The Residential Edit

Design support for calm, characterful homes on a contribution -based basis.

The Residential Edit is a small, considered arm of the Surface & Soul studio, offering concept-led interior design for private homes.

Alongside its commercial projects, the studio undertakes a limited number of residential commissions focused on atmosphere, materiality, and how a space feels to live in. The approach is calm and collaborative, providing clarity and direction without the formality of a fully technical service.

Rather than working to fixed fees, the Residential Edit is offered on a contribution-based basis.

Clients are invited to contribute at a level that reflects their budget and the scope of support selected, allowing the studio to build its residential portfolio thoughtfully while keeping the process open and accessible.

This offering is best suited to clients seeking thoughtful design guidance, flexible timelines, and a shared appreciation for well-considered spaces.

The Approach

The Residential Edit applies Surface & Soul’s considered, commercial sensibility to private homes.

Working at a concept-led level, the focus is on atmosphere, materiality, and spatial flow — offering thoughtful design direction without the formality of a fully technical service. Each project is approached collaboratively and with care, resulting in calm, characterful spaces shaped around how people live.

  • Foundations provides clear, considered design direction for a single room or defined space.

    This level focuses on establishing the overall feel of the space through mood, colour, and layout guidance. It’s designed to give clarity at the outset, helping clients move forward with confidence and a strong sense of direction.

    Typically includes:

    • Design concept and mood direction

    • Colour palette and material guidance

    • High-level layout suggestions

    • One round of refinement

    Best suited to a single room or defined area.

  • Layers develops the initial concept into a more resolved and cohesive vision for a single space.

    This engagement explores how furniture, lighting, finishes, and key details work together to shape the atmosphere of the room. It offers a greater level of clarity, while still allowing flexibility in how the design is implemented.

    Typically includes:

    • Design concept and mood development

    • Furniture and lighting direction

    • Colour and material selections

    • Layout guidance

    • Two rounds of refinement

    Best suited to a single room or open-plan zone.

  • Depth offers the most developed level of design support for a single space.

    Working at a concept-led level, this engagement allows the design to be explored in greater detail through visualisation and spatial clarity. It’s ideal for clients who benefit from seeing the design come together before making decisions.

    Typically includes:

    • Fully developed design concept for one space

    • Detailed furniture, lighting, and finish direction

    • 3D visualisations or mock-ups to support spatial understanding

    • Up to three rounds of refinement

    Best suited to a single room where a higher level of visual clarity is helpful.

All engagements are offered at a concept-led, non-technical level and relate to a single room or space. Visualisations are intended to support design understanding rather than act as construction drawings.

Next Steps

If the Residential Edit feels like a good fit for your home, the next step is to tell me a little about your space.

Work is offered at a concept-led level for a single room or area, with flexible timelines and a collaborative approach. Projects are intentionally limited, and all work is documented as part of the Surface & Soul portfolio.

Applications may be made for your own home, or on behalf of someone else.

If you’re comfortable with this approach, you’re warmly invited to apply.

Past Residential Projects

  • Home Office Renovation