A Joyful City Pied-à-Terre in Hove
This first-floor apartment in the heart of Hove was reimagined as a joyful, restorative retreat for a client and his sons – a space to reconnect, visit galleries, and enjoy the vibrant local restaurant scene away from their rural family home.
Originally a dated 1980s property with yellow walls and a navy carpet, the apartment was transformed with warm, neutral tones to provide a calm backdrop for the client’s art collection. New flooring throughout helped unify the spaces and enhance flow. The layout was retained but re-zoned for modern living – from a bold mid-century inspired sitting room to a layered reading corner, a serene principal bedroom, and a vibrant teen room full of personality.
Bathrooms were refreshed and bespoke joinery introduced to enhance comfort, storage, and daily rhythm.
Furnishings reflect the owner’s love of books, design, and confident pattern. While playfully expressive, every detail was practical – from a pull-out ottoman bed to custom-trimmed wardrobes – creating a soulful, personal sanctuary that feels as uplifting as it is considered.
Design Notes
- Confident colour pairings and bold pattern bring warmth and individuality
- Ottoman, shelving, and wardrobe design blend style with functionality
- Art, books, and accessories reflect the client’s creative energy
- Zoning offers both family connection and moments of retreat
Imagery shown reflects conceptual design direction during the development phase.
Kate was an absolute pleasure to work with. Moving into a flat that needed a fair amount of work was daunting, but at every stage, she was responsive and full of great ideas. She presented thoughtful, beautiful options that made the process feel inspiring rather than overwhelming – and I love the finished result.”
– Michael, Brighton
Each room in this joyful pied-à-terre was designed with intention – combining individuality, practicality, and style to create a home full of personality and quiet luxury.
Designing for Flow & Function
Initial layout plan showing the re-zoned apartment – a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how we shaped function and flow before layering in mood, texture, and personality.
Hove Pied-à-Terre – Sitting & Dining Room
A relaxed yet uplifting space layered with teal velvet, warm oak, and soft geometry. Designed for reading, entertaining, and everyday ease, this room balances tailored mid-century forms with soulful, expressive art
Hove Pied-à-Terre – Master Bedroom
A timeless retreat in deep blue and terracotta. The master bedroom combines comfort and elegance with rich textures, symmetry, and curated details – a space to rest, restore, and feel completely at home.
Hove Pied-à-Terre – Young Adult Bedroom
Designed for a creative teen, this bedroom brings together retro references, strong colour, and layered textures. Bold artwork and classic furniture reflect individuality while maintaining a refined, modern tone.
A fresh, characterful space designed for a young adult -where mid-century lines meet vibrant personality. The bold headboard and navy accents ground the room, while framed vintage vinyls and layered textures add individuality and warmth.
Design Approach
What was the design intention for this Brighton & Hove apartment?
The intention was to create a joyful yet restorative city retreat – a pied-à-terre that felt welcoming, expressive, and deeply personal, while remaining calm and practical for everyday use. The apartment needed to support both family time and moments of retreat, acting as a creative counterpoint to the client’s rural home.
How did the existing property influence the design approach?
The apartment was a dated 1980s property with a disjointed feel and heavy finishes. Rather than altering the layout, the design focused on re-zoning, improved flow, and material continuity. New flooring, bespoke joinery, and considered furniture placement helped unify the space and bring a sense of ease and coherence throughout.
How did colour and pattern shape the scheme?
Colour and pattern were used with confidence, but always with restraint. Warm neutrals created a calm backdrop for artwork, while bolder mid-century references and expressive textiles introduced personality and individuality. Each room was given its own identity, yet connected through tone, rhythm, and material consistency.
How was the apartment designed for both adults and teenagers?
Flexibility was key. Spaces were designed to adapt – from a sociable sitting room to quieter reading corners and bedrooms that reflected individual personalities. Practical elements such as pull-out beds, integrated storage, and bespoke wardrobes ensured the apartment worked comfortably for both short stays and extended visits.
What defines Reverie’s approach in this project?
This project reflects Reverie’s belief that homes should feel emotionally supportive as well as visually engaging. By balancing colour confidence with proportion, function with expression, and creativity with comfort, the apartment became a place that feels uplifting, lived-in, and quietly luxurious – without excess.
Is this type of project typical of your Brighton & Hove work?
Yes. Reverie regularly works on coastal apartments, city pied-à-terres, and second homes across Brighton & Hove and the surrounding areas. Our approach is always tailored – responding to location, lifestyle, and the emotional needs of the people who live there.
This Brighton & Hove apartment demonstrates how thoughtful interior design can transform a compact city home into a place of warmth, personality, and everyday ease.
