Designing for Solo Households: A Gathering of One
At Born & Bred Studio, we’re often known for our family homes and children’s rooms, spaces brimming with practicality, creativity, and joy. But family life is just one chapter of the wider story we tell through design. Increasingly, we’re seeing clients who are embracing life on their own terms, and creating homes that reflect their individuality.
The question came up in one of our Monday Ask Me Anything sessions on Instagram: “Do you design for people who don’t have a family? Single gal here!” The answer is an emphatic YES.! Right now, we’re working with two incredible women and two equally inspiring gentlemen, each in a different stage of life, and each investing in a home that feels like an authentic expression of themselves.
A solo household often is time poor.
I mean do you really want to score the internet or showrooms every weekend for the perfect (fill in blank) when you could be sipping a spicy margarita (just me?) or a coffee? It’s a celebration of independence, of self-investment, and often, of fresh starts. Whether it’s after a big life change, a move to the UK, or simply deciding it’s time to put yourself first, your home becomes both sanctuary and stage, a place to restore, recharge, and express your personality without negotiation.
The design considerations
When designing for a solo household, the priorities are slightly different to those of a family home:
Space that flexes: A home for one needs to host friends, family, and community. A compact dining nook can be just as important as a generous sofa for kicking back after a long day at work.
Investing in quality: Without the wear and tear of children or a partner, it’s often possible to indulge in finer finishes and fabrics. Think buttery leathers, bold colour palettes, or statement artwork that tells your story.
Zoning for lifestyle: Solo living means the home has to work hard for both quiet evenings and lively gatherings. Lighting, layout, and flow play a big role here.
A sense of celebration: Whether it’s a bedroom designed as a luxurious retreat or a kitchen made for adventurous solo cooking, these projects are about joy and empowerment as much as function.
A diverse studio for diverse lives
What unites our clients, from busy parents to single professionals, is the desire for a home that feels truly theirs. Our role is to listen, interpret, and design spaces that honour where you are in life, and where you’re heading next.
So, to the single gal (and guy!) wondering if our design studio is for you is “for you” - it absolutely is. Because your home should feel like the best version of you, no matter who else lives there.