This project was always about more than a renovation. It was about creating a forever home. After living in many properties and building a career within the property industry, Paul knew this house would be his final chapter. A place to settle, to entertain, and to enjoy life without compromise.
The brief was clear. Slick, stylish, comfortable, and boutique. A home that felt warm and inviting, yet refined and contemporary. When the team at The Artizen first saw the property, it was dated throughout. Coloured carpets, outdated furniture, and finishes that no longer reflected Paul’s lifestyle. What followed was a full renovation from top to bottom.
Working closely with trusted professionals, the Artizen team oversaw every element of the transformation. From electrics and heating to flooring, staircases, bathrooms, and a completely new kitchen, the property was stripped back and rebuilt to a high standard. Once the structure and finish were complete, the team stepped in to dress the home and bring it to life.
Paul was supported at every stage. From designing a kitchen that placed entertaining at its heart, allowing guests to gather around the island while he cooked, to bathrooms with character rather than standard finishes. Bespoke wardrobes were designed around how he actually lives, including dedicated storage for bike helmets, boots, and jackets, alongside his day to day clothes. Every detail was intentional and personal.
The property is set within a beautiful marina location in Braunston, surrounded by British canalways and rolling countryside. The townhouse style layout means the entire middle floor is dedicated to living, with the kitchen, dining, and living areas flowing together. The challenge was to elevate each space while ensuring cohesion throughout.
The living room was completely reoriented to make the most of the views. A modern floating fireplace replaced the original feature, becoming the visual anchor of the room. A neutral base was paired with marine blues and natural greens, reflecting the water and countryside outside. A large sofa became the centre of the space, designed for movie nights, family gatherings, and relaxed evenings. Hard flooring ensured practicality, with rugs reintroducing warmth.
”They simply said leave it with us, and they exceeded every expectation. Trusting the Artizen team was the best decision I made.
PaulBraunston
Artwork was selected to reflect Paul’s passions, including motorbikes, while a glass coffee table mirrored the shape of the fireplace, reinforcing flow and balance. The dining area was given its own identity with warmer tones, burnt oranges, and copper chairs, while remaining visually connected to the living space. An expandable dining table ensured flexibility for entertaining, grounded by a rug to soften the area.
Lighting was carefully considered throughout. In the living room, an overhead feature light and the glow of the fireplace removed the need for harsh main lighting. In the dining space, a Moroccan inspired pendant nodded to Paul’s love of travel, particularly Morocco, while remaining atmospheric rather than overpowering. The kitchen lighting added a playful energy, perfect for social evenings.
The kitchen itself was styled with flowers, natural stone elements, and details that brought a relaxed country feel into a modern setting. Plants were used throughout the living areas to bring the outside in, alongside a carefully chosen signature scent that completed the sensory experience of the home. Floor to ceiling bespoke curtains softened the space, enhanced the natural light from the Juliet balconies, and added warmth on colder evenings.
One of the most personal elements of the project was how memories were handled. Rather than allowing ornaments and souvenirs to create clutter, two curated display stands were designed. Each one tells the story of a chapter in Paul’s life, allowing memories to be celebrated without overwhelming the space.
Paul trusted the Artizen team completely, even allowing the final styling to be completed while he was away on holiday. When he returned, he walked into the home he had always imagined, without the stress, wasted time, or costly mistakes that often come with projects of this scale.
Barlow House is now Paul’s forever home. A place that reflects his journey, supports his lifestyle, and feels finished in every sense of the word.
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