When Demi Keenan, founder of Demi Keenan Interiors, was first introduced to this 1930s red-brick home in Marldon, South Devon, she immediately recognised its potential. Known for her keen eye for detail and instinctive approach to space planning, Demi has always been driven by a passion for reimagining interiors, blending creativity with an architectural sensitivity that allows her to see beyond what exists.
Working with a dynamic couple in their early fifties, Demi was inspired by the home’s expansive open- plan layout. Drawing from the space, light and proportions, she developed a chic Spanish villa concept, introducing Crittall-style doors to subtly divide the interior while maintaining flow. A warm palette of creams, coffee tones and rich browns, layered with natural materials and texture, brings a relaxed elegance to the transformed space.
“For me as a designer, it’s incredibly rewarding when clients sit back, trust the process, and allow the design to unfold,” says Demi Keenan, founder of Demi Keenan Interiors. “That trust gives us the creative freedom we need to fully realise each concept and bring every detail to life.”
Lighting plays a fundamental role in Demi’s design approach, regardless of how much natural light a space receives. She carefully layers illumination at every level, from ceiling and wall lights to floor and table lamps, creating a balanced and considered scheme. With a strong awareness that a space must function just as beautifully after dark, each lighting element is designed to create warmth and visual interest from day through to night and her go-to brand when sourcing lighting, Industville, proved the perfect fit for this project.
“I’ve worked with their pieces for years across a wide range of projects, from commercial spaces to residential interiors”, says Demi. “Their newer collections offer something truly distinctive, building on their signature style – consistently elegant, beautifully made and incredibly versatile so I can always find the perfect place for them within a scheme.”
The scheme combines contrasting materials to add depth and texture, with the Travertine & Alabaster Diffuser wall light from Industville bringing a soft, warm glow and natural tactility, complemented by mixed metals such as the splashback, which create a strong architectural contrast.
Originally, the island formed part of a full wall-mounted bar but was reworked into a standalone feature. Although this required breaking into the solid concrete floor to run pipework, the result was well worth it, creating a strong focal point within the space. Above it, a trio of Industville Flume pendants in shimmering brass and black introduce handcrafted detailing, with the warm brass finish adding a soft glow and the black tones echoing elements such as the Crittall doors, helping to tie the scheme together.
A consistent palette runs throughout, with tones in the lighting complemented by the microcement fireplace, creating a rich, textural finish with warm metallic undertones. Microcement was also used on the worktops and key feature areas, emphasising a cohesive, seamless feel across the design.
“What worked so beautifully on this project is how thoughtfully the lighting has been integrated into Demi’s overall vision,” says Mara Miller, Founder of Industville. “Each piece has been chosen with real intent, not just to light the space, but to complement the materials, the palette and the way the layout flows. We design our collections to give interior designers that flexibility, so they can build a scheme that feels cohesive and considered. That collaboration is key, and when it’s done well, as it is here, the lighting brings a real sense of warmth, balance and quiet detail to the space.”