It was a creative challenge and a real privilege to work with such a talented and dedicated team at Penicuik Estate on a project that unfolded over two years. Under the thoughtful vision of Ed Clarke, the brief was to breathe new life into the historic stable block of his family home, transforming it into a five-star boutique hotel that would feel both luxurious and deeply personal — honouring the family’s remarkable heritage while embracing a contemporary spirit.

From the beginning, my focus was on finding a balance between history and freshness — creating interiors that respected the Georgian architecture yet felt welcoming and relevant to today’s guests. Colour became the key to this harmony. We painted rooms and explored a palette of rich pinks, apple greens, Mediterranean yellows, and deep inky blues, aiming to bring warmth, rhythm, and a sense of story to each space. The colours drew inspiration from the surrounding Scottish landscape and the building’s own history, helping the interiors feel rooted and alive.

Each hue was chosen to enhance the natural light and proportions of the building. One of my favourite details was the main upper corridor, painted in a strong corn yellow, which provided a warm backdrop for the collage of family paintings from floor to ceiling. This created an intimate gallery atmosphere that celebrated generations of the Clarke family in a renewed and vibrant way.

The interiors combine family-owned antiques with contemporary pieces selected for their craftsmanship and character. To soften the grandeur of the architecture and bring intimacy, we introduced fabrics in rich, jewel-like tones — layered patterns and textures that added depth, warmth, and a quiet sense of journey throughout the building. The spaces are designed to feel lived-in and connected, each with its own identity but all part of a harmonious whole.

One of the most rewarding parts of the process was curating the art. Working with the family’s collection of portraits, architectural drawings by John Adams, and historic works — alongside select contemporary pieces — allowed us to create a dialogue between the family’s history and Scotland’s wider cultural story. It was a genuine collaboration that reflected the project’s spirit: respectful of the past, yet open to the present.

What began as a family’s vision has become a place full of colour, character, and warmth. Seeing the project come to life, with its history thoughtfully reimagined through design, has been deeply rewarding. The process was a true team effort, and I’m grateful to everyone involved. I wish the Clarke family every success as they begin this exciting new chapter for Penicuik Estate.