Full service interior design case study
I was asked to create an elegant but beautiful and cosy living room for a family of four who had recently moved into a property in Hampton.
The room had to work for family movie nights as well as peaceful Sunday mornings with the papers.
There were already some lovely character features in the room but it was lacking in personality and missing the cosy factor when I first paid a visit.
The fireplace was a major source of joy for the clients so taking my cues from the original fireplace tiles I proposed a toning scheme of warm reds and salmon pinks to create a cosy enveloping space.
My recommendation to colour drench the walls & woodwork to match the deep red tiles was - said the clients - a leap of faith that they were initially apprehensive about, but decided to embrace, and they now agree has completely paid off.
“We love it a little bit more every time we go in,” they said.
The room is south-west facing receiving an abundance of natural light which means it can carry off a darker hue without feeling gloomy. The ceiling was painted a red-based white to bring some light relief to the richer walls, while the carpet and curtains are natural linen and sisal to bring a relaxed informality to the space.
The works have included new, traditional cast-iron radiators, replacement brass sockets, switches & door hardware and new bespoke built-in cabinetry as well as new furniture & accessories, selected and styled by me.
The television is on a swing-arm mount, so it can be folded away behind an arm chair when not in use and the room used for family gatherings around the fire.
“Anyone can decorate a room but not everyone has Claire’s vision, meticulous execution and attention to detail. She encouraged us to take brave decisions, go beyond our comfort zone and be bold. The room feels cosy, cocooning, elegant and we love it a bit more each time we go in. We’d never have got close to creating a look and feel like this independently - we’re beyond thrilled!”