This Margate apartment is set within a Grade II listed converted chapel, dating back to 1811. The high ceilings and loft-style columns allowed us to be playful with the scale, so that we could create a feeling of space. We selected mainly vintage furniture and a fresh colour palette – designed to give a feel of being transported to a sunny holiday in Ibiza or Mexico – despite the lack of natural light. The use of painted arches throughout the apartment are a nod to the Chapel’s original arched windows. The shape is carried through the apartment; from the scalloped splashback in the kitchen, to the marble detailing in the bathroom.

Birch-faced plywood radiator panel, inserts in fire surround and above mantel decorations. Cork flooring and clay wall paints.
Inspiration for a medium sized contemporary living room in Other with blue walls, cork flooring, a wood burning stove, a wooden fireplace surround and no tv.

The thoughtful design of the interconnected spaces extends to the living room's connection with the exterior through a bench seat in the window. This strategic addition not only enhances the living room's aesthetic appeal but also fosters a tangible link to the outdoors. The bench seat becomes a cozy spot, offering a panoramic view and inviting natural light into the living space. This connection to the exterior adds a refreshing touch to the living room, creating a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor environments. Whether used as a contemplative nook or a sunny reading spot, the bench seat reinforces the idea of a home that not only embraces eclectic design but also celebrates a harmonious connection with nature.

Photography - Mindi Cooke Styling - Annique Rousseau Flowers & foliage - Bouquet Boutique
Modern living room in Brisbane with white walls and cork flooring.

Access from the front door to the rear garden is now achievable on one level, without interrupting doors or program, the concept of ‘passage’ was achieved with a new infill concrete slab connecting the original terrace hallway to the shell of the 1980s extension. Key program elements were relocated in a light filled extension in the southern light well, housing a laundry, bathroom and separate shower, which can open and close depending on use in order to provide borrowed light to the corresponding dark party wall.

This is an example of a medium sized scandi open plan living room in Dunedin with a freestanding tv, white walls, cork flooring and brown floors.

Inspiration for a medium sized modern open plan living room in London with purple walls, cork flooring, a standard fireplace, a wooden fireplace surround, no tv and grey floors.

Photography by Debi Treolar Modern Vintage Style by Emily Chalmers Ryland, Peters & Small www.rylandpeters.com
Bohemian living room in London with beige walls and cork flooring.

The living room boasts a stunning blush pink walls that adds a touch of warmth and femininity to the space. The interior design is calm and relaxing, providing a perfect retreat from the outside world. The living room overlooks a tranquil garden, offering a peaceful ambiance that's hard to resist. The flooring is made of eco-friendly cork, which is not only sustainable but also durable and comfortable underfoot. The window treatment features rich aubergine accents that add a pop of colour and elegance to the room. The handmade lampshade by Copper Dust is a standout piece that adds a unique touch of personality and creativity to the space. Overall, this living room is a perfect blend of style, comfort, and eco-friendliness.

The starting point for this area was the original 1950's freestanding bar - which we loved! The colours throughout the space and the curves that bounce through the design stop the space feeling rigid. The addition of the Oak room divider creates a separate space without losing any light. A gorgeous corner looking out onto the garden.

Shania Shegedyn Photography
Inspiration for a medium sized modern open plan living room in Melbourne with a reading nook, white walls, cork flooring, a standard fireplace, a plastered fireplace surround, a built-in media unit and white floors.

living room and kitchen
Inspiration for a medium sized contemporary open plan living room in London with white walls, cork flooring and feature lighting.

Living room in a new extension with double panel sliding doors on each side. Red and blue arm chairs. Cork florring. Photo by Chris Snook
Design ideas for a small traditional open plan living room in London with white walls and cork flooring.

This Margate apartment is set within a Grade II listed converted chapel, dating back to 1811. The high ceilings and loft-style columns allowed us to be playful with the scale, so that we could create a feeling of space. We selected mainly vintage furniture and a fresh colour palette – designed to give a feel of being transported to a sunny holiday in Ibiza or Mexico – despite the lack of natural light. The use of painted arches throughout the apartment are a nod to the Chapel’s original arched windows. The shape is carried through the apartment; from the scalloped splashback in the kitchen, to the marble detailing in the bathroom.

Shania Shegedyn Photography
Medium sized modern open plan living room in Melbourne with a reading nook, white walls, cork flooring and white floors.

Photographie Jérémy Haureils ©. Senecio ©.
Retro living room in Bordeaux with white walls, cork flooring, a wood burning stove and a metal fireplace surround.

Charlie Kinross Photography * --------------------------------------------- Rear Living Room with recycled hardwood shelving, and Australian Hardwood double glazed windows

Cosy and retro living room with double door leading to the kitchen, creating one large area. Blue arm-chair with a matching footstool. Corck flooring.

Design ideas for a large farmhouse formal open plan living room in Wellington with cork flooring, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and a wall mounted tv.