Blank slate for design of East London Victorian Double Reception
Hi All - we just purchased a Victorian Terrace house in London. It is blessed with good bones and original features. We are starting with a blank canvas as we do not have existing furniture but are struggling to figure out the best layout for our double reception room. We'd like an area to get cozy, watch tv and entertain, but also have an area for a desk and books.
It would be great to get your feedback and suggestions on what furniture we should get and the layout of the room to create the best flow!
The back walls that are adjacent to the entrance hallway are a bit tricky as the doors swing open and we do not want to block them off (we might even consider removing them. They were blocked by the previous owners as you can see in this photo
The back area we were thinking to use as a library with a desk and chaise
This is the back area with out furniture. The black patch on the floor is the cement base of a fireplace
We'd like to use the inbuilt shelves
This is the front reception room. The door swings open and shortens the wall available for a sofa
Comments (9)
Nicole Huynh
7 years agoRelated Discussions
What is your biggest property turn-off?
Comments (103)I have always bought wrecks - I love renovating: and I completely agree with overpaying for a new renovation that is rubbish and soulless: I won't even view a house that has obviously been done up by one of the many "property developers" that infest London. I can cope with anything (have rectified asbestos, removed wood chip, put back period features and replaced everything from roof to digging up a floor to install underfloor heating in the past), but my absolute nos: dodgy neighbours/road, lack of off-street parking (London), a floor plan I can do nothing with, lack of potential to add value myself. I have seen (and met) some real horrors whilst looking for houses! Also, I have to have a period house: 1930s or older....See MoreAnyone got any good ideas for making an ex council house look cool?
Comments (61)I live in the Scottish Borders and three years ago there was a government incentive to externally insulate the houses. Due to the construction of the houses (poured concrete they couldn’t have cavity wall insulation ) . The difference to the heating bills is unbelievable but the look of the house is fabulous as there was new render put on new window sills and down pipes .i agree with the comment that just doing one house would stand out like a sore thumb but it just takes one to start the ball rolling . Maybe speak to your neighbours and they may want to do the same . All the houses in my street had the cladding and it has transformed the look of the street . I have since revamped my lounge and kitchen. There was nothing wrong with the kitchen cupboards so they where painted ,new work tops and sink . I did have a breakfast bar that took up a lot of room which I have replaced with a glass table . My next project is my bedroom which is getting refitted with new wardrobes and draws . Ex local authority houses are well built and have big rooms , they are worth buying as you can do so much with them ,I have bigger cupboards than the rooms that are in some new builds . This is my kitchen, it is so much lighter and more space . The back board is the same as the work top , so no tiles to grout ....See MoreWin a design consultation at designjunction - September 22nd-25th
Comments (84)We have just purchased what we hope to be our last house. It is a very big plot and we are looking to knock down and get planning for a very large house over 4 floors. (12,000 sq ft). We know what we want internally however our issue lies with the external look and feel. My wife wants classic new build, with pillar entrance, sash box windows with stone cills or surroundings (Surrey Commuter belt!). I like contempory white, modern, square, glass walls, feature cladded walls with balconies (Beverly Hills!) Our compromise is classic at the front contempory at the rear. We need help! Hopeful designjunction will help offer solutions so we can move forward....See MoreBefore & After: East London Edwardian
Comments (9)Thanks for all the comments. Susan in answer to your question, the neighbours were consulted on the designs and the choice of brickwork facing the neighbours property was coordinated around their preference. We also took the decision to create a courtyard between the main building line of the terrace and the new extension, in order to minimise impact on daylight and views from the rear reception window of both properties. We also design all of our infill extensions in line with the principles of the existing Victorian party walls, which means that should the neighbours want to carry out a similar extension in the future, the wall can be used to receive the new extension without any issues relating to structure or drainage. As this was previously a dark and damp side return which was underused, I think the quality of the extension, and the additional function and value that it adds, has been well received by the neighbours....See More
minnie101
7 years agoHi. It looks a great room. I agree with Hugh. If you've got the budget have the door filled in properly. If not at least paint in the wall colour as a temporary measure. It shouldn't be too difficult to move the radiator with the floor boards. I'd go for a long sofa opposite the fire and a chair in the left alcove. Personally, again budget dependant, I'd reinstate the fire. It doesn't need to match exactly or even be a working fire as per 1st pic. If not in budget, I'd put the desk in front of the chimney breast, I'd try and source an antique one to add more character. If you can't sort the floorboards now then add a rug underneath. I'd have the chaise floating in front of the radiator at an angle. I've had a look in your ideabook and have seen you like a grey, white and blue scheme. For the living area I'd keep the seating in pale grey and add cushions and art in blues and blue/greens. It's quite hard to find a chaise but the one pictured is from made.com, it also comes in a navy but couldn't find an image and I would go for a bolder shade at this end of the room. A chaise always feels quite decadent so I'd add a marble and brass cocktail trolley at that end where they had their drinks trolley, a plant would also be good somewhere! You could also look for a glass coffee table with brass legs as it won't fill the space visually and repeating the brass will add more warmth
Nicole Huynh thanked minnie101- PRO
User
7 years agolast modified: 7 years ago minnie101
7 years ago
PROV.I.P Walls Interior Specialist
7 years agoIf you want to add a traditional feel then why not consider our classic wall paneling.
Joanna C
7 years agoAnother option that I've seen work well and is worth considering to knock through from the hallway to the living room.
PROWalls to the floor
7 years ago
User