Balancing Heritage Interiors and Modern Living: Sea Road, Westgate-on-Sea

We’re delighted to see our client Grifo Developments featured in Kent Life Magazine, with their new Build-to-Rent (BTR) development at Sea Road, Westgate-on-Sea recognised for its sensitive and thoughtful approach to interiors.

As part of the feature, our team shared the design philosophy that underpinned the project, ensuring details were rooted in the town’s Victorian heritage while tailored for today’s rental market.

“We took inspiration from the striking bathing suits worn by Victorian swimmers and applied the patterned stripes within the bath and shower rooms to create spaces which hopefully bring joy to the end user’s daily routine.” — Sharan Elliott, Senior Interior Designer, Ademchic

Inspiration for the patterned stripes within the bath and shower rooms (pictured below)

From bold stripe motifs to tall skirting boards, shaker cabinetry and curved ceiling features, the interiors pay homage to the building’s origins while providing a practical, durable home for renters.

As Karolina Adamczyk, Director at Ademchic, explained in Kent Life:

“Grifo Developments shares our passion for creating spaces that are as thoughtful as they are striking. By crafting a singular design language across interior branding and marketing, we’re reinforcing Grifo’s brand identity while designing environments that honour the past and elevate the experience of modern living.”

Extending the Conversation

For the Kent Life feature, we created an additional guide: Ten Ways to Bring Heritage Elegance into a Modern Home, for anyone looking to apply the same principles in their own space.

This guide distils the thinking behind Sea Road into practical, everyday steps.

1. Think about proportions

If you have high ceilings, make the most of them. Taller skirting and cornices can help restore a sense of grandeur.

2. Add wall panelling

Panelling is an easy way to add character. It brings texture to flat walls and can instantly make a space feel more refined.

3. Choose ornate skirting

Upgrading skirting boards might seem small, but it’s a subtle way to create a more elegant, finished look, especially in older homes.

4. Use timeless colours

Soft, muted heritage inspired shades like sage green, off-white or warm grey work beautifully in period settings and create a calm backdrop.

5. Mix traditional and modern

A classic door with a sleek black handle. A heritage colour with a minimalist light fitting. These combinations feel layered and up to date.

6. Try shaker-style cabinetry

Whether in kitchens or storage, shaker doors are simple, smart and suit almost any home.

7. Add architectural touches

Features like an archway or curved wall soften modern lines and add subtle charm.

8. Layer textures and finishes

Brushed brass, natural stone or limewashed paint add depth and a sense of quality, especially in bathrooms or kitchens.

9. Choose accessories with impact

A statement mirror, framed artwork or velvet armchair can all add a touch of heritage without overwhelming the space.

10. Design for real life

Good design works hard. That means clever layouts, built-in storage and lighting that makes everyday living feel easy.

Why Preserving Heritage Interiors Matters

Projects like Sea Road show the value of collaboration between developer and design partner. By aligning heritage sensitivity with modern living needs, Grifo Developments and Ademchic together created a scheme that is both market-ready and memorable.

Read the full article here (page 40-44): https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=0f07d595-a96d-479f-8780-8baaa6056d82

👉 If you’re a developer looking to balance heritage interiors with modern appeal, let’s talk about how design and branding can unlock value.

info@ademchic.com | +44 (0)203 880 7400 | www.ademchic.com