http://theinteriorsaddict.com/designer-brings-antique-collection-up-to-date-in-stylish-richmond-home
A
collection of beautiful yet dominating antique furniture was working
against this Melbourne home. Interior designer Christopher Elliott was
called in to create a more stylish and modern space, successfully
blending old and new.
“They had some gorgeous pieces to work with but
there were too many of them,” says Christopher, who prides himself on
being able to harmonise eras, styles, materials and colours to create
unique liveable spaces. “Most of their collection consisted of antique
timber pieces that although beautifully crafted, all together were too
sombre and unwelcoming.”
Space was tight in the main room, which needed to fit both a sitting
and dining space. He was keen to highlight the picturesque view onto a
sundrenched private courtyard, so began by paring back the antique
collection to a few key pieces that would accommodate the new look. A
new paint scheme brought warmth to the space and grass cloth wallpaper
added texture.
“The fireplace was remodeled by covering over the exposed brick with a
beautiful polished plaster finish and painting the internal out black,”
he adds. “I designed some discrete joinery either side of the fireplace
to accommodate a TV and additional storage. A fabulous new rug, which
occupies most of the space, was very important because I didn’t want to
see separation between the dining and living space, otherwise it would
appear restrictive.”
The rug’s large scale design gives the illusion of space and some
much needed impact. A modern classic sofa covered in a durable
linen/cotton fabric, paired with some existing armchairs that were
reupholstered, creates a comfortable living space. Christopher, who was
once responsible for introducing Hermon & Hermon’s interior design
service, wanted to bring in fabric as much as possible to offset the
hard finishes of the antique furniture. This led to upholstered dining
chairs using a linen fabric with a metallic geometric print to modernise
the look.
Christopher designed the modern octagonal ottoman in a sumptuous
polished leather which can be used as either a footrest, coffee table or
additional seating. Classic modern table and floor lights create a
bridge between the old and new.
The study space is semi open onto a hallway and needed to be
anchored. Christopher designed some very functional joinery to give the
client storage and a place to display all their books and objects. A
beautiful antique armchair was reupholstered in a Ralph Lauren floral
print fabric.
“Playing on the layering of prints and bold design I used a geometric
grass cloth wallpaper to give a contemporary flair to the space and a
fluid rug design to balance it,” he says. “The floor lamp is a graphic
element that visually pops against the wallpaper and highlights the
fabric of the armchair. All this combined with a very contemporary
coffee table made of smoked glass, chrome and marble, which adds a sense
of luxury to the space.”
I absolutely love this home and the clever way the look has been pulled together. What do you think?
Christopher has had his own practice, Christopher Elliott Design, since 2005. See more his work on his website.
Here is something completely different, relaxed, shabby chic, barn house style but just a beautiful!
http://absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com.au/
