INTERIORS BY INGRID
Full Remodelling of a Contemporary Cottage in Prestbury, Cheshire
A considered transformation of a much-loved family cottage into a light-filled, contemporary home in the Cheshire countryside.
The Willows is a deeply personal project for the client. Originally a modest two-bedroom cottage, the property had been the client’s childhood home. After the children had grown up and left home, the client chose to return to The Willows and create a more manageable, beautifully considered home for this next chapter of life.
The brief was ambitious: to transform the cottage into a spacious, contemporary three-bedroom home without losing the character and emotional connection that made the property so special.
Working closely with the architect and builder throughout the project, Interiors by Ingrid developed a cohesive interior scheme that brings together architecture, natural materials, bespoke joinery, bathroom design and carefully considered detailing.
The result is a sophisticated yet comfortable home that feels entirely at ease within its Cheshire countryside setting.
A Contemporary Cottage Reimagined
One of the greatest challenges was making the transition from a substantial five-bedroom house in Wilmslow to a considerably smaller former two-bedroom cottage.
Rather than simply making the spaces smaller, the design focused on making every square metre work harder.
The cottage was reconfigured to create a generous three-bedroom home with a much greater sense of openness, natural light and connection between the living spaces.
A permitted development extension provided additional floor space and, together with extensive glazing and a carefully considered internal layout, transformed the rear of the property into a bright and welcoming open-plan living environment.
As the property sits within a protected area, the design and planning approach had to respond sensitively to the constraints of the site. The permitted development route allowed the project to achieve the additional space required while respecting the character of the existing cottage.
Bringing Light and Space into the Heart of the Home
The rear of the cottage was opened up completely to create a fluid sequence of kitchen, dining and sitting areas.
Large areas of glazing draw daylight deep into the plan, while a restrained palette of warm neutrals, natural timber and tactile finishes creates a calm and contemporary atmosphere.
The design deliberately avoids unnecessary visual clutter. Clean architectural lines are balanced with natural materials and bespoke craftsmanship, giving the interiors a sense of warmth and permanence.
The result is an open-plan living space that feels generous without compromising the intimate character of a country cottage.
Bespoke Design, Crafted for the Home
A defining feature of The Willows is the level of bespoke craftsmanship throughout the ground floor.
The study area, kitchen and contemporary oak staircase were handcrafted by a skilled artisan based in Bollington, Cheshire, bringing a distinctly local element to the project.
Solid oak, specialist painted finishes, metal-framed glazing and Italian porcelain create a refined material palette that flows consistently from one space to another.
The approach was intentionally tactile. Natural timber introduces warmth, while the clean lines of the cabinetry and metal detailing provide a contemporary counterpoint.
A Kitchen Designed Around Everyday Living
At the centre of the open-plan ground floor is a bespoke kitchen designed to combine understated luxury with practical functionality.
The solid timber kitchen doors feature a specialist painted finish, while flat-panel cabinetry and push-to-open mechanisms maintain the clean, uncluttered aesthetic.
A striking waterfall marble worktop introduces a luxurious natural element, complemented by the solid oak detailing to the island.
The island also incorporates a discreet breakfast bar, providing an informal place to sit and enjoy the kitchen as part of everyday life.
Full-height cabinetry maximises storage while maintaining the streamlined appearance of the room. Pocket doors allow selected sections of the kitchen to be completely concealed when not in use, creating a beautifully calm backdrop to the adjoining dining and sitting areas.
The Hidden Home Office
Working from home was an important consideration within the brief.
Rather than dedicating an entire room to an office, Interiors by Ingrid incorporated a discreet study within bespoke full-height cabinetry.
Large sliding doors conceal the desk, paperwork and office equipment at the end of the working day, transforming the space back into an elegant display area.
This simple but highly effective design decision allows the home to adapt effortlessly between work and relaxation.
Bespoke Metal-Framed Doors
In the entrance hall, bespoke metal-framed glazed doors create a strong visual connection with the open-plan living spaces beyond.
The slimline frames introduce a crisp architectural detail while allowing light to travel through the ground floor.
The doors lead into the heart of the home — a connected sequence of kitchen, dining, sitting and study spaces designed to feel open, bright and effortless.
Natural Materials and Understated Luxury
The material palette throughout The Willows was selected to create a feeling of warmth, continuity and longevity.
Solid oak timber, painted cabinetry, bespoke metal-framed doors, marble and large-format Italian porcelain tiles work together to create a sophisticated but welcoming interior.
Large-format porcelain flooring extends throughout the ground floor, with wet underfloor heating providing discreet, even warmth beneath the luxury tiles.
The heating strategy also incorporates heat pump technology, helping to maintain a consistent indoor temperature while supporting the home’s modern approach to comfort and efficiency.
The combination of natural textures and contemporary forms gives the interiors a quiet sense of luxury — considered rather than ostentatious.
Intelligent Use of Space
Every part of the original cottage was reconsidered.
The former garage has been transformed into a welcoming contemporary entrance hall, alongside a practical utility room and guest WC.
Underneath the bespoke oak staircase, integrated storage makes use of previously overlooked space. Vertical oak slats introduce texture and rhythm while maintaining the feeling of openness.
In the guest WC and kitchen, sliding pocket doors were used to save valuable floor space and create a cleaner architectural finish.
These details are subtle, but together they make a significant difference to how the house functions.
A Home Designed for a New Chapter
The success of The Willows lies not only in its transformation, but in the way the design responds to the client’s life.
A much-loved childhood cottage has become a sophisticated contemporary home, carefully adapted for modern living without losing its sense of belonging.
From the bespoke kitchen and handcrafted oak staircase to the concealed study, intelligent storage and light-filled open-plan living spaces, every element has been considered around the way the client now lives.
The result is a home that feels personal, practical and quietly luxurious — a contemporary Cheshire cottage designed for the next chapter.
Interior Design by Interiors by Ingrid
The Willows demonstrates our approach to high-end residential interior design in Cheshire: creating interiors that are architecturally considered, highly personal and designed around the way our clients live.
From complete home remodelling and spatial planning to bespoke kitchens, joinery, material selection and final interior detailing, Interiors by Ingrid works collaboratively with architects, builders and trusted craftspeople to deliver cohesive residential interiors.