Designing for Later Life: A Journey of Transformation at KYN

I’ve always believed that design is far more than a matter of aesthetics. It is the art of shaping emotion, fostering comfort, and crafting a narrative that resonates deeply with those who inhabit the space. At KYN, our approach to design is rooted in warmth, dignity, and a sense of belonging. Rather than following trends, we challenge conventional perceptions of ‘care’ environments, creating a home that is personal to each resident while also nurturing a supportive and enriching community. 

Our KYN Hurlingham Home, a distinguished Grade II listed building neighbouring the prestigious Hurlingham Club in Fulham, presented a captivating design challenge that I approached with genuine excitement and wonder. The property's unique composition, featuring the historic listed structure alongside a contemporary extension, ignited my curiosity about crafting seamless design harmony throughout the space while breathing new vitality into this remarkable building. 

Over the course of two years, we lovingly restored the building preserving the original grandeur, its lofty windows, high ceilings, stately doorways, including the commemorative wall plaque honouring Elizabeth Sullivan, that is now featured crowning our Great Room bar. These elements are not merely architectural details, they tell a story and serve as the backbone of our design narrative, anchoring the modern interventions in a rich heritage. Working closely with Nina Campbell, we sought to create a harmonious dialogue between old and new. Nina’s impeccable eye for design allowed us to celebrate the original building while integrating the modern extension in a manner that feels both fresh and timeless. Her design work fostered a sense of cohesion throughout KYN Hurlingham. From the moment you step inside KYN Hurlingham, you are greeted with soothing colour palettes, light-infused interiors, and carefully curated artwork, all selected with one purpose: to evoke a sense of home. Adam Ellis drew inspiration from the surrounding South West London environment, where leafy parks, local polo fields, and the nearby River Thames weave into the artwork throughout, infusing the space with a series of subtle yet impactful nods to its locale. For example, the entry hall features a handsome mural of the iconic Thames which playfully extends from the wallpaper into the window panes and beyond. This isn’t just decorative, the mural speaks to the property’s proximity to the river and invites residents to connect with a broader sense of place. 

Such thoughtful integration of local influences helps residents feel a profound sense of belonging; for many, it is a reminder of familiar sights, cherished memories, and the comfort of home. During a recent visit, I experienced this firsthand while sharing tea with a resident in the Library. As they glanced at a painting of Hammersmith Bridge, it sparked a conversation about their daily commute past the bridge years ago, leading to reminiscing about London, transportation, and politics. Design isn’t just about aesthetics, it is about sparking connections and preserving memories. 

Key design decisions vary from the large-scale vision to the subtle details that often have a profound impact. The tactile quality of a soft fabric can be very comforting in a moment of distress. The gentle interplay between bold patterns and understated textures create interest and aids distinction for those experiencing vision loss. In every project I strive to ensure that each element has a role in enhancing residents’ comfort and wellbeing. 

Traditional care homes have long suffered from a reputation for being sterile, cold, and impersonal. I am determined to overturn that stereotype at KYN by designing spaces that are the antithesis of these outdated perceptions. When working with Nina and our design partners we encourage the creation of memorable and distinguishable spaces where residents feel ownership. It is important to me that we create different types of rooms and they do not all look the same. Naturally as individuals we will gravitate towards different spaces, some might prefer a certain sitting room for breakfast, while the trellis room becomes their retreat for an afternoon drink. Variety enriches experience and fosters familiarity. This is just as important for our family and friends to experience this change in environment enabling the creation of new memories, be it playing boules in the beautifully landscaped garden designed by Randle Siddeley, a family lunch with shared stories in the Great Room or watching Carlos Alcaraz defeat Novak Djokovic at the Wimbledon final in our screening room. 

This principle extends to our bedrooms, one size does not fit all, as such Nina has crafted three different schemes in calming hues of green, pink, and blue. By offering a choice of colours, we empower residents to surround themselves with what feels most comforting, supporting a personal sense of peace and well-being. Our rooms are all fitted out beautifully so residents can move in with ease but should a resident wish to bring their own furniture, artwork or keepsake they are most welcome because, above all, this is their home. 

It is often said that good design anticipates the needs of its inhabitants. In this spirit, alongside challenging design stereotypes we prioritized seamlessly integrating accessibility and day-to-day ease for our residents, ensuring that each area of the home is not only visually appealing but also perfectly attuned to their practical requirements. 

Collaboration has been a driving force in this journey. I am continually inspired by working alongside individuals who share our commitment to design and wellness. Our shared vision for a new kind of care environment, one that feels like a true home rather than an institution, shaped every decision we made. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved at KYN Hurlingham and look forward to carrying these lessons forward into future homes.