Design Should Tell a Story
Every house has a story. Some tell tales of grand dinners, others whisper about quiet evenings by the fire, and a few might even murmur about the time the DIY project went terribly wrong. But the best stories are the ones that reflect the people who live there—their quirks, values, and dreams.
I like to think of a home as a kind of autobiography. Every room, window, and detail has the potential to say something about who you are. Yet, when it comes to designing or extending homes, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s trendy or “resale-friendly” and forget to ask the most important question: What makes this place uniquely yours?
One client I worked with wanted an extension for their kitchen and dining room. The space had to be practical—big enough for dinner parties but not so large it felt empty on a Tuesday evening. But as we talked, a clear theme emerged: food was central to their family. Meals were not just meals; they were events. By the time we finished the project, the kitchen wasn’t just a place to cook—it was a stage. Open shelves showcased handmade pottery, a cosy bench hugged the corner for long chats over coffee, and the dining table (an heirloom) took centre stage, bathed in soft light from a bespoke window. Their home didn’t just gain space; it gained character.
Designing with character doesn’t mean being quirky for the sake of it. It means thinking about what makes your life unique and letting that shine through. Love gardening? Let the view to your garden be a feature. A fan of books? Let’s create a library wall that feels like the heart of the home. Whether it’s a sunlit reading nook, a window seat for daydreaming, or a kitchen worthy of a Michelin-star chef, the best homes feel like they couldn’t belong to anyone else.
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” in architecture, and that’s the fun of it. Your home’s story isn’t written in stone (unless you like stone—then we’ll work with it). It’s written in how you live, what you value, and the memories you hope to create. My role is to help shape those stories, turning walls and windows into chapters that reflect who you are.
And let’s be honest, the houses that tell the best stories are the ones people fall in love with. It’s not the fancy appliances or the perfectly matched tiles—it’s the sense that this place was designed carefully and intentionally. A house with character feels alive, welcoming, and meaningful.
So, as you think about your next project, ask yourself: What’s the story you want your home to tell? Because when design reflects the people who live there, the result isn’t just a house—it’s a place where your story unfolds, one moment at a time.
I’m always eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions on the topics discussed.
You will always find me at carl@carlarchitect.co.uk.
All the best
This Week’s Links:
14 of the most scenic beer gardens in Scotland.
Would you drink olive oil? The effects are immediate, apparently.
“World’s first” 3d-printed railway station built in Japan in six hours – It’s not as amazing as it sounds. In fact, it’s totally underwhelming!
Main Image credit: Let your home tell a story as unique as you are. (DALL-E)
