The client was having a similar challenge with both spaces feeling functional but not inviting. They originally felt it was the wall colour that was the issue and asked us in to help then with that. However on the initial site visit it became evident that they liked a clean look and had opted for wooden shutters and leather sofas. This lack of softness in the space whilst practical was an issue.

The solution was to add more texture and colour to add warmth.

So working with the clients art and existing key pieces we recommended that they paint the kitchen/snug walls a colour similar to pale plaster to add warmth and swap out one of the leather sofas for a warm, luxurious terracotta velvet.

These worked well with the clients art, ochre / silver rug and an olive green sofa.

Next we suggested that they swap out their square and rectangular chunky side and coffee tables for ones with curves and texture such as this rattan one above. The oval shaped coffee tables helped soften the space and improve the flow around the room.

THE BRIEF

To design and source for a kitchen / snug and sitting room to make them feel warm and welcoming and a little bit party!

We also suggested that they paint a loom chair that they had in an accent colour from their art.

The client has regular Friday night kitchen parties so a bespoke cocktail nook was designed in the kitchen with recessed lighting reflecting into antiqued mirror adding a touch of glamour.

We also suggested reinstating the fireplace surround in both rooms with s sleek simple design such as these here.

In the sitting room the challenges were similar with the additional needs of improved lighting and vertical styling. We worked with the clients art and sofas, suggesting a new textural rug to bring colour and warmth, a curved velvet swivel chairs in a moody evening velvet and a floor lamp in an interesting geometric form and warm textural material such as wood. We suggested a wall colour a shade lighter than the kitchen snug but still in the same colour palette for flow.

Finally we designed some bespoke cabinetry for either side of the fireplace. This provided an opportunity for interesting vertical styling with tiny recessed spotlights in the nooks solving the lighting dilema.