Interior with red travertine surfaces, timber accents, and a club-like atmosphere in East Sussex home.

Red Travertine and Timber Transform East Sussex Home into Club-Like Retreat

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Written by Flynn Matthews

2026-09-09

Warmth and Depth in Design with Red Travertine Timber

Anam Design Studio, an Irish interiors firm, has revitalized a home in East Sussex with the strategic use of red travertine timber, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. The home’s centerpiece, a striking kitchen and dining area, is characterized by rich stone surfaces and deep wood tones, reflecting the client’s passion for craftsmanship.

Kitchen features red travertine surfaces, central to the East Sussex home.
A kitchen with red travertine surfaces forms the heart of this home in East Sussex

Director Liz Hughes of Anam Design Studio explains the choice of materials: “Natural materials like timber and stone resonate more with us as humans, and they tend to age gracefully compared to synthetic alternatives.” She adds, “Amidst the rise of technology and social media, we feel increasingly drawn to the authenticity of these materials.”

To explore more standout architecture, visit Stylus Architects’ Subterranean Marvel for an innovative underground design approach.

The Heart of the Home: The Red Travertine Timber Kitchen

A bold kitchen serves as the heart of the residence, featuring travertine slabs that form the island and countertops, wrapping seamlessly into a window bench. Dark oak cabinets and metallic touches complement the warm palette. An existing black Aga stove was re-enamelled in bronze and brown to align with the scheme.

Round dining room with curved oak panels connected to the kitchen.
The kitchen is connected to a round dining room lined with curved oak panels

Adjacent lies a round dining room, which Hughes describes as both challenging and exhilarating to design. With minimal natural light, the space exudes a bar or club-like ambiance. The use of these timber surfaces further enhances the warmth and style of the dining area.

Craftsmanship in Circular Design

The dining room’s oak walls, punctuated by stone-lined openings and a concealed door, embrace the room’s curves. Custom upholstered seating and stone-and-lacquer tables fit the circular motif, while a broad ceiling light casts a warm glow. Travertine elements contribute to the cohesive design.

For a touch of Scandinavian flair, consider Note Design Studio’s terracotta revolution at Mutina, blending modern design with elegance.

Dark dining area designed by Anam Design Studio with club-like feel.
Anam Design Studio designed the dark dining area to have a club-like appearance

Exploring Contrast in Reception Spaces

The home features dual reception areas: a light, airy front room and a moodier TV and reception room with lacquered oak panels. Anam Design Studio employed a stone surround to emphasize the transition between these contrasting environments, seamlessly integrating red timber into the decor.

Stone-surround opening linking two spacious reception areas.
A stone-surround opening connects two reception spaces

Hughes notes, “The front reception benefits from ample daylight, creating a bright atmosphere. In contrast, the rear space offers a serene setting for quiet reflection or evening gatherings.” The stone surround harmonizes with dark timber in the back, while contrasting with the off-white walls and complementing the dark cardosa stone fireplace in the front.

Dark TV room contrasts with lighter adjacent room in material palette.
The TV room has a dark material palette that contrasts the lightness of the adjacent room

Tactile Elegance in Private Spaces

This elegant use of dark oak and timber extends to the bedrooms and study, enhanced with natural wool and linen to add texture. The home also features red-tiled and green-tiled bathrooms, each showcasing distinct marble elements: Rosso Levanto and Verde Alpi, respectively.

Photography by Daniëlle Siobhán.

Bedrooms feature dark oak panelling, matching the home's theme.
Dark oak panelling also features in the bedrooms

Source: dezeen.com

Frequently asked questions

What materials are used in the East Sussex home redesign?

The East Sussex home redesign uses red travertine timber, dark oak cabinets, metallic touches, and stone surfaces, creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.

How does the dining room achieve a club-like ambiance?

The dining room achieves a club-like ambiance with minimal natural light and the use of timber surfaces, oak walls, custom upholstered seating, and stone-and-lacquer tables.

What are the bathroom design features in the East Sussex home?

The bathrooms in the East Sussex home feature red-tiled and green-tiled designs with distinct marble elements: Rosso Levanto and Verde Alpi.