Designer Insight – Creating Special Spaces
Designer Insight
Creating
Special Spaces
Lisa of Studio 73 talks us through her favourite spaces from S73 projects and what makes them work.
At its very core interior design is about creating spaces to enjoy. Whether a quiet corner for that much needed moment of calm with a coffee, or a vibrant dining area for socialising with friends and family fun.
Here I am going to show you some of our favourite Studio 73 spaces and let you in on our secrets of what makes them work
1 . The corner of the master bedroom at our farmhouse project was created solely with the idea of relaxation in mind. The chaise is perfect for laying out on after a relaxing bath and as it is positioned just to the side of the fireplace, it is the perfect spot to curl up with a good book.
The bobbin side table, whilst aesthetically beautiful, also allows one to enjoy a cup of tea or a glass of red wine. The beautiful curtains frame a stunning view of the countryside making it the perfect place to sit and daydream.
Top Tip: Adding a mixture of lighting at different levels helps to create different moods to suit the time of day and activity.
2. This is the sitting room from our ‘House with a View Project’ The clients were a young couple who wanted a social space to enjoy with friends. The bespoke-fitted window seat stretches the length of the window allowing ample seating space. We kept the fabrics light and fresh with pops of orange and blue.
We love using ottomans like the one in the foreground, as not only do they double up as additional seating but they also work as a coffee table (when used with a tray!) The small round side table is easy to move around as and when required. Most importantly the space is flexible depending on the number of people that are there to enjoy it.
Top Tip: Whilst colour is important, so is texture. By including lots of different textures it creates a tactile environment giving that lovely hygge feeling!
3. Another from our beautiful Wiltshire farmhouse project. This is the informal lounge just off the kitchen. The space was created to feel relaxed and cheerful and be somewhere to enjoy everything from morning tea to an evening pre-dinner drink. The combination of fabrics is one of my favourites as it include everything; plains, stripes and florals. The red floral slipper chair was a particularly exciting find as it portrays the pretty country aesthetic we were after. As before, plenty of side tables mean there is always somewhere to put down your drink or book, and plenty of lamps allows you to choose the lighting level to meet the mood. The large sisal rug encompasses the seating area to ground the furniture and give a relaxed rustic aesthetic to the space.
Top Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. Allow for a common theme between them to tie them together, such as a reoccurring colour. Varying the scale of patterns used stops them becoming overwhelming
4. The above pic is from my own home and is my favourite space in the house. By adding the banquette seating and chairs to either end of the table, we can comfortably fit 6-7 of us around the table. It is the perfect spot for family meals with the little ones but also works as an intimate dining area for our much-loved dinner parties with friends. The small lamps along the windowsill give a gorgeous ambient light.
The walls are painted in a chalky pink that I mixed myself to get the perfect tone – it has a fresh feel during the day and a cosy warmth at night.
Top Tip: Fitted banquettes are the perfect way to make a dining space feel comfortable and allow you to introduce gorgeous fabrics in the cushions and upholstery (a huge win for me as the more fabric the better!)
5. Finally, this lovely shot is from our Richmond project. A small guest bedroom can feel limiting but on the contrary, it is actually the chance to create a really special space. The bed has been positioned up against the window and framed with bookshelves at either end. The curtain can then be pulled right the way across, to create a cosy nook to read, sleep and relax. The stunning blood orange colour of the curtain adds warmth and depth to the space, contrasting beautifully with the sky-blue antique chest. I love the idea of being cosy behind the curtain on a wintery evening with a good book.
Top Tip: When a room is small think big! Just because a space is small your ideas don’t need to be.
We believe, no matter the size of your space it is possible – with the right elements – to make it truly special. Ambient lighting, tactile soft furnishings, eclectic fabrics and the all-important – unsung hero – the side table! – are a great way to start!
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