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.

Book a call


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.

Book a call


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

Find out more


Single Room Light Touch

If you're eager to refresh a room in your home and want to bring a touch of our design flair, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Aimed at clients who don't require any structural or architectural intervention but want to simply and quickly refresh a room with the help of our creative vision.

The 'light touch' service can cover bedrooms, studies, lounges, dining rooms, hallways, playrooms and others.

Find out more


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

Find out more


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. 

Take the first step to An Artful Life by contacting us at kate@anartfullife.co.uk or book a discovery call.

Book a call