Classical influence

Times, places and objects that hold a special place in our hearts often influence the way we decorate our homes. It's little surprise then that many modern interiors reflect a bygone era or feature family heirlooms the owner can't bear to part with.

Interior designer Leroy Belle was asked by the owners of this three-storey home to create elegant, formal rooms that would reflect their Greek heritage. He was also asked to design an informal living room modelled along similar lines to the interior of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore a memorable venue for the owners.

A timeless theme was achieved by incorporating statues and mirrors throughout the interior, and using pillars of stone to highlight entrances to the formal living room and dining room. Classical motifs, found in the furnishings and fabrics, complete the look.

"The owners don't like a lot of colour, so many of the fabrics in the formal rooms have a washed out, aged look that adds to the classical ambience," says Belle.

Antique timber floors and furniture, French chandeliers and luxurious silk drapes with goblet heads add to the grandeur of these rooms.

The formal dining room features the owners' 14-seater antique table lit from above by a low-hung chandelier with amethyst lustres that emit a soft mauve glow.

"Because you step down into the dining room from the living room we chose large spoon backed chairs that would tone down the size of the table," says Belle.

The dining room leads to the informal living room, which resembles a closed-in pergola. Again, because the owners don't like a lot of colour, Belle used texture to create interest.

The Raffles Hotel look in the informal living room is achieved using woven chairs, custom-designed macassar ebony tables, cushions with large, leafy patterns, and an Oriental armoire containing home theatre equipment.

The timeless appeal of the living areas continues upstairs in the bedrooms. The master bedroom, in cool shades of green and blue, is modelled on one of the owner's favourite five-star hotel rooms.

Belle designed the bedside tables with pull-out trays. The bed head is upholstered in wool chenille, while a reversible silk duvet cover matches the owner's antique rug a family heirloom. The room overlooks a canopy of lush green trees, which are reflected in a large mirror along one wall.

The children's bedrooms are decorated in neutral tones, with pale blue and yellow checks and stripes for the bed linen.

Story by: Trendsideas