Renovate

Divine living room decluttered

A striking makeover has turned a once-cluttered storage room into a relaxed reading haven
Sue Stubbs

Dark and uninviting, the lounge and adjoining dining room at the front of this home had become a dumping ground for books and boxes. Interior designer Victoria Waters worked her magic to turn the space into a simply stunning reading room, complete with a cosy fire and plenty of shelving to display an extensive collection of books in style.

(Credit: Sue Stubbs)

A splash of Dulux Wash & Wear low sheen paint, matched with skirtings in Dulux Aquanamel paint – both in Whisper White – instantly revived the tired decor and gave the room the desired brightness. Cushions in Warwick Fabrics ‘Elegance’ velvet were custom-made to dress up the existing neutral furniture, introducing a pretty whisper of blue. 

Soft decorative accents include an orchid from Lavande Designs and a ceramic bird from Orson & Blake. Custom-made 2-pac bookshelves finished in Dulux Wash & Wear low sheen in Vivid White, designed by Victoria and built by Gumtree Joinery, replaced shaky shelves, achieving the rare feat of making storage the star. Victoria decided to install mirrors in the back of each shelf to bounce light around the room. 

(Credit: Sue Stubbs)

A new Jetmaster ‘Heat & Glo 550’ fireplace is one of the room’s focal points, given a chic limestone mantel that adds another layer of texture. Designer Victoria sourced the Hip Home ‘Gala Ikat’ wool rug, which unites the scheme and adds another touch of azure to the room scheme. A glittering replica Angelo Mangiarotti ‘Giogali’ chandelier picks up light from the mirror-backed shelves.

 

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