I’m delighted to share an Interior Design Transformation project I worked on some time ago for my sister and her husband for their family home.
The Project:
Their house was built just over 10 years ago and they wanted a complete decor and interior overhaul to their kitchen, living and dining space to replace the traditional country feel it previously had. This in essence meant refreshing absolutely everything from tiles and furnishings to wallpaper and furniture. Whilst the general layout of the spaces remained the same the project incorporated some structural changes to allow for more light to the space. This involved replacing 2 smaller Gothic style windows with one large window.
Design Brief
Their vision of the project was to achieve 3 unique spaces, whilst still having them complimentary to one another due to the flow of the space. They wanted the rooms to be bright and uplifting yet cosy and homely. In addition they wanted to create rooms that were distinctive in style and décor, which was achieved with a mix of textiles, delicate designs and a distinguished colour palette.
The Process
We initially looked at lots of styles and themes together so I could get a better understanding of what they liked and didn’t like. Following that process I then presented a range of different options for the three spaces, from which they made their final design and interior choices.
Based on what they decided I took care of sourcing everything from tiles, light fittings and paint, to furniture, soft furnishings and the finishing touches. Luckily for them they work in construction industry so they were able to undertake the structural changes themselves. Then we contracted some local tradesmen to undertake the tiling, painting and papering. In just 2 months the project was complete.
Decor Room Details:
Kitchen
Their kitchen units were in excellent condition so rather than completely replacing the kitchen they decided to keep them and give them a completely new look by repainting them and adding new handles. We did however decide to replace the island, as the position of the older one was not aiding to the flow of the space and it was quite small. It also had a wooden beam feature that was blocking light, so we agreed it had to go and replace with a completely new island.
Before…
Whilst the old kitchen was bright, the dark marble floor tiles and the dark wooden top on the island along with the beam made the space look smaller and darkish.
After….
The kitchen was painted in this striking black and teamed with gold handles, which give it a completely new and vibrant look. The new tiles, a grey wooden effect style, were much lighter than the previous ones and this made the kitchen feel much brighter.
The new island was much more practical and functional not to mention a treat for the eye. We opted for a white granite worktop on the island to contrast with the black on the main kitchen units, which works really well and makes both distinctive. When designing the island we designed with function and the space in mind around the existing kitchen. It incorporate lots of drawers and cupboards, adding more storage, and we also allowed for space for 4 stools for the family, as this was typically a space they enjoyed breakfast together. It was framed with 3 large pendant lights as a focal point. The gold in the inside compliments the gold handles on the kitchen.
Kitchen Details
Units – Paint Jet Black 119 by Crown
Ceiling & Wall Lights – Available at Castle Lighting, Omagh
Island lights – ‘Edit Rondure Large Ceiling Pendant Light, white & gold – Onlinelighting.co.uk
Wall Colour – ‘Bright White’, Pantone Range by Fleetwood
Living Room
The replacement of the 2 smaller gothic windows with one large one, transformed the space in itself and really brought in so much more light into this space that also filtered through to the kitchen and dining space. One of the other existing features in this space was some reclaimed brick, originally they wanted to paint the brick white in this space but after much persuasion they decided to keep it as it was and by completely updating the décor in this room, it really give the brick a completely different look and lease of life. We also opted for panelling in this space, and went ¾ height finishing with some paper in a subtle print. We opted to keep the colour of the panelling light and then introduced some dark hues in the ceiling to add some intrigue and character.
Before…
The room had a very traditional grand feel to it, the darker tones used in the wallpaper, curtains and furniture it made the space enclosed and dark.
After…
The new window in this room was a real game changer, not only for the massive amount of extra light it lets in but they now also get to see amazing views they have from their home.
A new floor was also put in here, a wooden one in similar style to that of the kitchen. We opted for upholstery sofa in a neutral colour and added some contrast with mixing in two feature chairs, one in velvet and the other in leather, both in a rich green shade. All the other accessories like the wall lights, lamps, rugs and coffee table make the room a very cosy, comfy and homely space.
Living Room Details
Paper – ‘Mr Jones Dove Grey Wallpaper by Laura Ashley
Panelling Colour – ‘Bright White’, Pantone Range by Fleetwood
Ceiling Colour – ‘Lamp Black’ by Little Greene
Sofa – Marlow, By Alexander & James, Cookstown Furniture Centre
Lighting walls – Castle Lighting, Omagh
Lighting Ceiling – Ikea
Soft Furnishings – Tables, Cushions Accessories – Home Sense
Dining Area
Originally this space had a small dining table that looked a bit lost in the space.
Before…
Due to the dark floor and brick this space looked quite dull.
After…
So we decided to utilise this space as the function it would be used for and we placed a full size dining table which was also a reals statement piece with the accompanying chairs. We put a 3 Light Bar ceiling pendant over the table which gives excellent light but is also a striking feature piece.
This space also adorned the feature reclaimed brick wall and we also kept it as it was, no paint! We added a gallery wall to this space, which give the wall some colour and character. That along with the new dining set and statement lighting give this space a dramatic makeover.
Dining Area Details:
Table and Chair Set – Bodahl Moebler Range, available at Cookstown Furniture Centre
Armchairs – Bodahl Moebler – SABINA Armchairs, Legs natural black, Stich M (kenia antracite)
Table – Bodahl Moebler Rustic Oak Dining table / FREJA Legs Antique Black
10986 SCHWEIZER top to Dining table 60mm (White wash)
12339 FREJA set of Legs for Table (Antik sort)
Table Lighting – Sky 3 Light Bar ceiling Pendant, Black – Onlinelighting.co.uk
Round Up
So there it is, an amazing transformation if I say so myself. I feel the vision of my sister and her husband was achieved whereby we created 3 completely refreshed and vibrant spaces, that each have a unique style yet are complimentary to one another. The space overall is much brighter with the introduction of the larger window along with the use of lots of lighter tones and a mix of textures.
I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project and I hope you too like the final look as much as I do.
I’m currently working on another project which involves transformations of 3 cottages, so keep an eye for more on that.
Elaine x
Fabulous transformation 👌