NEW SPACE FOR OLD
Undoubtedly, one of the things that draws us to houses of character is the beauty of the architecture. In an interior where the beauty lies in the structure, I like to keep fuss to a minimum. This beautiful house is located in the south of the island, and its high ceilings and large rooms create a sense of grandeur that speaks volumes.
In the hallway, the white wrought iron handrail follows the curved lines of the stone staircase. Sculptural light fittings are used to create a play of light and shadow that adds interest to the space. The wall lights can be rotated to change the shape of the shadows on the wall, allowing the client to change the look of the space. A spiral staircase stands behind a grey armchair at the end of the light filled hallway, creating a comfortable space to relax and unwind with a good book at the end of the day.
The large living room is strategically placed between the internal courtyard and garden and is the central focal point of the house. It is the space where the family gravitates to relax, have dinner, watch television, read a book and do homework.
The living room should be the place where we feel totally at ease – a temple of the soul. It is the one room in the house that needs to fulfil a variety of functions. We prepare food in the kitchen, we eat in the dining room, we sleep in the bedroom and we wash in the bathroom. These rooms have a clear function. But what is living – relaxing with a book, sprawling in front of the television, thinking, dreaming, talking, playing with the kids? All these activities need to be defined and expressed within the four walls of your living room. A successful living room is one in which you feel comfortable. It should be a reflection of your life and your individual needs.
Comfort needs to be the base point. Style needs to evolve naturally from what you feel comfortable with. A living room is not just an assembly of objects. It needs some sort of foundation, particularly in a room like this, with such an eclectic mix of furnishings.
The highly polished timber floor creates a solid, elegant foundation for the rest of the interior. Custom-made wallpaper depicting a concrete brick wall with rust seeping through the cracks, creates immediate contrast to the rest of the space. It provides an interesting backdrop for the elegant highly polished television unit and the raw wooden piece hanging above. A modular grey sofa is centrally positioned in front of the television, while a retro coffee table creates an eclectic feel. A colour scheme of grey, lime and white helps to create a light filled look that is both timeless and elegant.
The lighting was given particular importance in this room. Ceiling spotlights are used for ambient light as well as for accent lighting directly above the console table and the curtains. The pendants over the coffee table create an interesting tableau of light and shadow and are an unusual take on the traditional chandelier. The same chandelier is used over the dining table and it again adds to the eclectic look of the interior.
A mix of modern and antique furniture, raw and polished wood, smooth walls and rough concrete creates an interesting blend of textures that is as multi-faceted and unique as the client herself. This eclectic mix of furniture, paintings and accessories works, because all the individual elements are bound by the common thread of contrast, surprise and elegance.
