Room Tour: A Plain New-build Home is Given a Cosy Update
Layers of natural materials have transformed a characterless dining and living area into an inviting broken-plan space
If you live in a new-build property, there’s a good chance that at some point you’ve wondered how to add character to your home. That’s exactly what the couple who own this modern house had pondered when they moved into the light but featureless property.
A browse through the Houzz Professionals Directory led them to find Dorota Hrstic of Miri Design, who they hired to bring some warmth and personality into the blank space.
To see more great projects where the homeowner found their professional via Houzz, take a look at our Born on Houzz series.
A browse through the Houzz Professionals Directory led them to find Dorota Hrstic of Miri Design, who they hired to bring some warmth and personality into the blank space.
To see more great projects where the homeowner found their professional via Houzz, take a look at our Born on Houzz series.
The dining table was made bespoke to fit perfectly in the space. “We couldn’t find something the right size and we wanted soft edges and natural wood,” Dorota says, “so we commissioned this instead.”
Tempted to revamp your space? It’s easy to find and hire interior designers through Houzz.
Tempted to revamp your space? It’s easy to find and hire interior designers through Houzz.
Fluted timber panels form a lovely textured base, which contrasts with the smooth oak surface.
Classic Wishbone chairs were chosen to complement the table, while a paper pendant provides soft, diffused lighting and adds a Japanese feel.
Classic Wishbone chairs were chosen to complement the table, while a paper pendant provides soft, diffused lighting and adds a Japanese feel.
“We created a little tea corner next to the dining table,” Dorota says. She commissioned her joiner to build a practical storage area to house the drinks appliances and other items.
The cabinetry is made from oak and painted in a soft grey.
Although the colour palette in the room is neutral, there was a lot of thought behind the tones Dorota chose. The pale grey paint on the walls has a subtle yellow undertone, which brings a warm feel into the room.
“The depth of the paint really affects the space,” Dorota says. “It looks different depending on the lighting and the time of day.”
Walls painted in Sweatpants, Coat Paints.
Although the colour palette in the room is neutral, there was a lot of thought behind the tones Dorota chose. The pale grey paint on the walls has a subtle yellow undertone, which brings a warm feel into the room.
“The depth of the paint really affects the space,” Dorota says. “It looks different depending on the lighting and the time of day.”
Walls painted in Sweatpants, Coat Paints.
Two black-framed glass dividers provide a separation between the dining and living areas of the broken-plan space.
The existing fireplace is quite high and felt out of proportion with the room, so Dorota came up with a way to minimise its presence.
The existing fireplace is quite high and felt out of proportion with the room, so Dorota came up with a way to minimise its presence.
“Our joiner built two oak bookcases either side to frame the fireplace,” she says. These take centre stage and draw the eye away from the fireplace and TV in the middle.
Three wicker pendant lights add more textural interest and provide a balance to the large wooden cabinetry.
Sofa, Raft. Coffee table, Anthropologie. Blind fabric, Sanderson.
Three wicker pendant lights add more textural interest and provide a balance to the large wooden cabinetry.
Sofa, Raft. Coffee table, Anthropologie. Blind fabric, Sanderson.
The team made the most of a recessed window by designing a cosy window seat with hidden storage. The couple’s dog, Oscar, loves to sit here and gaze out at the street, Dorota says.
To accommodate Oscar, Dorota made sure all the fabrics in the space were stain-resistant and durable. It’s these thoughtful design touches, as well as the general scheme, that have meant the couple are over the moon with their new room. “They’ve messaged us a few times to say how pleased they are, and are recommending us to others,” Dorota says.
Tell us…
What do you like about this calm, welcoming space? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
To accommodate Oscar, Dorota made sure all the fabrics in the space were stain-resistant and durable. It’s these thoughtful design touches, as well as the general scheme, that have meant the couple are over the moon with their new room. “They’ve messaged us a few times to say how pleased they are, and are recommending us to others,” Dorota says.
Tell us…
What do you like about this calm, welcoming space? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Who lives here? A young couple with their dog, Oscar
Location Hertfordshire
Property A new-build house
Dimensions Living room, 5m x 3.5m; kitchen-diner, 6m x 3m
Designer Dorota Hrstic of Miri Design
Joinery Made With Trees
Photos by Kostas Arapidis
The kitchen in this new-build house was already in place and perfectly functional, but the owners wanted to add more character elsewhere in the room. Dorota kept the scheme neutral to tie in with the grey kitchen units, but incorporated lots of natural materials to bring in warmth.