Design Clinic #1: Edwardian Living Room
- Hannah Ashe
- Oct 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 28
Last week I asked you to send me your design challenges, so that I could pick a few to offer advice and suggestions, giving you an insight into what it's like to work with me.
I've so enjoyed reading through your messages and I've chosen three to respond to. I'm sorry I couldn't answer all of them, but I do have Rapid Revamp slots available in the coming weeks which are perfect for getting professional interiors advice without spending the earth.
Thanks to Julia for sending in photos of her in-progress living room (above). This is a 1905, Edwardian home and Julia wants to create a 'cosy, timeless room that celebrates craftsmanship, light and everyday comfort'. She has been restoring it with an Arts and Crafts influence (as you can see in the beautiful ceiling rose).
The Arts & Crafts movement was reaction against the rapid industrialisation that was taking place in the late 19th century and it sought to place increased value on how things were made, celebrating artisanal processes and quality over speed and mass production. You can read more about it here.
My thoughts for Julia's living room are to focus on the Arts and Crafts ideals but with a modern twist. That's to say, seek out items made by humans rather than machines where possible, but not to get stuck in a late 19th Century time capsule.
I've put together a board with some ideas which are explained further below:
I've selected some paint colours that would work well in a space like this and could be used in various ways. They are all Little Greene Paint Company colours (my favourite). The deep red-pink, 'Ashes of Roses' (left) would work as the main wall colour if you wanted a cosy, cocooning space, but it would work equally as well as an accent colour for joinery such as built-in shelving alongside 'Flint' the off-white on the right. 'James' the grey-blue in the centre would give the room a cooler feel if painted on the walls and could also work as an accent colour.
I'm not sure what Julia's plans are for the fireplace, but some striking and colourful tiles such as in the image would work very well, especially if combined with some deep wood tones. Bert & May do a lovely range of fireplace tiles, but even better if you can find a local ceramicist to make some for you. That would be truly Arts & Crafts!
This media unit by Swoon has serious Arts & Crafts vibes and might work to the right side of the fireplace with the TV on top if there is space.
I absolutely adore linen and I recently discovered Belgian brand Libeco who make stunning linen products in earthy, natural colours. I really like this cushion.
Choosing a light fitting for this room isn't easy because you don't want anything that detracts too much from the detail and beauty of the ceiling rose. I've chosen this brass and linen pendant by Lights and Lamps. It's simple but with just enough detail to complement the plasterwork.
Julia had mentioned having a Chesterfield style sofa, which would work well, but I've given a slightly more modern option here with this Darwin sofa by Darlings of Chelsea in a soft brown leather.
If you've enjoyed reading the first of many Design Clinics, come back for more soon or alternatively, why not sign up to my free newsletter Find Your Style:
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