Three Shades of Green (Part 2) – The Reveal

When I left you in Part 1, we’d presented three green schemes to my clients, secured their choice of the sage and pink palette and were preparing to transform their beloved family sitting room whilst they were away for the summer. Now it’s time to show you how this 25-year-old space was refreshed into something that feels both familiar and entirely new.

A lighter, brighter green

The sage green walls we chose strike the perfect balance – noticeably lighter and fresher than the previous palette whilst keeping the green character my clients loved. The colour shifts beautifully throughout the day as southern light floods through those large windows, creating exactly the atmosphere we’d envisioned. We went for an archive colour from Farrow & Ball called Sutcliffe Green. Connoisseurs often cite green as being the ultimate background colour for hanging pictures and I think Sutcliffe Green is among the best. It’s named after the great colourist John Sutcliffe, who was so instrumental in making F&B what it is today. 

The James Hare curtains

Perhaps the most transformative element is the new window dressing. Gone are the heavy swags and tails, replaced by elegant curtains in James Hare’s exquisite Shalimar embroidered fabric. The embroidery features sage green with red botanical motifs (more red than pink, actually) which works particularly beautifully with my clients’ cherished rug from Luxor. Simpler soft pelmets maintain a sense of formality appropriate to the Georgian architecture whilst still giving off a thoroughly modern feel. The fabric’s pink and green embroidery became the thread that ties the entire scheme together, informing our choices for cushions, soft furnishings and accent colours throughout. The pair of tall windows is the big feature here, so finding the best fabric to dress them was key for the heritage of the room.

The great sofa adventure

Remember that enormous sofa that was near impossible to move? Getting it out proved tricky, but with expert help we delivered it to Mick Sheridan in Hastings for re-upholstering and retrieved it without a hitch. Recovered in Colefax and Fowler’s Boyd in Moss, it looks magnificent, with the sumptuous velvet texture adding warmth and sophistication. The smaller sofa and chair came from Love Your Home, one of my favourite upholstery suppliers. They offer great designs, they’re UK-based and independent and they’re wonderful to work with – everything I value in a supplier partner.

Statement pieces

The red and white checked ottoman (also from Love Your Home) is covered in Kit Kemp’s Lost and Found fabric from Christopher Farr Cloth, which I’ve used successfully on previous projects. It’s become a favourite feature, bringing bold pattern and energy to the palette but also honouring that Luxor rug.

The green side tables in Brazilian quartzite from Soho Home anchor each end of the seating arrangement, providing surfaces for the new table lamps that contribute to our improved lighting strategy.

Enhanced lighting 

The inadequate picture lights and tiny chandeliers have now been replaced with Thomas O’Brien’s Piaf chandeliers from Visual Comfort with matching wall lights. We used the existing ceiling positions for the chandeliers but had to chase in new wiring for the wall lamps, which involved lifting carpet and floorboards in the bedroom above. The difference is remarkable: the room now has proper illumination for every time of day and activity.

The finer details

Nearly all the cushions are handmade bespoke pieces with embroidered braids carefully chosen to link with the Shalimar curtain fabric. The marble fireplace is now fitted with its efficient wood burner. Artwork was re-selected from collections throughout the house and repositioned to better advantage. Every detail was considered and executed with attention to texture, authenticity and comfort – appropriate for a listed building and an older professional couple with extensive family.

A great welcome home

The transformation honours everything my clients loved about their green sitting room whilst bringing it into a new, lighter, more functional era. The sage and pink scheme works beautifully with their Luxor rug, the improved lighting has made the space infinitely more versatile and that re-upholstered sofa proves that sometimes the best pieces are worth saving. 

Your room, transformed

Every room has the potential to be refreshed and renewed whilst respecting its history and the memories it holds. If you’re ready to breathe new life into a well-loved space, I’d be delighted to discuss how we can create something that honours your past and embraces your future. Contact me today to explore the possibilities for your home.

Nicky