Open-plan living concept gets client’s approval.

‘Love it..! Thank you. I’m so excited I can see it coming together now. Thanks so much for your help. I can’t thank you enough. Will recommend you anytime.’ Anne S, Ipswich

Having invested in a large open-plan extension of their mid-century bungalow Anne and her husband, David, were struggling to decide upon a decorating scheme to best showcase their new space. With a wall of bi-fold doors overlooking the garden and a vaulted ceiling, with Velux-style windows letting in yet more natural light, the couple were keen to enhance the bright, fresh feel using complimentary colours and furnishings.

So they approached local interior designer, Diana Stroh, to help create their dream interior.

‘It might seem counter-productive but the secret to successful open-plan living is create smaller zones within the space, using subtle decorating techniques and furniture layouts…’ says Diana ‘…that way the overall effect of space is maintained without feeling overwhelming to live in.’

Diana suggested a pale wood flooring throughout the space to create a sense of unity, with a large textured rug in a neutral colour, to define the living area. She worked with the tones already selected for the new kitchen, pale grey and navy, suggesting the blue to create a feature wall behind the dining area, helping to connect the two areas.

As soon as she saw a rough plan and images of the space, Diana was convinced the living area should take pride of place under the vaulted ceiling, affording the best view of the garden and, by suggesting a large corner sofa, she felt this offered maximum comfort with minimum fuss.

Anne had previously said she wanted to add touches of yellow to the scheme where possible, so Diana suggested she look at adding a mixed-match collection of cushions in greys, blues, stripes, plains and mustard yellows to the sofa.

 

Some lighting options were already in place, such as recessed ceiling spots over the dining area and Diana suggested glass pendants hung above the kitchen island, while a selection of table or standard lamps in the living area would create a cosy evening feel.

Finally, Diana suggested a mid-century feel for the furniture with simple shapes in light woods, complimenting the kitchen worktops, and in keeping with the simple, light feel of the space.

Anne and David were delighted with the overall concept and have already offered Diana an invitation to come round to see the finished scheme for herself.

‘There’s still a little building work to do…’ says Anne ‘…but I can see it coming together now.’