The Coastal Pensieve

Perched on the British seaside, this three-bedroom Victorian terrace once wore its history proudly — bay windows bracing the salty winds and original details nodding to another era. Then came the renovations, which swapped heritage charm for something sleeker and shinier. Enter a young family, armed with modern art, contemporary furniture, and a plea: could we make it feel like home again?

Atelier Akuko stepped in to reimagine this period property, weaving seaside stripes and Victorian florals back into the mix while keeping things firmly in the twenty-first century. The result is a Brighton interior design project that balances family-friendly function with a dash of character — think bespoke furniture with an anthropomorphic grin, rugs and curtains that nod to heritage, and playful little hideouts for the smallest resident.

A palette of pale blue, terracotta red, and garden green sets the stage for a symphony of textures and materials — chrome, lacquer, marble, and velvet blending seamlessly into contemporary interiors. It’s a Victorian house renovation, yes, but one that refuses to take itself too seriously.

Old bones, new spirit — your turn? → Explore Rebel Room(s).

Brighton contemporary living room with blue and green accents and bespoke furniture

The living room — the most elegant corner of this Victorian terrace — mixes period charm with contemporary edge. A green-and-blue embroidered floral rug anchors the colour story, while a curved sofa invites long conversations, flanked by sculptural post-modern chairs that keep things just the right side of quirky.

Round pink marble table with a pink cocktail, dried physalis fruit, a pink book, and a green vase with colorful flowers, on a floral rug in a living room.

At the centre of the living room, a vintage terrazzo coffee table sits atop three mirrored spheres — a playful clash of warm stone and cool reflection that anchors the space.

A silver, reflective, uniquely shaped vase containing pink and white flowers, placed on a green textured tabletop next to a black and white framed photograph of two women dancing.

A figurative floating fireplace mantel becomes a striking focal point in the living room, paired with statement art — a black-and-white photograph by Malick Sidibé.

A fireplace with a green sculptural mantlepiece, holding a chrome vase, flowers and unique candlestick holders. Above there is artwork of people dancing.

Framing the Victorian logwood fireplace, a pair of black lacquered storage units with bold cylindrical legs bring balance to the living room. Their distinct silhouettes serve as statement furniture pieces, adding practical storage with a dash of eccentric character.

Dining chairs with playful sculptural backrest in Brighton dining room interior design by Atelier Akuko.

Just off the living room, the dining area extends the story with its own personality. A brutalist travertine dining table, crowned by a lightweight glass top, anchors the space — a piece of statement furniture designed for gatherings, conversation, and shared moments.

Brutalist travertine table, sculptural chairs, and oversized wallpaper in Brighton dining room by interior design studio Atelier Akuko

On the dining area wall, two oversized art pieces merge into a mural-like composition. Their soft green and blue strokes suggest mythical creatures and half-forgotten legends, turning statement artwork into a backdrop for everyday dining.

A minimalist but unique metal chair with a white cushioned seat positioned in front of a framed botanical print.

Close-up of a green wooden chair with three circular cutouts on the backrest and small orange balls at the top of the backrest, with high contrast. In the background, there are striped orange and cream patterned cushions.

Close-up of colorful living room furniture with striped orange and green patterns, high contrast modern design.

The colour palette carries through in bespoke dining chairs, custom designed by Atelier Akuko and upcycled from 90s conference seats. With carved backrests that mix rounded and angular edges — and playful use of negative space — these statement chairs bring bold expression to the dining area.

Miniature wardrobe and colorful gallery wall in Brighton nursery interior design by Atelier Akuko.

Inspired by the boundless energy of the family’s toddler, the colourful nursery was designed as a burst of vibrant pattern and shape. Renter-friendly by necessity, the space shows how playful nursery interior design can be both contemporary and full of personality.

A children's playroom with books, toys, and artwork on white walls, including a pink patterned sign, showing that children's spaces can be both elevated and fun!

To encourage independence and belonging, furniture and art were placed at the toddler’s eye level — a simple design move that turns the nursery into a child-friendly space for exploration and discovery.

Contrasting patterns working together: an accent table with yellow and white striped curtains, colorful towels hanging, a bookshelf with children books, a blue round lamp with a black and white checkered lampshade, and framed artwork on the wall

The nursery furniture was upholstered in colourful geometric fabrics, adding playfulness and pattern to the nursery design.

A baby's nursery with a light blue crib, a white dresser with colorful crate storage and stuffed toys, abstract artwork on the wall, and decorative wall hanging, all on a wooden floor with a polka dot rug.

Brighton Nursery Interior Design by Atelier Akuko features colourful geometric patterns.

Safety came first in the nursery design, with a custom radiator cover that neatly conceals plugs and keeps the space child-friendly and hazard-free.

A living room corner with a vintage green sofa, a striped blanket, colorful contrasting abstract artwork on the walls, and a unique hanging lamp.

The nursery walls became a gallery of meaningful art, including framed tea towels by Nigerian-British artist Yinka Ilori — a playful burst of colour and culture within the space.

Colorful children's toys and books arranged on shelves in a bright, playful room with wall decorations.

Custom Striped Upholstery atop white wicker patio furnitureFor Brighton Patio By Interior Design Studio Atelier Akuko

Beyond the kitchen, a narrow L-shaped patio opens up — its design inspired by a resident palm tree. The outdoor space blends British seaside charm with a splash of Mediterranean vibrancy, bringing holiday energy home.

View of a small outdoor balcony with a striped orange and white sofa, a matching armchair, a mosaic coffee table, hanging string lights, a large potted palm, purple hydrangea flowers, and wall art, from a top-down perspective.

Beach-themed patio seating area with a wicker sofa with orange and white striped cushions, a small marble-topped table with a lantern, and wall art depicting fish and seafood, proving that outdoor furniture can be elevated.

A modular rattan sofa, reupholstered with bespoke striped fabric, and a custom pavé-style coffee table crafted from repurposed marble samples channel the spirit of coastal interiors — less postcard cliché, more Brighton edge. Weather-proofed art pieces affirm the notion that when it comes to styling, outdoor areas deserve the same treatment as indoor rooms.

Close-up of a vintage-style table with a mosaic top composed of irregular stone pieces in shades of brown, beige, and pink, with a glass holder on top.

A white wicker sofa with colorful striped and pattern matched embroidered pillows, a small white side table, and purple hydrangea flowers in front against a beige wall.

An outdoor patio decorated for a meal with a red tablecloth, yellow-patterned chairs, a floral centerpiece, and a string of hanging lanterns, surrounded by white walls and greenery.

Whimsical Brighton Patio by Interior Design Studio Atelier Akuko Combines Victorian and Mediterranean Design Influences

A cabana-style outdoor bar station, clad in embroidered floral fabric, anchors the patio design — a playful nod to Victorian heritage amidst the coastal setting.

A period home revived with design that honours its architecture while avoiding seaside clichés. By blending modern art, bespoke furniture, and context-sensitive decoration, this Brighton renovation proves that heritage can meet contemporary life without compromise. → Want the same balance of respect and reinvention in your own home? Explore Rebel Room(s) Luxe.

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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