Thirties decorum

Atailored home, that is still relaxed and comfortable to live in, were the client's key objectives when restoring this home. Interior designer Celine Vernezy of Ambiance Interiors says she enhanced the sea views with a complementary colour palette and used the original 1930's chandeliers as the basis for a unified theme.

"I used cool shades of blue and grey throughout the house, which was possible because most of the rooms get plenty of sun.

"Contrasting accents in gold andcinnamon warm up the cooler colours on the walls and work to create a peaceful atmosphere."

The existing chandeliers and the handrail lamp on the hallway staircase led Vernezy to seek out opulent looking furniture to match the era. The mirrored console in the hall was the ideal piece of furniture to set the mood and create visual drama.

To add depth, impact and the illusion of space, Vernezy designed a gold silk curtain around the mirror on the wall. This had the effect of accentuating the mirrored console below.

Incorporating the owners's existing furniture into the design was another key component of the brief. Vernezy's approach here was to add a touch of the 1930s in the furnishings to play up the existing glamour.

The custom-made cushions were one simple way to achieve this look. The majority were made in taffeta and the rest feature brocades and striped velvets.

Contrasting textures were used throughout the house to create further visual interest. For example, in the dining room, raw linen, loose chair covers are contrasted with shimmering silk curtains.

In the formal living area, accents such as the leather tray from France and the painted fire screen from Spain increase the number of textures. The end result is a smart but eclectic look.

The fabrics in this area are also a mixture of styles. Soft, shiny taffeta and more textured examples like chenille create subtle contrasts.

The contrasts are repeated in the informal living room pictured on the previous page. Early 1930s brocade prints sit beside busy paisley fabrics, and cinnamon-coloured grasswallpaper complements the leather-covered chairs. The cushions on the bay window are made from interlaced velvet ribbon, and they contrast with the stark white woodwork.

The furniture in the bedroom, particularly the French sofa, led Vernezy to take an opulent, French direction with the soft furnishings. Warm-toned tapestries, richly coloured velvet cushions and a faux fur throw create a romantic, timeless look.

"The windows in the bedroom are often open, so I thought it might be romantic to use a white linen curtain that would float in the breeze," says Vernezy.

However, the taffeta drapes to the side ensure that the contrast of relaxed and tailored looks continue.

The ensuite bathroom continues the theme, with a mixture of modern fittings, such as the wall-to-wall mirror with in-built lights, and more earthy treatments, like the oak bench top.

A simple finish was achieved using honey-coloured stone tiles on the floor and walls. However, a contrast intextures is still achieved by using matt and polished versions of the same tile.

"The end effect in the bathroom is an illusion of space and a feeling of warmth," says Vernezy.

Story by: Trendsideas