This room wasn’t being used very often. Despite having what would be viewed by many as desirable attributes – plenty of space and natural light, a high ceiling and period features – it didn’t feel inviting. The brief was to reimagine the space as a welcoming family snug. Somewhere that encouraged relaxation and connection, whilst still celebrating the room’s generous proportions.
We love the balance between old and new, refined and relaxed, creating an ambience of informal elegance. We love how the eclectic mix of furniture avoids the room feeling staged. Each piece has a story to tell – from a pair of Louise IV armoires (now bookcases) to a100 year old daybed, hand carved in the Himalayas from a single piece of wood (now a coffee table). Most of all, the room now fulfils its purpose – a space that draws people in to connect, unwind, and feel at home.
To create that sense of warmth and comfort without losing all the positives associated with high ceilings and period features, the design centred on softening and ‘normalising’ rather than disguising the scale of the room. Following the home’s overall theme of ‘classic contemporary’, we achieved this by combining a modern but muted colour palette with a curated mix of oversized but proportionate antique and vintage pieces.
Placing large pieces in a large space created proportionality made the room seem cosier despite its natural scale. Two generously proportioned, informally styled sofas created a sumptuous and inviting feel. This was enhanced by positioning them around an extra-large Indian daybed converted into a coffee table, the design’s understated yet impactful centre piece. Two tall and elegantly imposing armoires either side of the fireplace, accentuated the high ceilings which were kept in check by an oversized vintage metal chandelier.
We combined a modern, muted palette of warm greys and gentle whites to soften the space without bringing the walls in or making the room feel closed in, and to create a sympathetic yet contrasting backdrop that perfectly set off characterful vintage and antique pieces.
Furniture, materials and lighting were carefully chosen for both tactile and visual comfort. Sofas upholstered in soft, tumbled linen made the room instantly relaxing and sociable; throws, rugs and cushions invited you to linger and unwind; whilst a mix of lighting options ranging from an overhead chandelier to artisan lamps and a generous helping of electric and real candles, enabled the feel of the room to adapt to any mood.
We brought together a carefully curated collection of reclaimed, repurposed and heritage pieces. Each brought its own unique character, energy and story, immediately giving the room depth and interest. This eclectic yet compatible mix of furniture styles and periods enabled us to avoid the space feeling overly stylised or staged.