Project Description
When I first pulled up to this charming bungalow, I had high hopes for the room I would be creating a design scheme for. I was not disappointed! I was shown to a lounge that was dark, drab and outdated, but had beautiful bones. The owners were ready for an update and I breathed new life into this home with a cottage style lounge design.
The brief was straight forward: - to modernise and brighten the room, and to include the owner’s preference for dark green recliner sofas. Using this as my starting point I developed a simple colour palette of dark green, sage green and cream to update the room.
Wall treatment
The lounge benefits from lots of sunlight through the bay window. Aiming to reflect this light around the room, I used Benjamin Moore Ivory Tusk cream paint on the walls. Developing the cottage style feel a pretty wallpaper with a leaf pattern in sage green was chosen - Holden. I applied this to the chimney breast and the back wall. This creates the cottage style lounge feel without overwhelming the whole room in pattern.
Cottage style lounge furniture
New furniture was needed for the whole room. Firstly, I started an in-depth search for high quality recliner sofas that didn’t look like they were in an old people’s home. I was delighted to find the Stowen sofas from DFS that have modern angled legs. I paired these with a cream boucle armchair from Valencia Seating. This is placed in the window and can be used for reading or hobby work.
One of the key elements to modernising the room was to remove the dated honey-toned furniture. For storage and display in the lounge smart new built-ins with oak floating shelves were constructed and installed by FTR Home Improvements. The natural oak works harmoniously with the room’s colour scheme, and adds to the cottage feel. Additionally, placing the TV into the built in makes the room feel more spacious. Purposefully matching the new coffee table and side table to the oak tones of the shelves creates a cohesive wood look throughout.
Modern twists
The lighting was updated with textured glass ceiling and wall lights from Mulan in Ireland. I met them at a recent trade show and was impressed with their range and designs. The lights give a nod to the Art Deco age of the house and cast a classy glow over the updated lounge.
I love it when a client is emboldened by the new room that is taking shape in their home, and starts to add their own touches that they probably wouldn’t have been brave enough to chose before. This client added the fab stripey cushions herself and discussed the rug with me – the on trend scalloped Lois from Dunelm. Both accessories work perfectly to give this lounge a modern twist.
Complete service
For the installation of the design scheme for this cottage style lounge, I manged the work of a plasterer, carpenter and decorator for my client.
At the close of the project, she messaged me to say, “Thank you for everything you’ve done. Couldn’t be more pleased with how the room has turned out.”
To see the drab to fab transformation, go to the Before and After gallery here.