Breathing New Life into a Well-Loved Sitting Room
Sometimes the most rewarding design projects begin with a simple desire for change. After a decade of living with the same décor, my clients were ready to transform their sitting room into a space that truly reflected their personalities and lifestyle. This project particularly resonates with me because it showcases an approach I often take with clients who know they want change but aren’t quite sure what direction to take. Rather than presenting a single vision and hoping they’ll love it, I developed three distinctly different schemes, each responding to different aspects of their brief whilst working with the architectural character of their beautiful oak-framed home.
Understanding the space
The sitting room itself is a generous space with double French doors opening onto a terrace with garden views – a connection to the outdoors that my clients were keen to enhance. The room’s most dramatic feature is a large brick inglenook fireplace with exposed oak beams, which makes an immediate impression upon entering. There’s also an exposed timber-frame ceiling and quite a lot of oak throughout, giving the space a distinctly Scandinavian feel.
After ten years, the existing dark brown leather sofas had run their course and my clients were ready for something softer and lighter. The challenge was to introduce colour and soften the space with organic patterns whilst respecting the architectural character of the room. We also needed to address the practical layout, particularly the relationship between the TV, seating and fireplace.
The existing mid-oak window and door frames created quite a strong contrast with the pale walls, so I suggested painting these in an off-white to blend with the skirtings and architraves – a simple change that would help unify the space. The light carpet would remain, providing a neutral foundation for whichever colour scheme they ultimately chose.
Three colour schemes, three personalities
Working with the existing oak architecture and commanding brick fireplace, I put forward three distinct visions for my clients to choose from, each honouring the room’s character whilst taking it in a different stylistic direction.
Warm honey and olive
The first option embraced warmth, featuring plenty of sumptuous velvet, gleaming brass accents and elegant marble touches. I envisaged organic patterned curtains paired with geometric prints for upholstery and cushions, creating visual interest through pattern play. Brass and glass lighting would add sparkle, whilst warm shades of brown for cabinetry would ground the scheme. The overall vibe? A touch of Soho House sophistication – glamorous yet comfortable.
Cool Nordic blue and pale grey
The second direction took inspiration from the home’s existing Scandinavian architectural character, developing a cooler palette of Nordic blue and pale grey. This elegant, grown-up scheme featured lots of pale wooden furniture with a distinctly Gustavian feel, complemented by modern wicker elements that add texture without weight. Fresh green textiles from Colefax and Fowler at the windows would provide a gentle connection to the garden whilst maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic.
The winning fresh green scheme
The third option (and the one my clients ultimately chose) takes a fresh, relaxed and colourful approach. At its heart is a green painted sideboard that provides a bold focal point without overwhelming the space. Warmer neutrals on the upholstery create a comfortable, inviting foundation, whilst splashes of colour in textiles and lighting inject personality and joy. What I love most about this scheme is how effectively it connects with the garden beyond those French doors, bringing the outdoors in whilst providing the strongest possible contrast to the previous dark leather and brown palette. It’s a scheme that feels fresh and current without being trendy, comfortable without being bland and colourful without being overwhelming. The green sideboard becomes a statement piece that anchors the room, whilst the warm neutral upholstery ensures the space remains restful – essential for a couple like my clients who work incredibly hard and need their home to be a true sanctuary for relaxation and recharging.
The road ahead
As with many design projects, life has a way of determining its own timeline. The implementation of this beautiful scheme is currently on hold whilst my clients settle in a newly adopted rescue dog – a reminder that the best-designed homes need to work around real life, not the other way around. When the time is right, we’ll move forward with confidence, knowing that every element has been carefully considered and that the room will transform into a space that genuinely reflects who my clients are and how they want to live. The trades people are lined up, the specifications are ready and the vision is clear.
Design your perfect space
What this project illustrates is the value of exploring multiple directions before committing to one. Sometimes clients know immediately what they want; other times, seeing different options helps clarify preferences and priorities. There’s no wrong approach – only the one that works best for you.
If, like my clients, you’re also ready to transform a tired room into a space that truly reflects your personality and supports your lifestyle, I’d be happy to help you explore the possibilities. Get in touch today to discuss how we can create a space you’ll love coming home to.
Nicky