Causiously things are now starting to move. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have not been directly affected by Covid-19 cant wait to get going. After a couple of months living in our homes 24/7, thinking of changes we want to make and refurbishment plans swimming around in our heads, now has come the time to put those thoughts and plans into action. That is where I come in.
Last week I was invited to do just that for a couple who hadn’t been happy with the layout of their large lounge since moving in 5 years ago. My remit was to make this lounge (which is also used for dining) comfortable and cosy and yet open and not divided into cluttered sections.
After measuring the room and discussions with the clients on what items could go, what had to stay, their wish list and, of course, budget, I set about producing as plan.
The cosy aspect had been lost partly due to hard surfaces i.e. wooden floor, emulsioned walls, solid wood furniture, leather sofas and chairs and a limited amount of fabric in eyelet curtains at the large patio window. Acoustics are very important when considering comfort – all hard surfaces cause the sound of voices, TV, music etc. to bounce back which is uncomfortable to the ears. The dining chairs were on the list to change so they will be reupholstered in a fabric. A large leather sofa cut the room in half so this will be replaced by a leather armchair to match the remaining sofa and a softly upholstered bucket chair will be introduced to the corner which at present hosts the TV. This then allows room for a large rug. Grandchildrens toys need a home – for this I suggest an ottoman with upholstered top to match the bucket chair.
Everything is kept to neutral colours to add calm to the room. Curtains will have just a splash of colour on a light background which will then be carried through to upholstery. The TV is due to be changed so the new one will be on the wall (not suitable in all rooms) which will stop it being a focal point.
With all of the above and re-siting of the dining furniture the room is being given a completely new look – comfortable, practical and pleasing to the eye.
I do love my job – it is never boring. Each project is different, different rooms, different aspect, different uses and most important different clients with different likes and dislikes but all requiring a solution unique to them. Next week a Kitchen Plan in a large extension – a blank canvas – great.
