Design for Lifestyle (Not Just Looks)

By Ryan Ford, Director – Ford Studio

At Ford Studio, we believe the best homes don’t just look good — they feel good to live in. That’s because great design isn’t just about finishes and features. It’s about how a space supports your daily life.

Our Grandview Grove project is a perfect example. What began as a classic California bungalow was transformed into a home that balances heritage with a new, modern way of living. It wasn’t about discarding the original character — it was about honouring it, while expanding and reconfiguring the house to better suit how the owners wanted to live.

In the demolition plan, you can see the original villa footprint — relatively compartmentalised, with a series of small rooms and limited connection to the outdoors. We retained key architectural features, but rethought the spatial flow. Walls were removed to open up the living areas, sightlines were created from front to back, and a generous new wing was added to the rear of the home.

The result is a light-filled, open-plan living area that connects directly to the kitchen and dining space, creating a hub for family and social life. The extension allows for large-scale entertaining, yet remains grounded in a calm, natural palette that supports everyday ease. The integration of the outdoor deck and landscape softens the threshold between inside and out — a lifestyle detail that completely changes how the space feels in summer.

Private areas, such as the master suite and bathrooms, were redesigned to support relaxation and functionality. Storage is built-in and concealed. Movement between spaces feels intuitive and effortless — all subtle design moves that make daily living more enjoyable.

These kinds of interventions don’t always shout for attention, but they shape how people experience their homes. Good design doesn’t just solve problems — it anticipates needs.

At Ford Studio, we design with lifestyle in mind from day one. Because your home should do more than just look beautiful. It should make life better.

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