Inside The Hirsel: heritage living reimagined by Studio Cameron

Set within the historic estate of The Hirsel in Coldstream, this thoughtful renovation by Studio Cameron beautifully balances heritage, comfort, and modern family living. Working closely with owners, Sally and Michael Douglas-Home, the studio reimagined six of the home’s most-used rooms, creating interiors that feel warm, calm, and deeply connected to the property’s history.

At the heart of the project is the kitchen - a serene, hardworking space layered with timeless materials, bespoke craftsmanship, and softly tactile details, including tiles from our hand painted Ana collection.

We spoke to Studio Cameron about their approach to heritage interiors, the vision behind the renovation, and the importance of designing homes that truly support everyday life.

A sensitive approach to historic homes

Founded in Northumberland, Studio Cameron is known for creating highly personal interiors that respect the architecture and story of a property while making it work beautifully for contemporary living. Much of the studio’s work focuses on helping historic homes evolve for modern family life without losing their character.

That sensitivity shaped every aspect of The Hirsel, an extraordinary A-listed stately home that has been the seat of the Earls of Home since the 17th century. Rather than dramatically altering the interiors, the project focused on gently adapting the house for the way the family lives today.

The aim was to create spaces that felt inviting, practical, and easy to live in, while still honouring the scale and history of the estate.

Creating a kitchen that feels calm and enduring

The kitchen quickly became the heart of the project - designed for both quiet family moments and larger gatherings. Sally and Michael love cooking and entertaining, so practicality played an important role in every decision.

Hidden appliances, a generous pantry, and durable finishes ensure the space works effortlessly for everyday life, while the neutral palette keeps the atmosphere feeling calm and timeless. Rather than following trends, the design focuses on longevity, allowing the architecture and natural materials to take centre stage.

The quiet craftsmanship of the Ana collection

To bring texture and depth to the kitchen, Studio Cameron selected tiles from our hand painted Ana collection. The tiles introduce softness and subtle movement without overwhelming the space. Positioned behind the Lacanche range, they create a tactile focal point that sits comfortably within the restrained palette of the room. The result feels elegant and understated, adding craftsmanship while maintaining the kitchen’s calm atmosphere.

Layering warmth through materials and detail

Warmth throughout the kitchen comes from thoughtful layering and carefully balanced textures. Bespoke joinery by Sculleries of Stockbridge gives the room a tailored feel, softened by details such as the scalloped splashback, gentle lighting, and muted colours.

Existing pieces were also reused wherever possible, helping the kitchen feel rooted in the wider house rather than entirely new. Botanical artworks, decorative plates, and the curved breakfast nook all add softness and character to the space.

It’s this quiet balance of refinement and comfort that gives the project its enduring appeal.

Designing for the long term

For Studio Cameron, successful renovation projects begin with understanding how a space needs to function, not simply how it should look. Designing around daily routines and ways of living often leads to the most lasting results. 

The studio also encourages clients to embrace the collaborative process and allow time for thoughtful decision-making, particularly in older homes where unexpected challenges often arise.

Above all, the focus should always remain on timelessness over trends - creating spaces that will continue to feel relevant, comfortable, and beautiful for years to come.

Thoughtfully balancing heritage with modern family living, this renovation at The Hirsel is a beautiful example of timeless design rooted in sensitivity to place. From the layered material palette to the quietly elegant details, Studio Cameron has created a space that feel both deeply personal and entirely enduring. We’re grateful to the team at Studio Cameron for sharing the story and design process behind this remarkable project, and for choosing our Ana collection as part of the kitchen scheme. Explore more of Studio Cameron’s projects on their website.

Find out more about our Ana collection

Photography by Andy Semple