Room of the Week: A Period Living Room Gets a Calm New Look
Light neutrals and contemporary furniture create a restful feel in this beautiful period apartment
When the residents of this London flat took over the tenancy, they were given free rein to redecorate. The apartment has large windows, high ceilings and stunning period features, but the décor required an update. The couple, successful lawyers who had been posted from the US, called in Sacha Berger of Honey Bee Interiors to give the property a stylish, contemporary feel.
Although the room has gorgeous high ceilings, there are no pendant light fittings. “We couldn’t change this in a rental property,” says Berger. “So we had to include a lot of low-level lighting in the form of table and floor lamps.”
The sliding doors on the right lead to a study and guest bedroom. “We chose a darker grey for this room,” says Berger, “which tones well when the doors are open.”
Big Boy floor lamp, Loaf.
The sliding doors on the right lead to a study and guest bedroom. “We chose a darker grey for this room,” says Berger, “which tones well when the doors are open.”
Big Boy floor lamp, Loaf.
The wide fireplace is a stunning feature in the room, so Berger wanted it to speak for itself. Rather than hanging an imposing mirror or painting above it, the designer chose this ethereal wall hanging instead. It looks beautiful, but doesn’t distract from the fireplace.
A dusky-blue rug and similar-hued cushions add to the calm ambience of the room.
Juju Hat feather wall hanging, Rockett St George. Cushions, Loaf. Rug, Wayfair.
A dusky-blue rug and similar-hued cushions add to the calm ambience of the room.
Juju Hat feather wall hanging, Rockett St George. Cushions, Loaf. Rug, Wayfair.
This large cabinet was already in the room, while the owners brought the chests over from the US. The dark tones contrast well with the room’s light colour scheme.
Berger liked the style of Ben Lowe’s prints for Loaf, so she found some more of his work on his website.
Artwork, Ben Lowe. For similar chests, try The Old Cinema.
Berger liked the style of Ben Lowe’s prints for Loaf, so she found some more of his work on his website.
Artwork, Ben Lowe. For similar chests, try The Old Cinema.
The dining table and matching bench are the ideal size for this window alcove. The mellow, herringbone wood surface looks great with the industrial-style metal chairs.
“The windows are so beautiful, that a simple table and chairs are all that’s needed here,” says Berger.
Dining table and bench, Lombok. Dining chairs, Cult Furniture.
“The windows are so beautiful, that a simple table and chairs are all that’s needed here,” says Berger.
Dining table and bench, Lombok. Dining chairs, Cult Furniture.
This tray table was brought over from the US by the clients. It works perfectly as a serving station for drinks, and its sewing-machine-treadle base adds another industrial-style element to the traditional architecture.
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The clients’ mustard armchair adds a touch of warmth to the light, fresh space. A storage shelving unit was already in place, so Berger painted it white.
Berger displayed some of the clients’ favourite pieces from home on this simple console table. The mirror above breaks up the wide wall and provides a light-reflecting alternative to artwork.
Waney console table, Loaf. Window frame mirror, NetDeco.
What do you like about this neutrally decorated living space? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Waney console table, Loaf. Window frame mirror, NetDeco.
What do you like about this neutrally decorated living space? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who lives here American couple who moved to London for their work as lawyers
Location Chelsea, London
Size Large living-dining room in a two bedroom apartment
Designer Sacha Berger of Honey Bee Interiors
Photos by Elina Pasok
Sacha Berger was tasked with designing three rooms, the study, bedroom and living-dining area. “To tone it all together, I chose three complementary neutral shades of paint and used a different one in each room.”
In the main living area, the walls are painted in a mid-tone stone shade that works well as a backdrop for some well-chosen furniture and accessories.
“It was easy to lay out the room,” says Berger. “We kept a similar layout as before, with two sofas facing each other and focused around the fireplace.”
“The window alcove was the perfect place to put the dining area,” she adds.
Walls painted in Elephant’s Breath, Farrow & Ball. Sofas, Loaf.
Easy steps to finding the perfect living room arrangement