Interiors professionals have transformed the living space of a hard-working London paramedic. Award-winning designer Clare Gaskin and stylist Emily Wheeler have created a calming retreat for its owner, Gigi, to relax in.

The formerly drab and dark space was in desperate need of some stylish yet functional living room ideas. The finished result – achieved with the help of charity Design Havens for Heroes – is a multifunctional and inviting space with a modern Scandi vibe.

Before

Client Gigi, who worked tirelessly through the pandemic, told Clare and Emily that she likes soft greens, blues and neutrals. Describing how she wanted the room to feel in three words, she said it needed to be relaxing, cosy and light.

Image credit: @designhavensforheroes

Before getting to work with the multifunctional living room makeover, there were some real spatial challenges to take into consideration. Gigi wanted the space to function as a living room and also an eating space with smart dining room ideas for spending time with friends and family.

After

Image credit: @designhavensforheroes

When you look more closely, you’ll notice the shelf display unit with sliding artwork to hide a wall-hung TV when not in use. Interior designer Clare made this by adapting shelving donated by Neptune and creating made-to-measure artwork to mount onto the shelves.

Image credit: @designhavensforheroes

The finished room is totally unrecognisable, and performs lots of functions. We’re loving the consistent use of light-toned wood and white accents in this multifunctional living room.

Also, the combination of the rattan dining room chairs from Dunelm and velvet stools makes for a really convivial set up in a small space. The gorgeous green velvet sofa from Snug was a jumping-off point for the rest of the scheme.

Image credit: @designhavensforheroes

The pared-back, minimalist design style and play on texture makes it feel warm and welcoming. From the cushions to the statement lampshade to the houseplants and the blind, there’s a huge range of natural materials.

At a time when maximalism is becoming more popular, it’s a reminder that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with keeping things simple. We’re particularly keen on the clever solution for hiding the TV.

The post This dark living space has been given a modern Scandi makeover with cleverly concealed TV appeared first on Ideal Home.

On the hunt for a home that boasts charm and period features by the bucketload? Then take a look at Hamlet Road, a two-bedroom Victorian house set in Birmingham’s Hall Green.

Hall Green is the leafiest part of Birmingham, and also happens to be ranked the sixth hottest property hotspot in the UK. Inside you’ll find a delicious mix of beams, exposed brick and parquet flooring, with traditional and modern designs marrying seamlessly throughout.

Is it eclectic? Yes. Will it appeal to those that love colour and pattern? Yes – especially if you like the latest living room trends for maximalism. In short, it’s a super-cosy, kaleidoscope of colour and interesting things to look at – so let’s do exactly that and take a peek inside…

Hamlet Road exterior

Image credit: Mr and Mrs Clarke

Located on a corner plot, Hamlet Road is fairly deceiving from the outside and you’d never know what lies behind that icy-blue door! A picket fence, shrub-lined front garden, and beautiful bay window all create a neat and inviting first impression. 

Living room

Image credit: Mr and Mrs Clarke

We told you inside was an explosion of colour! The living space is a great lesson in how to wallpaper a feature wall with a whimsical floral design layered with a wooden picture ledge to display vintage pieces.

You could almost be forgiven for thinking you’re in a country cottage with the decor showcasing original, polished wooden floors, cosy armchairs and overhead beams. The fireplace and surround create the focal point of the room, with a gold gilt mirror and wall sconces on either side to illuminate the centrepiece at night.

Kitchen

Image credit: Mr and Mrs Clarke

Situated to the front side of the house, the kitchen ideas have been brought into the here and now with an on-trend bare brick wall and smart white metro tiles.

Crisp white Shaker-style cabinets line the room, complemented by modern appliances and warm wood-look worktops. The windows look out onto the garden, where you’ll find a separate building that houses a utility, so you can keep your laundry out of the house.

Dining room

Image credit: Mr and Mrs Clarke

Walk through to the back of the house, and you’ll discover the dining room, with its Arts & Crafts motif wallpaper and polished wood table and chairs. Framed with original oak doors, this space is designed for entertaining and connects to a light-filled orangery, ensuring it’s kept equally bright.

Those super-sized candelabras create instant impact, as does the roomy sideboard – we’d keep our crockery and glassware in here, close to the table.

Bedroom

Image credit: Mr and Mrs Clarke

Upstairs you’ll find two lovely bedrooms, each with its own cottage-style charm. The pale blue scheme in here couldn’t be more up to date, being it’s similar to Dulux’s Colour of the Year for 2022.

We love that this room hasn’t just been designed for sleeping, but for relaxing, with it’s plush chaise and rattan-style rocking chair.

Bathroom

Image credit: Mr and Mrs Clarke

We do love a bathroom with an unusual bathroom layout idea, and this one makes a change from the usual rectangular shape. A roomy roll-top bath makes a luxurious feature, while a built-in storage cupboard is handy for storing towels.

In true Victorian style, a high-level cistern is in place and the flooring is a marble tile, but for us, it’s the little display touches that make you want to take a closer look around – from the wall cabinet that houses various lotions and potions, to the corner shelves and small round table with knick-knacks and plants.

Keen to see more of Hamlet Road? It’s up for sale with Mr and Mrs Clarke at £325,000.

The post This Birmingham house is the picture of quintessential Britishness, bursting with whimsical pattern appeared first on Ideal Home.