This case study reveals the story behind the complete renovation of Lapicida clients and homeowners Nicola and Warwick’s stunning 400-year-old stone property in North Yorkshire. Both have an obvious talent for interior design, influenced by living in the South of France, and have applied it beautifully to Danby Grange. They installed a ground source heating system and double-glazed powder coated metal windows to make it warm, cosy and energy efficient. They also used Lapicida surfaces throughout to bring this period property into the 21st Century to a create country contemporary style home.
EXPANSIVE KITCHEN & LIVING AREAS
Nicola and Warwick wanted to create as much light and space as they possibly could within the new interior. The large format high-quality porcelain stone tiles they selected does just that, works perfectly with the underfloor heating, has a rustic aesthetic and is incredibly practical. These Highland Heather tiles, similar to our Montpellier Ivory porcelain currently in stock, unite the hallway, kitchen, bootroom and utility.
Using the same floor tiles throughout gives a completely seamless look that flows through and complements the property’s many delightful period features including a handsome archway between the kitchen and living area.
“We chose Lapicida for a previous property renovation – we wouldn’t use anyone else!”
Nicola, Danby Grange
IMPRESSIVE HALLWAY
Hallways are usually the interior space that gives visitors their first impression of a home. The hallway of Danby Grange is a large open plan space and Nicola and Warwick wanted to ensure that it not only felt light, spacious and welcoming, but that it was highly practical, too.
The Highland Heather porcelain stone tiles they chose are perfectly suited to high traffic areas thanks to their inherent strength and durability. They are similar to our Montpellier Ivory porcelain currently in stock for fast delivery.
IMPRESSIVE HALLWAY
Hallways are usually the interior space that gives visitors their first impression of a home. The hallway of Danby Grange is a large open plan space and Nicola and Warwick wanted to ensure that it not only felt light, spacious and welcoming, but that it was highly practical, too.
The Highland Heather porcelain stone tiles they chose are perfectly suited to high traffic areas thanks to their inherent strength and durability. They are similar to our Montpellier Ivory porcelain currently in stock for fast delivery.
FAMILY KITCHEN
Kitchens today are the heart of the home which is why so much thought and consideration goes into designing them. Nicola and Warwick wanted to create the feel of an English Country home with a French villa twist throughout their property. The large format high-quality porcelain tiles balanced these two styles perfectly and deliver the practicality and low-maintenance needed for a busy family kitchen.
“When we entertain, we have been told that the house feels like a French villa in the North Yorkshire countryside, so overall, we have achieved what we set out to do.”
Nicola, Danby Grange
STRIKING SPLASHBACK
Nicola and Warwick’s design eye and attention to detail are especially apparent in the cooker recess in the kitchen. Between the wooden beamed lintel and the black Aga oven, that they inherited with the house, is a splashback wall which features our Bordeaux Argento Herringbone limestone tiles.
Nicola and Warwick originally sourced these rustic natural stone parquet tiles which have a tumbled finish for a fireplace. They loved them so much they used them centre-stage in their kitchen for their splashback which creates a real talking and focal point.
STRIKING SPLASHBACK
Nicola and Warwick’s design eye and attention to detail are especially apparent in the cooker recess in the kitchen. Between the wooden beamed lintel and the black Aga oven, that they inherited with the house, is a splashback wall which features our Bordeaux Argento Herringbone limestone tiles.
Nicola and Warwick originally sourced these rustic natural stone parquet tiles which have a tumbled finish for a fireplace. They loved them so much they used them centre-stage in their kitchen for their splashback which creates a real talking and focal point.
INVITING LIVING SPACE AND SNUG
Warm and cosy was the brief for living space and snug. With plenty of period features and a wonderful natural stone inglenook fireplace, a wooden floor felt like the natural choice. However, wood has its limitations in terms of practicality. The solution came in the form of stylish porcelain wood planks.
Our Lenke Walnut has a unique textured finish, which is incredibly smooth to the touch, and perfectly replicates the look and feel of natural timber. Nicola and Warwick liked the Lenke Walnut porcelain wood so much, they also use them in the master bedroom and ensuite.
Shop Lenke Walnut – in stock for fast delivery
LUXURIOUS GUEST ENSUITE
Few things exude luxury in a bathroom than natural marble. There is a practical and cost-effective alternative though thanks to porcelain manufacturing technology. Our award-winning Antique Marble Arabescato porcelain is designed to replicate timeworn marble and has all the marks and nuances found on genuine antique stone.
“Having spent a lot of time in the south of France the inspiration for the 4 bathrooms was the chic marble they use so much there but again we wanted low maintenance, so the large marble look tiles were ideal with minimal grout and with the choice of so many we were able to give each one its own individual style.”
Nicola, Danby Grange
Shop Antique Marble Arabescato – in stock for fast delivery
LUXURIOUS GUEST ENSUITE
Few things exude luxury in a bathroom than natural marble. There is a practical and cost-effective alternative though thanks to porcelain manufacturing technology. Our award-winning Antique Marble Arabescato porcelain is designed to replicate timeworn marble and has all the marks and nuances found on genuine antique stone.
“Having spent a lot of time in the south of France the inspiration for the 4 bathrooms was the chic marble they use so much there but again we wanted low maintenance, so the large marble look tiles were ideal with minimal grout and with the choice of so many we were able to give each one its own individual style.”
Nicola, Danby Grange
Shop Antique Marble Arabescato – in stock for fast delivery
CHARACTERFUL MASTER ENSUITE
The master ensuite of Danby Grange is highly characterful with its high ceilings and large original beams. Nicola and Warwick wanted to ensure that whatever design decisions they made would complement the original features.
They turned once again to our award-winning Antique Marble Collection and selected Antique Marble Calacatta Oro large format tiles for the open plan shower walls. The Calacatta Oro variant has subtle, warm gold veining and colouration which tones beautifully with the wooden beams.
It also sits perfectly with the Lenke Walnut porcelain planks that make up the floor and were used in the living areas.
Shop Antique Marble Calacatta Oro
Shop Lenke Walnut
CHISELLED ANTIQUE LIMESTONE WALL
The Antique Marble Calacatta Oro shower wall faces another equally striking one. When Nicola and Warwick saw our Biblical Ivory limestone at our Harrogate showroom, it instantly reminded them of their Saint Tropez villa French vibes.
These warm cream-coloured limestone tiles have a beautiful chiselled finish which brings an antique look, texture and tone to the bathroom. The natural stone on the walls mixed with practical porcelain in the shower on the floor works so well.
“Biblical Ivory … we just knew we had to have it somewhere as it so different and beautiful.”
Nicola, Danby Grange
Shop Biblical Ivory
CHISELLED ANTIQUE LIMESTONE WALL
The Antique Marble Calacatta Oro shower wall faces another equally striking one. When Nicola and Warwick saw our Biblical Ivory limestone at our Harrogate showroom, it instantly reminded them of their Saint Tropez villa French vibes.
These warm cream-coloured limestone tiles have a beautiful chiselled finish which brings an antique look, texture and tone to the bathroom. The natural stone on the walls mixed with practical porcelain in the shower on the floor works so well.
“Biblical Ivory … we just knew we had to have it somewhere as it so different and beautiful.”
Nicola, Danby Grange
Shop Biblical Ivory
COORDINATED CLOAKROOM
To complete the renovation, Nicola and Warwick still had design statements to make. For the cloakroom, they selected our Qualis Rice Blue decorative porcelain tiles. Bringing a little Mediterranean flair to one of the smallest rooms in the house, these Italian porcelain tiles perfectly capture the authentic organic look and feel of handmade tiles with their irregular surface with an opalescent glazed finish.
“The downstairs cloaks leading off from the hallway needed to be the same colour palette. Black and white marble with the Qualis Rice Blue achieved that.”
Nicola, Danby Grange
Shop Qualis Rice Blue – in stock for fast delivery
NEED HELP WITH A PROJECT?
Nicola and Warwick’s next project is a holiday cottage by the coast. If you have a new project on the horizon? Our expert team of Project Consultants are here to help and advise. Call 01423 400 100, email our sales team to make an appointment, or simply pop in to our award-winning Harrogate showroom whenever you are passing.
