Vanessa and Steve’s home is a beautifully built equestrian and country property, finished to an exceptional standard. With several impressive living spaces already in place, what the house was missing was something softer. A snug. A room that made you slow down the moment you walked in.
When they invited The Artizen into their home, the brief was simple and heartfelt.
They wanted a snug that felt like a hug.
The property has strong cottage character and period features, and the aim was to embrace that warmth rather than compete with it. Knowing the family’s lifestyle and their strong connection to London, the room needed to feel comforting, expressive, and deeply personal.
As always, the starting point was art. Pieces inspired by London were chosen to reflect the energy, memories, and colour of the city. Works by Benoit Harvard provided a rich and expressive colour palette, creating the foundation for the entire room while keeping a balanced price point in mind through a thoughtful mix of originals and limited editions. Benoit also wrote a personal dedication for the family, sharing the story behind the cityscape artwork and its connection to London, adding an extra layer of meaning to the space.
The layout of the room was carefully reworked. A generous corner sofa replaced seating that no longer suited the space, instantly making the snug more inviting and practical for the whole family. When Vanessa and Steve unexpectedly fell in love with a green sofa during the selection process, the design evolved naturally around it. Artwork, cushions, rugs, and accessories were adjusted so the room still felt cohesive and true to them.
”The moment you walk in, the room just hugs you!
VanessaBraunston
Pet friendly design was essential. With five dogs in the household, durability mattered just as much as comfort. The central fireplace was enhanced as a feature rather than avoided, and zones were created within the room to support different moments. One area became a cosy corner for board games and family evenings, while another offered a quiet place to relax.
Lighting was layered and subtle to enhance the snug feeling. Smart plugs allowed lamps to be controlled effortlessly, creating a warm chalet style atmosphere without relying on overhead lighting. Bespoke Roman blinds, a new media wall, discreet storage, and carefully chosen accessories brought balance and calm to the space. Even the smallest details were considered, including where drinks would naturally be placed, with coasters positioned thoughtfully so everything felt intuitive and easy to live with.
To make the room truly theirs, Vanessa and Steve shared family photographs that held special meaning. The Artizen team curated, printed, and framed them to sit naturally alongside the fine art, ensuring the room felt personal without losing its sense of style.
For Vanessa, the snug has become the room she feels most proud of in her home. When friends and family arrive, it is the first space she wants to show them. At the same time, it is the room she holds closest. A place she enjoys keeping intimate, calm, and just for her family. A space to unwind, connect, and truly feel at home.
The result is a snug that feels cosy, stylish, and timeless. A room that feels larger, calmer, and more functional than before. Most importantly, it feels like home.
Submit Your Feedback
Have your own story to tell?
If you’ve purchased artwork, collaborated with our curators, or entrusted us with your interior design project, we’d be delighted to hear your story. Your experience helps others see what’s possible, offering real insight into the journey of discovering, selecting and styling pieces that make a space truly your own.
