiently, safely and to a high standard from the ground up.
Alfie is involved across many aspects of the build and renovation process, bringing a hands-on approach and strong attention to detail to every project.
Working across bespoke interiors, finishing details and wider renovation works, he has quickly become an important part of the team through his versatility, work ethic and passion for craftsmanship.
Jarrad oversees the workshop side of the business, helping coordinate production, craftsmanship and the day-to-day running of bespoke joinery and cabinetry projects.
Working closely with the wider team, he helps maintain the quality, consistency and attention to detail that define Montagu interiors and renovation work.
Jane supports the day-to-day coordination of projects and plays a key role in keeping communication, scheduling and administration running smoothly across the business.
Having joined the team five years ago, she brings more than 26 years of experience in graphic design and creative communications, alongside a strong eye for detail and extensive industry knowledge. Working closely with both clients and the wider team, Jane helps ensure projects remain organised, efficient and well managed from start to finish. Outside of work, Jane enjoys travelling, musical theatre and cooking, often recreating dishes inspired by her travels around the world.
Liam oversees the delivery and direction of all Montagu projects, bringing together design, construction and project management to ensure every detail is carefully considered.
With extensive experience in high-end residential renovations and bespoke interiors, he works closely with clients, consultants and trades throughout each stage of the process. Known for his practical approach and attention to detail, Liam remains closely involved throughout every stage of a project, ensuring work is delivered to the highest standard.
