Sitting room

Grey wall, white base units.

Q

“Glazing is an area you can spend a fortune on,” says Milns. “What we did was to compromise a little by using thicker frames, which are less expensive, but with the mullions between only 20mm thick.”

Q

Have a chill-out zone Don’t forget to take time out to relax and keep your well-being in check. Find yourself a quiet spot at home, such as a comfortable armchair, and make time to put your feet up.

Q

The bay window was previously fitted with office blinds, so Taylor removed these and had some sheer roller blinds made instead. “It can get very hot in the apartment, so these are perfect for the summer,” he says. A curved track holds light curtains that can be pulled across when the owner wants a more cosy feel in the evening.

Q

Design challenge – A low ceiling Solution 1: Hang a curtain One of the easiest ways to overcome this challenge is to hang curtains from ceiling to floor. With no visible rods or rails, the curtains create a waterfall effect that immediately gives the illusion of height.

Q

Lose the rug The floor is the second biggest surface in any room after the walls and by keeping it unadorned, it can help a space to feel open and calm. So remove that rug and notice how much cleaner the room feels. Now the eye can glide over the floor and concentrate instead on objects and furniture.

Q

Along with the grey-painted wall, the grey sofa in a boxy, modern shape is a modern interiors staple. Neutral, practical, stylish and elegant, grey goes with most other shades, while adding a soft, sophisticated edge. However, if you have grey walls as well, the effect may become a little too drab and “rainy day” in mood. Choose an upholstery fabric that’s tough and easy to clean for extra lounging mileage.

Q

The well-cushioned English or club sofa tends to have low arms and turned legs on castors. It’s a classic choice in traditional rooms, but can also work beautifully in a more modern setting. It’s also comfy, given its relatively compact shape, but look for updates with higher arms if you want something more substantial to lean against. This elegant room also proves that a pair of sofas don’t have to match to look good – the hot pink works well with the grey and adds a dash of cheery colour.

Q