lounge
In this home, the owner has cleverly combined Ikea Billy bookcases and kitchen bridging cabinets to construct a bespoke shelving unit. By painting it in the same grey as the rest of the space, he’s made it look chic and expensive. Also consider painting architectural features such as doors and architraves in the same dark shade as your walls, as it will give your room a dramatic, designed finish.
The walls were covered with a standard gypsum plaster and sealed with varnish. “They give the space a warm glow, and feel quite Mediterranean,” Beth says, “particularly in the summer, when all the doors and windows are open.” The microcement floor was chosen as a cheaper alternative to polished concrete. “I was keen to avoid anything that looked too cold and hard, so I chose a finish that had a warm tone and that worked well with the warmth of the plaster,” she says. Microcement flooring, Polished Concrete Co. Steel glazing, Fabco Sanctuary. Jute rug, Dunelm. Days Forum sofa and chair, Robin Day. MDF cabinets painted in Mole’s Breath, Farrow & Ball. Linen cushions, H&M Home. Floor lamp, French Connection Home. Vintage marble side table and lamp, made by Imperfect Interiors.
A low unit in front of the sofa runs between the kitchen and the glass doors. “It’s the perfect height to put a TV on top, and is filled with art books,” Beth says. She made sure the storage didn’t feel too heavy by including display areas where they could put out their art, ceramics and plants. Belgian limestone worktop, MKW Surfaces.
For example, you could keep the ceiling completely clean and install a mix of wall lights and lamps. Or, if you have built-in joinery, you could include some cabinet lighting to create ambience. A recessed ceiling – or soffit – with concealed lighting, as seen in this room, also works really well, as it creates a feature even when it’s not illuminated.
The double-ended bath sits neatly at the far end of the room, with the side panel clad in white metro tiles to blend seamlessly with the walls and enhance the feeling of space. “Solid oak shelves either side of the ‘chimney’ provide a good amount of display and help to soften the bathroom,” Chris explains. Starlet double-ended steel bath, Bette. Exafill combined bath filler and overflow; Secuflex pull-out hand shower; Massaud deck-mounted, thermostatic mixer and diverter, all Hansgrohe.
Garden paving and planter boxes
Lounge shelving with lighting
Half shutters let in light but retain privacy at street level
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