Inspiration for Liner Luxe – New project for living room and bathroom

Client loves this Living Etc image, so do I! Great mix of textures and styles, though want a bit more glamour, and colour

Very often, when clients describe a look they want, and you think you have a handle on the feel they are seeking to achieve, the reality of their dream is different to the initial dreams and desires. What do I mean? This week, a client described two very different schemes which would be acceptable for her living room and bathroom transformation:

The first was evocative of an Indian summer; rattans, bright and vibrant colours, sari shades …
The second a more glamorous 1920 / 1930’s feel: a colonial traveller, mirrored furniture, sumptuous reflective fabrics, leather cases….

But as we talked and looked through brochures and images, we found that there was a definite lean to the second style, and in fact, with every image or item looked at, we moved further and further away from the first scheme.

And then practicalities kicked in, just as they should. The house is a (relatively) modest 1930’s semi, the living room is dark and North facing, there is a teenager with lounging friends and a play station to consider, plus the house may well be rented out in the not too distant future. So as much as we adored the full on gorgeous Great Gatsby vibe, I needed to bring in those practical elements which reflect the use of the house:

instead of velvets covering the sofas, we need washable linens or cottons in shades of taupe or mushroom
touches of art deco glam will be found in the form of elegant mirrored accessories, reflecting lots of light, think mirrored shelving and details
the timbers used will be dark for that colonial feel
the walls will be kept pale and neutral
the client can bring elements of colour to the scheme as she wishes with cushions and accessories

Right vibe from Living Etc image; perfectly squishy sofa but avoid white, need mushroom / taupe for practicality, and adding in more of an art deco and traveller feel

I’ve got every back copy of Living Etc and Elle Decor since, well, a long time ago! They are fab for finding inspiration and trying to crystallize with an image what a client has in their head.

Web sites are useful too http://www.livingetc.com/gallery/main.php

I’ll describe the bathroom another day! Its now 9pm Sunday, tired, need food and an early night, no Dexter fest, not allowed as M’s on nights, he’d shoot me if I dived further into Series 3…. 🙂