Adding that touch of glass

Atrium the centrepiece of new-build

COMPANY director Stephen Sutherland, 41, has always harboured an ambition – to build his own home. And last year his vision became a reality.

Standing on a glass walkway, below a light-filled atrium, the globe-trotting dad reveals: “As a builder it was always my dream to build my own home. I really wanted to create somewhere that I could relax with family and friends.”

He looks around and smiles: “The atrium is one of my favourite parts of the house, the light just floods in. I used to go on a lot of cruise ships for holidays and the cruise liners always had atrium areas and glass bridges so I took inspiration from that.

“I thought it added an air of grandeur and I decided to include it in my house.”

He started building the house in Alloway, Ayrshire, in 2014 and completed the ambitious project the following year.

From the outset he knew he was after a chic, modern design – inside and out – and one inspired by his many travels.

Stephen says: “When it comes to décor I’m not really a fan of florals and ‘pretty’ accents. I’d consider my taste to be more pared down and chilled out, although I really do like texture.

“The design of the house is inspired by my travels over the years. Asia in particular is somewhere I spent a fair amount of time. I worked with Interior Designer, Lorraine Chassels of XS Interiors on the style.

“We wanted it to feel stylish and sophisticated, with a good bit of personality too.”

He adds: “I was keen to give my twin boys a specific area to play in the house. They absolutely love having a dedicated playroom where they can keep all their toys.

“It’s a really fun space with double denim cubes, twin swivels, double art and chalkboards. I love the numbered Ralph Lauren style chests, which we use to store toys.”

Turning his attention to the dining room, Stephen focuses on the table and chairs. “They are definitely my favourite pieces of furniture,” he says. “They are really eye-catching and make a real statement. I think that the stud detail gives the feel of a boutique hotel.”

‘ The Snug’ is where the family love to chill out. The sofa is a Spanish design and the Versace plant pots give the room a European flavour.

In the lounge Stephen has adhered to a monochrome palette and included polished chrome and luxurious rugs with pared down linen sofas. “The grand coffee table was bespoke to fit in with the size and style of the room,” he explains.

He adds: “For the main bedroom we wanted to bring in some of the global travel influences. The cabinets have yin-yang handles and there is hand-made tile art. It feels very cosy.”

For more information on Lorraine Chassels’ design services, call 0141 942 0519 or visit exshowhousefurniture.com