Comfortable Elegance
It’s a relationship that began in a tiny studio in Aberdeen more than 30 years ago, and now SLJ Interiors creates sophisticated and liveable environments for a wide range of clients around the globe.
Sylvia Lawson Johnston and Catriona McWilliam specialise in designing interiors of all kinds, whether renovating a historic property, designing a new build or freshening the look of a living room. The pair moved to their Oban studio three years ago, and continue to work throughout Scotland, the UK and beyond.
Their approach to designing spaces reflects each client’s desires, dreams and needs.
‘It’s a bit like psychology,’ Sylvia said. ‘We have to perceive an awful lot about each client - What they would like? What is their lifestyle? What will work and how does all of this fit with the property?’
The partners have worked on many different kinds of projects, from a palace in Dubai, to 12-bedroom Scottish shooting lodges; from a castle in France to apartments in central London. What they all have in common is the team’s natural talent for taking a client’s design concept and infusing it with warmth, style and most importantly, a sense of home. Gathering inspiration from their world travels, Sylvia and Catriona create interiors that marry function and style while surpassing their client’s expectations at every turn.
‘Our aesthetic is elegant comfort,’ Sylvia said. ‘Whether it’s classic or contemporary, it’s about what inspires the client.’
The duo can use everything from mood boards, with Catriona’s sensitive hand sketches, to commissioned CGI visuals to give clients an exact idea of what each room is going to look like.
‘The initial meetings with clients are always exciting as ideas crystallise and a real feel for the project develops,’ Catriona said. ‘We can then look at all the elements, work with architects, create initial schemes, and put together the team of craftsmen and specialists we need to bring each individual project to life.’
Sarah Whittle joined the company two years ago, to give administrative support, and with her background of running her own curtain making business, she shares the duo’s passion for fabrics, liking the studio to an ‘Aladdin’s cave’ of textures and colours.
‘I love watching Sylvia and Catriona when somebody comes in and they don’t know what they want,’ Sarah said. ‘After talking to a client for just a few minutes, they can suggest this or that fabric or wallpaper, the person loves it, and they go from there. It’s like magic.’
Sylvia and Catriona would love to talk to you about your next project. View a gallery of SLJ Interiors’ work at www.sljinteriors.
co.uk, visit them at 6 Star Brae in Oban or call 01631 571122 for an appointment.
8. Wooden pools, above ground or integrated with decking, with sizes to fit most gardens. Supplied and fitted in time for summer. Prices start at £6,000. Supplied and fitted by Lanark Pool Company. Tel: 01555 871124, www.thelanarkpoolcompany.com 9. The Small Braemar chair with oak frame and choice of stunning fabrics from Steven Burgess Furniture & Interiors from £995. Tel: 01786 870685, www.stevenburgess.co.uk
6. Waldorf is a truly evocative bathroom collection, combining exquisite craftsmanship with early twentieth-century styling. See the range at Richmonds Bathroom Showroom, 23-25, Carnoustie Place, Glasgow. Tel: 0141 429 7441, www.richmonds-phm.co.uk
7. Home improvements include your garden too. Let Springlawn be your inspiration as they turn your garden dreams into reality. Tel: 01738 584120, www.springlawn.co.uk
10. New from Cotterell & Co, in collaboration with Voyage fabrics – beautiful spring inspired lampshades from Rocke by Cotterell & Co. Priced at £49. Tel: 0141 429 5648, www.cotterellandco.com
11. Where better to store the coats and shoes when you return after those April showers than the Boot Room. Create a room which offers stylish, bespoke storage to your requirements and a welcoming entrance to your home at Laings this spring. Tel: 01467 620311, www.laings.com
12. Fresh as a daisy, this comfy little two seat Christina sofa from Country Sofas will brighten up any room. Made up in a beautiful quality wool which is discreetly patterned, it is a steal for just £1,390. Tel: 01796 474433, www.countrysofas.co.uk 13. Silestone ‘Marquina’ from the new Eternal range. Available from Cosentino. www.silestone.co.uk
14. A warm and welcoming traditional hand-painted kitchen. The hand-crafted bespoke detailing includes lamb’s tongue raised and fielded cabinetry and turned columns. A place to meet, eat and enjoy a beautiful spring day! Available from David L Douglas. Tel: 01383 882222, www.davidldouglas.com 15. Chesney Devonshire surround and Beaumont 8kw stove in parchment. Available from Scottish Stove Centre, Croftamie. Tel: 01360 661112, www.scottishstovecentre.co.uk
16. Rest and be thankful... the drystone ‘Cuillin’ seats three. A small, comfortable drystone enclosure with oak seat and shelter from the wind, and small stone ledges to rest a glass on. One of a range from Nigel Bialy. Tel: 01764 670505, www.drystonedesigns.co.uk
20. Bespoke garden makeovers by Gardens Galore. Tel: 01738 553014, www.gardensgalorescotland.co.uk
21. Mystery Teal, £188.20 (ex VAT) per square metre, is a beautiful handmade Portuguese glazed tile, available in any of the 104 separate colours that New Terracotta offer. Available at Edinburgh Tile Studio. Tel: 0131 629 3780, www.edinburghtilestudio.co.uk
22. Quite possibly the finest dog beds available – luxurious, yet at the same time, totally practical and built to last. Tel: 01264 861143, www.berkeleydogbeds.co.uk 17. Every interior individually designed for each project, by SLJ Interiors. Tel: 01631 571122, www.sljinteriors.co.uk
18. Dansani Luna furniture in lava and white, with Canto basin. Available from The Bathroom Company, 32 Leonard Street, Perth. Tel: 01738 440333, www.thebathroomcompany.co.uk
19. Watch the flowers bloom in this bespoke hardwood lean-to conservatory with large bi-fold doors that open up onto exterior decking. Designed and constructed by Mozolowski and Murray, it’s perfect for letting spring in! Tel: 03450 505440, www.mozmurray.co.uk