The Buoyant Refuge

On the outskirts of London, a 3-bedroom house became a refuge for a Syrian family rebuilding their lives. Working pro bono with a local community organisation, Atelier Akuko transformed donated furnishings and a dated shell into a cohesive interior design that feels both nurturing and uplifting.

With only fragments of the family’s story to guide us, we curated colour palettes and layered textures to turn mismatched pieces into a harmonious home. Inspired by the property’s arched doorway, we echoed its form across rooms — from custom headboards to murals and mirrors — creating flow, unity, and moments of playful surprise.

This project is proof that thoughtful design doesn’t depend on endless budgets or perfect starting points. With creativity, storytelling, and bold vision, any house — no matter how limited the resources — can be transformed into a meaningful home. Looking to bring that same sense of cohesion and soul to your own space? → Discover Rebel Room(s)

Family living room with vibrant hand-painted mural by Adriana Jaros, bringing colour, energy and an uplifting focal point to the space

In the family living room design, a hand-painted mural by Adriana Jaros takes centre stage, infusing the space with colour and energy. Reminiscent of her work featured in Elle Decoration’s Covent Garden penthouse, the mural anchors the room and creates an artful focal point that transforms the everyday into something uplifting.

Atelier Akuko’s upcycled IKEA unit and gallery wall in a colourful London new build for a refugee family, showcasing joyful interior design.

With no traditional hallway to work with, Atelier Akuko positioned a high-backed sofa to create the illusion of a welcoming entryway — a clever interior design trick that defines the threshold while adding comfort and style.

Dining area featuring Desenio art prints and mural selected by Atelier Akuko, adding colour, warmth and cohesion to the family home design

Every artwork, generously donated by Desenio, was handpicked by Atelier Akuko to complement the interiors. Selected for their colour and spirit, the prints reinforce the light-hearted mood of this family home design — adding both warmth and cohesion to the rooms.

Kitchen before and after transformation by Atelier Akuko, updating dated cabinets, brass handles, and yellow tiles into a vibrant, modern space

The kitchen design underwent a striking transformation. Once weighed down by brown veneer cabinets, antiquated brass handles, glass-front doors, yellow floor tiles, and grout-stained backsplash, it embodied a dated interior crying out for revival.

Bright and playful kitchen by Atelier Akuko featuring sage green cabinets, brass handles, and charcoal tile floor, showcasing a budget-friendly transformation

The kitchen now shines with sage green cabinets, updated brass handles, and a charcoal-painted tile floor — a budget-friendly makeover proving how much impact can be achieved with nothing more than paint and perseverance.

Close-up of brass kitchen doorknob in Atelier Akuko’s playful sage green kitchen, highlighting small details that elevate the space

Bold Ottoline De Vries wallpaper revealed inside kitchen cabinets, turning hidden storage into a playful design feature by Atelier Akuko

The kitchen’s standout feature is a bold Ottoline De Vries wallpaper, revealed inside cabinets once hidden behind dated glass doors — a small detail that transforms storage into a striking design statement.

Neutral bedroom with mirror reflections and a yellow chair adding a pop of colour, showcasing interior design by Atelier Akuko in a London new build.

In the main bedroom design, texture takes center stage. A glossy arched headboard contrasts with matte walls, while a versatile marble table doubles as both a bedside surface and a compact desk — balancing elegance with everyday function.

Close-up of bedroom bed with arched painted headboard, cushion attached to the wall,, bedside table, clock and lamp, Atelier Akuko

Bedroom with strategically placed mirror reflecting natural light and views, enhancing brightness and space, Atelier Akuko

A strategically placed mirror enhances the bedroom design by amplifying natural light and reflecting views, creating the illusion of a larger, brighter space.

Colourful blue and neutral bedroom with custom-painted features, patterned textiles, and playful design elements, Atelier Akuko

Interior design studio Atelier Akuko creates a bespoke geometric electric blue mural in a kids' bedroom of a London new build for a refugee family home.

Desk with open storage in family home, enhanced by bold mural and playful neutral or yellow design elements, Atelier Akuko

Donated furniture was elevated through bold wall murals, where clever use of paint transformed simple pieces into part of a cohesive, character-rich interior design.

Close-up of vibrant cobalt blue paint detail on mural, transforming donated furniture into cohesive interior design, by Atelier Akuko

Bespoke electric blue arched material headboard and geometric details in a teenager's room of a London new build for a refugee family, created by Atelier Akuko.

With space limited to a single bed, we transformed it into a versatile daybed with a custom arched backrest. Smart storage on castors doubles as a bedside table, while a strategically placed mirror enhances light and amplifies the sense of space.

Time to talk transformation

Whether you’ve got Pinterest boards for days or no clue where to start, I design residential and commercial interiors that work hard, feel amazing, and surprise you with those magical “how-did-I-live-without-this?” details.

Book a free, no-strings discovery call, and we’ll explore your vision — and see if we’re a great fit.

You’ll leave with fresh ideas and clarity, whether we end up working together or not.

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