The Marlow Project by Humphrey Munson

Set in the rolling hills of Buckinghamshire, the Marlow Project is an excellent example of considered design and sympathetic restoration.

The Grade II-listed Georgian home sits within formal gardens and was extended to create a stunning new kitchen and dining space with an adjoining snug.

A Dining Space Connected to Nature

The dining room sits within the orangery by Westbury, which ensures all-year-round views of the landscaped garden and countryside beyond. Finished in Westbury’s Pebble, the traditional style of the orangery integrates beautifully with the original house and feels completely at home with the refined Georgian architecture.

“The clients appointed us to the project as soon as the planning was approved which meant we could get involved really early on and any important changes could be made before anything got too set in stone. The clients were also really involved in the process and were so lovely to work with, right through to picking every design detail so everything ran really smoothly. I’m so pleased with the outcome of this project, and I know the clients will be really happy in this home for years to come.” – Rohan Wheeler, Senior Designer at Humphrey Munson

Materials That Enhance the Space

Flooring and Furnishings for Family Living

The perfect flooring for this busy family home, the Aspen herringbone engineered oak provides a neutral and durable base for the space that looks just as good now as the day it was installed. The elegant, solid oak Norton dining table and custom upholstered Mortimer dining chairs, all by Humphrey Munson, pair perfectly with the style of the Westbury orangery. The result is a perfect classic English country house look and feel but with all the modern conveniences we know and love, such as the exceptionally thermal performing glass that Westbury offers and the wonder that is underfloor heating throughout.

Light as a Design Feature

The Roof Lantern That Shapes the Room

The roof lantern that sits above the dining room is something to marvel at. Meticulously crafted out of solid timber, it enables the entire room to be absolutely bursting with light. From the roof lantern hangs two ‘Lucia’ pendants by Hector Finch, sitting neatly above the dining table.

Complementary Interior Lighting – A Word from Westbury

Tactical lighting can be used to create an even bigger impact with your Westbury roof lantern. Whether you choose to include a solitary pendant light, a grand chandelier or a collection of individual pendants, choosing effective roof lantern lighting can significantly increase the impact of your roof lantern.

As with any home improvement, consider the purpose. Do you want to make a focal piece of your roof lantern, opting for a bold statement piece sure to draw attention? Or are you hoping for function over flair, aiming to still brighten your room even when the sun goes down?

Additionally, warm versus cool lighting will have entirely different effects, with cool lighting offering a bright, modern impact, whereas warm lighting aids in bringing warmth, ambience and intimacy to a space. The height of your lighting is also a crucial consideration, as lower hanging lights adds to this cosy effect, whereas higher lights open up the room and create space.

The Kitchen by Humphrey Munson

A Word From Louisa Eggleston, Creative Director at Humphrey Munson

“One of the really lovely things about the Marlow project is that the original Georgian house and the newly extended areas flow so seamlessly into one another. This means the whole house hangs together in a pretty understated way. One of my favourite parts is how the kitchen, dining and pantry areas work – so whether you’re sorting out a quick breakfast for the kids before school, or you’re entertaining en masse, you’re covered whatever the scale of the task at hand.

Working with Westbury is always a pleasure because they are such experts in their field. We love their colour palette, we love the quality of their products and the end result when you stand in the room is absolutely incredible. I know the clients are so happy with their finished home and particularly the fact that they’re safe in the knowledge that these spaces will last for generations to come.”

A Colour Palette That Complements Georgian Proportions – A Word from Westbury

An effective colour palette does more than look appealing on the eye or draw compliments from guests. We carefully select our shades for the depth they provide and how they complement the product, offering timeless elegance that will never go out of style. The neutral shade used in this orangery looks equally striking in both natural light and in the shadows, seamlessly enhancing the architectural features of the orangery.

Cabinetry That Balances Classic and Contemporary

Spenlow cabinetry was specified for the kitchen, finished in Humphrey Munson’s Yardarm on the island, Half Windsor on the perimeter and Mainsail on the walls, paired with mid antique brass–waxed Marton handles. The pared-back, sleek cabinetry, paired with the angular brass handles and bold colours, creates a finish that overall feels quite modern, resulting in a contrast with the traditional feel of the Westbury orangery.

Whilst there is a contrast, this works in favour of the design and creates a beautiful juxtaposition of textures, finishes and overall feel, that adds real character to the space. This is a home that doesn’t conform to trends or fads; every element was designed with intention and consideration for the taste and lifestyle of the client, meaning the space is perfect for them and truly timeless.

Creating Balance Through Collaborative Design

Along with the expertly crafted orangery, Humphrey Munson architectural joinery also features in this project. The arched door that leads to the boot room was designed, manufactured and installed by the Humphrey Munson team and sits perfectly within the overall design of the room.

This is one of many Humphrey Munson projects that feature Westbury glazing and the difference they make to an extension is second to none. Their dedication to craftsmanship and design aligns so closely with our own and we cannot recommend anyone better for your project.

An Afterword by Westbury Garden Rooms

This project was successful thanks to the collaboration of two unrivalled products coming together to achieve truly thoughtful design. Both the Westbury orangery and Humphrey Munson kitchen are at harmony with one another, and with both top class craftsmanship and critical attention to detail on each side, we have worked together to leave our client with an architectural showpiece that will be both functional and appreciated for decades to come.

To get started on your orangery project, call our sales & design team today.

Images by Paul Craig.