This one was quite the feat... and such fun to do... both dramatic and cosy at once.

 

The client had shown me her 4.5m high ceilinged 'red' room and said she wanted it to be a useable and cosy living space but one that wowed. I think we got there...

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In terms of architectural features, the previous owners had left the cornice and the amazing windows but other than that, everything had been stripped out and it felt like an echoey, cold shell of a space. The client was updating the whole home and had exquisite taste herself but wanted some support with this room as the proportions were daunting. So we looked at the home as a whole, how they wanted to live in the space and how to make it feel warmer and more inviting. 

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The ceilings are so high so they needed to have some impact to make the space feel cosier. By painting the ceiling and cornice in a darker colour we pulled the height down a little and added glorious chandeliers from Pooky to add some old school glamour. 

 

We developed an idea of a chinoiserie style on the walls and no wallpaper or mural was giving a depth of colour or the detail and  impact we wanted. Then I introduced my client to the wonderful Helen (inspired Spaces Murals) to work on a mural for the walls. Following a collaborative design phase, it was then months of scaffold work for her and the results are glorious. When the sun hits the walls there are flecks of gold that glitter and the detail on the birds and flowers are stunning. We were able to use the woodwork and ceiling colours within the mural as well to blend seamlessly.

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The switches were paintable Corston Architectural ones so they blended into the mural seamlessly and then antique brass notes elsewhere to sparkle when the light hits. Layers of lighting was important to help keep a more intimate feel in the space in the evening and they are positioned in places to add a lift amongst the shelving and antique collectables. We made sure that the choices in here were being reflected throughout the home. And the client benefited from being able to order in bulk via me and make the most of trade discounts I can offer.

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In order to balance the proportions of the room and make sure it had a focus we then added in some bespoke joinery. This meant we could hide the radiators, add symmetry alongside the fireplace. My bespoke design made sure to mimic the existing fireplace carpentry style and make it feel that it had always been there. Naturally with such high ceilings we sourced a library ladder as well for access. The clients replaced the flooring which was an epic feat in itself and we used Alternative Flooring to produce a bespoke rug with wool and silk woven in - it feels gorgeous to walk on. A really clever hack if you have a specific size space and need a bespoke rug.

 

Sofas and chairs were sourced from Sofas and Stuff, with a focus on texture and colour which added to the sense of comfort and luxury. By making it a social seating area (albeit with extra large sofas and coffee table) we could ground the space. And by letting the furniture sit on the rug fully it also helps zone the seating area with the bar section at the back of the room for entertaining. Although the sofas were similar in style by mixing the fabrics we could lean into the eclectic feel. And then adding in two fabric chairs with a pattern and blue tones we could pick up the mural accents and ensure cohesiveness in the space. A bespoke made fender with antique brass and studded leather was made for the fireplace  and is an added perch when socialising too.

 

Although secluded this room can be viewed from the road at night in the winter. With such grandiose windows and beautiful architrave it would have been a shame to cover them with heavy curtains. So we went for linen café curtains on a brass rail to tie in with the library ladder on the alcove joinery. They are just used on those occasional night's  for a little extra privacy which works wonderfully.

 

Then by using a veined marble for the coffee table, plant stands and side tables it means we could add some weight, reference the warm colour palette again in the space and add to the cosiness. It's a very large room but doesn't feel overwhelmed by it's heavier furniture as it needs that weight to make it feel cosier.

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So by zoning the space, adding back in appropriate period details, mixing vintage and modern whilst keeping a contained colour palette,  we have a room that is ready to cosy up in or throw open the doors for entertaining.