Live in more thoughtful and beautiful ways
We recognise the responsibility that reconfiguring your home has on how you live your life and we respond to your style and taste in designing personal interiors that create harmony and happiness for you.
An Artful Life is an Essex-based Interior Architectural Design practice founded by Kate Whitfield and co-owned with her husband and project manager Andrew. With a focus on large-scale renovations, additions and whole-house transformations we are the single source to realise your aspirations and form an exceptional collaboration between design and build.
Kate has worked for over 20 years, first in a notable London design studio across large-scale commercial hospitality projects before making the transition to residential design and founding An Artful Life in 2014.
Being qualified and experienced in architectural and interior design, An Artful Life is the single source for everything from a single room makeover to major extensions, from initial designs or complete project management, making sure every detail aligns seamlessly with your preferences and budget.
How would you like to work with us?
Bespoke home transformations
From single room to full ‘turn-key’ house transformations, we deliver bespoke homes from concept to completion
From opening up spaces with structural modifications, bespoke staircase designs and joinery to sourcing and specifying fittings and materials, we have a holistic approach to our projects that focuses on all parts of the property as well as the external spaces.
We can tailor our offer to suit each client and budget, depending on whether you want to be more hands-on and work collaboratively, or prefer us to understand how you want to live and make it happen.
Each project is unique. Speak to us about yours.
Self-Build Interior Design
Back to front and inside out.
We start at the end (with what you want and the end vision) and work backwards. We don’t agree with just winging it - this is a surefire way to spend a lot of money and still not achieve your dream house.
We promote aspirational living, giving the interiors and specific design details more priority from the very beginning - this informs the build.
It should never be assumed that the architect alone will cover all that is necessary to get you to your destination. More often than not they will be focussed on the shell only. We work seamlessly with architects, bridging the gap and ensuring a fully considered scheme is realised for you.
Get in touch to see how we can help.
Expert Initial Direction
It’s not always necessary to engage an interior designer or architect for your whole project, but focusing on getting the vitals right is invaluable. We help homeowners get off on the right foot, giving them the tools and the drive to realise the house of their dreams. Our ‘Artful Vision’ design packages include exceptional space-planning and creative concepts, tailored to your property and goals.
You will receive expert initial direction when you most need it, as well as guides to do as much yourself as possible, saving thousands on fees, with 1:1 advice.
Includes:
Clarifying your project goals
Multiple bespoke layout options tailored to your brief
A clear overall design vision for the house
A refined final layout design
Essential project guidance information, resources and tips
Aspirational, Architectural, Aesthetic
Sitting comfortably between architecture and aesthetics, from concept design to detailed completion, plus our modernist ethos of creating a better life for all, means no project is too small or unimportant, no commission too large or imposing.
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Our architectural interventions can truly transform a space through remodelling or extending. Early review of the building and layout options with expert detailed interior space planning ensures we maximise the potential for our clients.
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Joinery and storage tailored to your needs.
Our unique bespoke joinery designs and details set our interiors apart and give our projects individuality as well as a supreme level of functionality. We work alongside trusted makers and craftsmen with conscientiously sourced materials to ensure our visions are executed to the highest level of quality and finesse.
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We carefully research and source materials, furniture, lighting and accessories for our clients ensuring every item is fit for purpose and the space. We have a very open and unguarded process and all trade discounts are passed on to our clients which amounts to significant savings overall. We are proud to work in this unusual way as it sits with our honest ethos of endeavouring to deliver the best value and service for our clients.
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We consider the little details right at the start of your project and offer a holistic sourcing and styling service to our clients. However if you already have a completed space that still needs some attention to detail and final touches to add a bit more character or finesse, we offer this as a stand-alone service.
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We create cohesive and considered schemes that work for the individuals and buildings they are designed for. We want to transform not just the space but your enjoyment of it.
We wish to leave a lasting positive legacy and longevity is important in our designs and choices, not just for ongoing value but for sustainability.
Initial Concept Design and overall creative vision
Layouts & feasibility (space planning and individual detailed room layouts)
Full interior design and individual room schemes
Kitchen & Bathroom design
Detailed drawing packs
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An Artful Life teams up with specialist companies to provide luxury additions to your home such as cinema room, sauna, garden rooms. These complimentary extras will be managed within the whole project package so you still only need to deal with one ‘point of call’.
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Our management services ensure the project flows as smoothly as possible from brief to final delivery which means we keep a keen eye on the end result. We always work in our clients’ best interests and we guarantee to alleviate the stress and handle every aspect of transforming your home seamlessly into a unique and beautiful space.
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We understand the importance that a well curated artwork scheme plays in the overall success of a space. Whatever your budget, we will source and configure a considered and unique artwork scheme, tailored to your specific space and aesthetic/taste.
Take the first step to An Artful Life by contacting us at kate@anartfullife.co.uk or book a discovery call.
