INTERIORS BY INGRID
Contemporary Victorian Home
in Alderley Edge, Cheshire
The Vault is a striking Victorian townhouse in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, transformed by Interiors by Ingrid from an unloved office into a sophisticated contemporary home.
The brief was to completely remodel and redesign the property, creating a luxurious yet highly functional residence with the desired “wow” factor. The project included a light-filled open-plan living space on the ground floor, a luxurious master suite occupying the entire top floor, and an atmospheric home bar and cinema space in the basement.
One of the greatest challenges was the building itself. With limited natural light, inappropriate alterations carried out over several decades and a tightly controlled budget, the Interiors by Ingrid team had to carefully rethink the layout while correcting a number of historic construction and design compromises.
The result is a sophisticated contemporary Victorian interior that respects the character of the original townhouse while introducing a distinctly modern sense of luxury.
A Contemporary Take on Victorian Grandeur
Throughout The Vault, the design combines traditional architectural detailing with contemporary materials, lighting and bespoke joinery.
A neutral palette creates a calm and timeless foundation, while oversized lighting, statement mirrors, warm metallics and carefully selected furniture introduce drama and personality.
Key materials include:
Italian porcelain tiles | Solid stained timber cabinetry | Hand-silvered mirrors | Marble | Brushed brass | Dark brushed bronze | Bespoke joinery | Architectural lighting
Because natural light was limited throughout the property, lighting was considered from the earliest stages of the design. Integrated LED lighting, floor washes, illuminated niches, decorative fittings and reflective surfaces work together to create depth and atmosphere while making the spaces feel considerably larger and brighter.
Ground Floor | Open-Plan Living
The ground floor was completely redesigned to create an elegant open-plan kitchen, dining and living space while restoring some of the architectural grandeur the Victorian property had lost over the years.
Particular emphasis was placed on architectural detailing. New cornices incorporate concealed lighting, while elegant wall panelling and tall skirting boards reinforce the proportions and character of the original townhouse.
The porcelain tiled floor is complemented by discreet floor-wash lighting, adding warmth and highlighting the architectural features after dark.
A dramatic oversized arched metal-framed door introduces a contemporary architectural element, contrasting beautifully with a bespoke period-style solid timber door designed specifically to complement the Victorian character of the property.
Bespoke Kitchen Design
The kitchen combines the familiarity of traditional design with contemporary detailing.
A bespoke shaker-style kitchen has been spray-painted in a sophisticated contemporary colour and paired with modern handles and luxurious marble waterfall worktops.
At the centre of the space, the substantial kitchen island incorporates a breakfast bar, providing a natural social hub for everyday living and entertaining.
The clients were particularly keen to incorporate booth seating into the kitchen. Although the space presented a design challenge, the layout was carefully considered to accommodate the desired seating area without compromising circulation or functionality.
Underfloor heating beneath luxurious Italian herringbone porcelain tiles provides warmth and comfort while maintaining the clean visual lines of the space.
Statement Mirror Installation
The stairwell leading towards the basement bar features a dramatic antique mirror installation.
The mirror serves both a practical and aesthetic purpose, visually expanding the relatively compact area while reflecting the statement light fitting cascading through the stairwell.
It is a perfect example of how carefully considered reflective surfaces can transform a property where natural light is limited.
Master Suite | A Luxury Retreat
The entire top floor of the townhouse was transformed into a luxurious master suite.
Originally used as a staff kitchen, this previously overlooked level was completely remodelled to create a private retreat comprising a master bedroom, bespoke dressing room and spacious en-suite bathroom.
The result is a beautifully considered suite that feels entirely removed from the original use of the space.
Bespoke Dressing Room
The dressing room introduces a richer, more opulent side of the home’s design.
Dark-stained solid timber built-in wardrobes provide a dramatic backdrop, complemented by dark brushed brass handles featuring intricate knurled detailing.
A contemporary chandelier in an antique brass finish adds a touch of glamour and creates a warm, intimate atmosphere.
The combination of dark timber, warm metallic finishes and bespoke storage delivers a dressing room that feels luxurious without becoming overly decorative.
Master En-Suite | A Spa-Inspired Bathroom
The master en-suite was designed as a sophisticated, spa-inspired retreat.
A generous wet area is finished with large-format Italian porcelain tiles, creating a seamless and luxurious appearance with minimal visual interruption.
The shower features a fully tiled horizontal niche with integrated lighting, providing both practical storage and a subtle architectural feature.
Discreet floor-wash lighting gently illuminates the floor, while dark brushed bronze brassware and designer towel warmers introduce warmth and contrast against the neutral porcelain.
A freestanding floor-standing bath completes the room, creating the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day.
Basement | Luxury Home Bar & Cinema
For the clients, a home bar was an essential part of the brief.
The basement was previously used as office accommodation for employees. As part of the renovation, the entire floor was reconfigured to create a luxurious and entertaining-focused environment.
The new layout incorporates: Bespoke home bar | Small cinema room | Guest WC | Utility room
Designing a luxurious entertaining space within a compact basement required careful planning and an emphasis on making every square inch work harder.
Vertical space was maximised through bespoke built-in cabinetry, while integrated LED lighting adds depth and atmosphere.
Brass, marble and dark finishes create a rich, sophisticated palette, transforming what was once a functional office environment into an intimate space designed for entertaining and relaxing.
Designing Luxury Into Every Detail
The Vault demonstrates how thoughtful interior architecture and design can completely transform a challenging period property.
From the restoration of Victorian-inspired architectural details to the introduction of contemporary metal-framed doors, bespoke cabinetry, Italian porcelain, marble, antique mirrors and statement lighting, every element was selected to balance character, functionality and luxury.
Most importantly, the design responds directly to the challenges of the property.
Limited natural light became an opportunity to create a layered lighting scheme. Compact areas became opportunities for bespoke joinery and clever spatial planning. Historic imperfections were addressed and replaced with carefully considered architectural details.
The result is a contemporary Victorian home in Alderley Edge that feels luxurious, individual and timeless.