Contemporary Living Room Ideas and Designs

Bankside Loft
Bankside Loft
YARD ArchitectsYARD Architects
Bankside Lofts, opposite the iconic Tate Modern building, was one of the first projects developed by the Manhattan Loft Corporation. They pioneered an unusual model, selling flats as ‘shells’ for owners to fit out themselves. Bankside Lofts was once of their earliest developments. We were asked to reconfigure and update one of the apartments in the Victorian section of the building, for a couple who wanted more privacy and better entertaining space. The existing apartment had lots of character and architectural features, including three huge arched windows with steel frames overlooking Tate Modern, exposed brick, timber beams and concrete columns. Our design reinforces the architectural qualities of the space and uses robust materials that are in keeping with the industrial aesthetic of the building. We wanted to create a project which felt like it fitted with the building and would last for many years, without looking out of date. The layout of the apartment was the main reason for the refurbishment. There were two open plan mezzanine bed space overlooking the main space, which had no walls or privacy and had very low ceiling heights. This worked for the owners when they had younger children, but now they were adults they needed a proper enclosed bedroom space, more storage and a bigger kitchen for entertaining. They also wanted to retain a space for guests but keep the space as open as possible when not in use. Creating the main bedroom was particularly difficult, because the ceiling height was not quite large enough for two full stories to be inserted, meaning somewhere there would be a very compromised ceiling height. Our solution was a complex puzzle of interlocking storage units, varying in height which maximise the ceiling height where it is needed, but also increase the amount of usable floor space. Wardrobes were reduced in height in order to gain standing space in the room above. A library allows ample height to sit and read a book and allows a full ceiling height to the bedroom below. The guest bed is on a raised platform above the entrance hall. The new structure for the mezzanine is completely free-standing with the perimeter walls of the apartment, made from large sections of timber. These mirror the existing ceiling beams, so the new elements feels like a part of the existing building, blending in to create a sense of a unity. We included a hidden bedroom for the owners dog, Ruby, a double height shower and lots of hidden storage. The yellow staircase up to the mezzanine adds a pop of colour to the otherwise monochrome palette, and the steps double up as drawers for shoes. We used a simple palette of materials to complement those already found in the apartment. Steel crittall sliding doors and windows enclose the bedroom but allow the space to feel open and be filled with natural light. A hidden curtain can be drawn for privacy. The bathroom is seamlessly finished in Moroccan Tadelakt plaster, reminiscent of the concrete columns which were left exposed. Reeded glass on the mezzanine level offers a sense of privacy to the upper level whilst allowing light to flood the space.
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Victorian Renovation
Victorian Renovation
Simpson & VoyleSimpson & Voyle
The deep, inky-toned paint was used to wrap the whole room, creating drama and luxury. The period features from this double-fronted reception room were fully restored and the fireplace was restored. We chose a warm wood for the floor, in a herringbone pattern to add a sense of warmth and luxury. A 1920s sofa was reupholstered, alongside a vintage cocktail chair, keeping the palette consistent, and allowing the pops of colour to come from the artwork and feature lighting. The pink Murano glass chandelier is a dramatic focal point, both playful and theatrical. We introduced touches of brass to complement the colours and textures. The velvet on the furniture gives a sense of inviting comfort. Bespoke roman blinds, also in the colour palette of the space, allow lots of light into the room and do not intrude on the sofa placed against the window.
Byley, Middlewich Renovated Barn Project
Byley, Middlewich Renovated Barn Project
Rachel Moore Design LtdRachel Moore Design Ltd
We were approached by our client to design this barn conversion in Byley, Cheshire. It had been renovated by a private property developer and at the time of handover our client was keen to then create a home. Our client was a business man with little time available, he was keen for RMD to design and manage the whole process. We designed a scheme that was impressive yet welcoming and homely, one that whilst having a contemporary edge still worked in harmony with its rural surrounding. We suggested painting the woodwork throughout the property in a soft warm grey this was to replaced the existing harsh yellow oak and pine finishes throughout. In the sitting room we also took out the storage cupboards and clad the whole TV wall with an air slate to add a contemporary yet natural feel. This not only unified the space but also created a stunning focal point that differed from a media wall. In the master bedroom we used a stunning wood veneer wall covering which reflected beautiful soft teal and grey tones. A floor to ceiling fluted panel was installed behind the bed to create an impressive focal point. In the kitchen and family room we used a dark navy / grey wallcovering on the central TV wall to echo the kitchen colour. An inviting mix of linens, bronze, leather, soft woods and brass elements created a layered palette of colour and texture. We custom designed many elements throughout the project. This included the wrap around shelving unit in the family Kitchen. This added interest when looking across from the kitchen. As the house is open plan when the barn style doors are back, we were mindful of the colour palette and style working across all the rooms on the first floor. We designed a fully upholstered bench seat that sat underneath a triptyque of art pieces that work as stand alone pieces and as three when viewed across from the living room into the kitchen / dining room. When the developer handed over the property to our client the kitchen was already chosen however we were able to help our client with worktop choices. We used the deep navy colour of the kitchen to inspire the colour scheme downstairs and added hints of rust to lift the palette. Above the dining table we fitted a fitting made up from a collection of simple lit black rods, we were keen to create a wonderful vista when looking through to the area from three areas : Outside from the drive way, from the hallway upon entering the house and from the picture window leading to the garden. Throughout the whole design we carefully considered the views from all areas of the house.
Project Battersea
Project Battersea
Wise Owl InteriorsWise Owl Interiors
Project Battersea was all about creating a muted colour scheme but embracing bold accents to create tranquil Scandi design. The clients wanted to incorporate storage but still allow the apartment to feel bright and airy, we created a stunning bespoke TV unit for the clients for all of their book and another bespoke wardrobe in the guest bedroom. We created a space that was inviting and calming to be in.
Hamilton Terrace
Hamilton Terrace
KSR ArchitectsKSR Architects
Art filled living room in St John's Wood, Hamilton Terrace.
Strawberry Hill Drawing Room
Strawberry Hill Drawing Room
KindlyKindly
to keep a childlike sense of fun in the room, we picked out the bold orange from the artwork, and the blue from our client's round rug, and chose accessories that matched. The orange glass side table gives incredible shadows when the light shines on it.

Contemporary Living Room Ideas and Designs

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Ireland
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