# Anam Design Studio crafts warm, natural-material interiors in East Sussex home Irish firm transforms residence with travertine, oak and ceramic elements for tactile luxury - **Source:** [Interior design | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/cb2e5f17-36d4-4880-b1ae-26168d46e00a) - **Published:** 2026-09-09 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2b05e7c6-bc86-46d1-83c1-a8b9193f7924 ## Natural Material Philosophy Anam Design Studio prioritized natural materials like red travertine and oak throughout the East Sussex home, believing they create better human connections and age more gracefully than synthetic alternatives. Director Liz Hughes emphasized this approach counters today's tech-dominated environments. The studio re-enameled an existing AGA cooker in brown/bronze to harmonize with the new material palette, demonstrating commitment to blending old and new elements through natural finishes. ## Signature Kitchen Design The red travertine kitchen serves as the home's centerpiece, with stone slabs forming an island, countertops, and window bench in one continuous flow. Dark oak cabinets and metallic accents complement the warm stone tones. This material combination creates a tactile experience that extends to custom brass hardware and reconditioned appliances, showing how natural materials can unify functional spaces with aesthetic cohesion. ## Club-Inspired Dining Room The circular dining room features curved oak paneling and strategic lighting to overcome limited natural light, creating an intimate bar-like atmosphere. Two stone-lined openings puncture the walls while a hidden curved door maintains the room's seamless appearance. Custom elements include upholstered seating, shelving, and a stone-and-lacquer table specifically designed for the rounded space, topped by a large circular ceiling light. ## Contrasting Reception Areas Anam created distinct moods between two connected reception spaces - a light-filled south-facing front room and a moodier rear space for evening use. The transition is marked by a stone surround that visually links while emphasizing their differences. In the darker TV room, lacquered oak panels contrast with the front room's off-white walls, demonstrating how material choices define spatial character. ## Bedroom Material Continuity The private quarters continue the oak-and-stone material story, with wool and linen textiles adding softness. This creates tactile consistency throughout the home while allowing variations in form - from the kitchen's angular stone to the dining room's curved wood. The approach shows how repeating materials in different applications can create harmony without repetition. ## Luxury Bathroom Details Two bathrooms showcase Anam's material mastery - one features red tiles with Rosso Levanto marble basin, the other pairs green tiles with Verde Alpi marble flooring. These spaces demonstrate how natural stone can create distinctive identities within a cohesive design language, with carefully coordinated colors and textures elevating functional areas. ## Contextual Design Approach The project references similar natural-material homes like DAB Studio's Dutch residence and Architecture for London's energy-efficient property. However, Anam distinguishes itself through particularly bold color choices (red travertine) and circular spatial experiments. The studio's work represents a growing preference for authentic materials in high-end residential design. ## Sensory Design Impact Beyond aesthetics, Anam's material selections create multisensory experiences - from the cool touch of stone to the grain of oak under fingertips. This demonstrates how thoughtful interior design can enhance daily rituals through tactile richness. The project sets a benchmark for residential spaces that engage all senses while maintaining functional elegance. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/09/09/east-sussex-house-anam-design-studio/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._