An imposing corn merchants house, built in 1870’s, Rose Bank still retains many of its stunning original features.

 

The owners beautiful, high ceiling living room was a source of frustration because it actually had too many focal points; a huge bay window, large fireplace, not the mention a large bench (a family heirloom) and the television.  The room is a family room and needed to feel cosy, comfortable and welcoming.

 

Once I’d identified that the problem was in fact that these focal points were vying for attention, it meant that the client had full confidence in carrying out her plans of  installing an impressive stone fireplace surround which became the rooms true focal point.

Then we were able to settle on finishes and furniture arrangement that did justice to the stunning window as well as making sure the family could settle down on the sofa together to watch TV.

The final piece to the puzzle was the family heirloom bench.  It was a beautiful piece but just not that comfortable to sit on.  A local furniture maker and upholsterer solved the problem.  Emma Patchett ( www.emmapatchett.uk )  designed and made bespoke footstools to fit under the bench which can be used to make sitting on the bench much more comfortable.  She also made seat pad cushions and beautiful bolster and scatter cushions for the bench which tied in perfectly with the rest of the rooms colour scheme.

The resulting room has a clear focal point in it’s strong, clean lined fireplace, and now, each direction you look in, you are presented with  beautiful period pieces combined with fresh new soft furnishings that work together harmoniously.