HOUSE BEAUTIFUL SAYS...

‘Including well-designed storage, simplifying the arrangement of the furniture and reducing the scale has made the room seem really spacious.’

What did you want to achieve in this room?

My aim was to create a relaxing space to come home to after a busy day at work. Although the room is a great shape with plenty of wall space, it is small and it looked dated and felt claustrophobic.

Where did you start with the design?

I asked for help from my business partner and interior designer, Natalie McHugh. A traditional look is in keeping with the cottage but I like contemporary design and asked Natalie to come up with a fusion of the two that would be cosy in winter and airy in summer.

Tell us about the colour scheme

Natalie suggested a two-tone palette of grey and chalky white. To make sure the darker colour didn’t dominate, we used it on just the chimney breast and the other three walls were painted in the warm white. The paler shade makes the room feel more spacious, while the grey draws the eye to the feature fireplace.

How did you decide on the sofas?

There needed to be plenty of seating for family and friends. A matching pair of small two-seaters doesn’t take up too much floor space. They sit opposite each other, leaving room for an armchair too. And the slip covers are machine washable so they can be swapped easily if I want to change the scheme in the future.

Did you use any other design tricks?

We chose a large rug in a neutral colour, which helps to give the illusion of greater floor space. To avoid cutting the room in half, Natalie advised against having a coffee table in the centre of the room so we opted for side tables instead.

How did you manage to fit in enough storage?

The open shelves of the built-in cupboards are adjustable and made space for the TV, and the cupboard doors were changed to sliding ones, which means there doesn’t have to be empty space in front of them. An old pine dresser was painted dark grey to match the chimney breast. It’s very slim so doesn’t intrude far into the room.

Describe the finishing touches

Cushions, throws and soft furnishings add layers of texture that give the room a welcoming feel, while sheepskins and wool throws bring a sense of cosiness. The pompom cushions are a bit of fun and provide a quirky touch. In total the process took just three days, thanks to all the advance thought Natalie gave to it.

What advice can you offer for making a room look bigger?

Identify the strongest elements and think about the best way to enhance them. Make a real effort to be clutter free and choose furniture that gives the illusion of width or depth.