Interiors By Sue Martini

Client Brief

We were asked to design a luxury home which would be contemporary and elegant whilst exuding warmth and be a comfortable space to retreat to. It needed to be a space to entertain both socially and for business and to provide a welcoming home for guests to stay over. The colour palette would mainly be neutrals for their calming effect but could we add some stand out visual twists by using some bolder colours and finishes. We were also asked to add a nod to its original 1930s era with some Art Deco features. These were reflected in the staircase spindles, lighting, wallpapers, fabric and some bespoke furniture.

Project Detail

We were engaged at the build stage which is often ideal, as it is the time of much transformation and ideas are still being generated. The lead time from concept to completion was 12 months. We were asked to design a scheme for each room, so on the ground floor, hall, cloaks, and snug, open plan living, kitchen, dining and garden room, a formal lounge and utility. On the first floor a Master en-suite with dressing room, two further bedrooms and bathrooms. On the second floor two more bedrooms and en-suites. We were asked to include: layout, lighting and electrical plans, internal décor and finishes. We procured bespoke carpentry, window treatments, furniture and accessories. We also provided the client with an ongoing consultancy basis to advise on finishes throughout for items such as tiling, carpets and fireplaces. Making the most of the natural light was very important to the client so to enhance the addition of skylights and Bi-fold doors we decided to use paired back curtain designs in the open plan areas on the ground floor. They had built in UV protection and could be drawn back remotely to reveal the amazing view across the gardens.

Project Progression

Initially we considered the overall look and feel required for the design. We had several site visits and briefings with our client for their personal requirements. We were responsible for the design and implementation of a scheme for each room by providing an initial scheme board (an ideal way to see your room complete). As the project progressed we worked closely with contractors discussing key issues such as lighting, flooring, paint finishes, where to start and end wall treatments and detailing to cornices and skirting’s.
We looked at bathroom styles and fittings, tiles, fireplaces and helped to keep a consistency to the overall look which kept a thread of colour and design running throughout giving the ultimate luxury finish. Sketches and designs were provided for bespoke wardrobes and dressing areas and final finishes were advised upon bespoke can take from 8 to 16 weeks so needs to be carefully thought through.
The client’s wishes were kept at the forefront by having regular meetings with an excellent and consistent level of communication. Any challenges were met successfully and dealt with efficiently for example when the window units were delayed, due to our strong working relationships with suppliers we were able to put things on hold and place them into storage until required. Because we also worked on a consultancy level it meant we were able to advise and give input when needed for example choosing colours and finishes for the resin supplier for driveways and patios.
Our presence on site for all deliveries and installations, enabled a smooth transition and seamless installation. We supplied locally based Interior decorators, bespoke carpentry, curtain and blind makers and furniture craftsmen.

For this project we were also asked to provide a home styling service on completion to make everything look its absolute best.

Hallway

We wanted the hall to be a standout feature as it does after all create the first impression when entering a home. We felt a touch of Art deco would work well here, so we designed the staircase to have an impact with spindles in cast iron adding beautiful oak details to handrails, doors and architraves. The floor tiles were neutral but we added a Deco patterned tile for interest strategically laid to a specific shape. The paint finish was muted neutral tones which were then elevated with a bold wallpaper used at the top of the staircase drawing the eye up. We chose matt black for impact on the spindles and in the wallpaper and then we added fabulous chandeliers with crystal rods that reflected the sunlight to perfection. The addition of a gloss shagreen effect console with matching mirror and bespoke bench elevated the space to a luxury level.

The overall look brought the house completely up to date with beautiful fabrics, bespoke furniture artwork and luxury lighting.

Snug

This room was at the front of the house and although it was designed as part of the open plan the client wanted this area to have its own look with some real warmth and use of colour. This was because the intention is to use it quite often during the day as a cosy reading area but also at night around the fire.

We used a traditional cast iron fireplace in a contemporary version to add a cosy focal point, to this we added beautiful dark wallpaper with a touch of muted gold which all added to the elegant cosiness. The mirror complimented the aspect with its deep unusual curved frame and helped to reflect light around the room. We commissioned a bespoke low level velvet sofa with buttoning detail and a footstool to compliment the scheme with matching cushions and Roman blind in a marbled emerald fabric. A spectacular velvet swivel chair in deep emerald green was added for additional colour and texture. To complete the look we added layered lighting starting with a large gold geometric shaped pendant adding just enough drama, two tall table lights and some candles.

The perfectly balanced space used lighting, reflection and elegant finishes to its best effect.

The project was a huge success, delivered on time and to budget. We followed the clients exacting aspirations and provided the details and lifestyle they desired. We truly gave them the “home of their dreams” as quoted below in the testimonial.