UK Room Tour: Rich Hues and Period Details Revive a Dull Space

Working with UK-based Carlton House Fireplaces, Knox created a larger opening. An imposing black slate surround and black hearth were added to create an elegant and sophisticated feel, while the back was lined with brick cladding and the existing wood-burning stove was refitted.

“The room now has a striking focal point that’s much more in keeping with its 2.6-metre-high ceiling,” says Knox. The smart fireplace was finished off with chic fireside accessories.

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Reinstating the period mouldings and joinery was the next step. A beautiful new ceiling rose, cornices, picture rails and architraves were added to give the space depth and personality.

“The newly added rails and architraves instantly made such a difference, while the picture rails have been put to very good use throughout the room, hanging a mix of old and new artwork,” says Knox. “It always surprises me how different a room can feel when its wearing the right outfit.”

Updating the radiator heaters was a challenge, but one that was well worth the effort. The solid concrete floor prevented Knox from fitting any pipework below it, but she was reluctant to lift the existing wooden floor, as that would have meant taking off all the skirting boards and inevitably disturbing the plasterwork.

Luckily, the plumber and joiner were able to remove just a section of skirting board and lift one plank of flooring to lay new copper pipes, and then installed beautiful bronze column radiators that complement the brown walls. “If you’re going to go to the trouble of paying for fancy-pants new rads, then get your pipes sorted. Your eyes will thank you for it,” says Knox.

As a keen collector of art, the owner wanted his bold pieces to play a starring role, particularly the large canvas above the sofa.

“Being on and in the water has a special significance to my client, so this striking painting was a major reference for the room design,” says Knox. “I loved the idea of a warm, smoky brown for this space, as I knew it would provide a great backdrop to the earthy, autumnal tones of the artwork and furniture.”

The paint colour wasn’t chosen until the end of the design process, when the main elements of the room were in place and the space could be seen as a whole. The selection was honed down to a beautiful brown that changes colour depending on the light.

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The room’s original white shutters were sold to someone local and replaced with darker ones. The half-height design allows more light to flood into the room while retaining daytime privacy. The Roman blind softens the window, offering evening cosiness when needed.

“I love how the antique Georgian bow-fronted chest of drawers provides a warm, mahogany backdrop to the ‘rare as rocking-horse droppings’ Arne Norell chair – a mid-century classic we had shipped over from Poland,” says Knox.

Using dark colours in a room can be transformative and completely change the feel of a space, but they’re not for everyone. Knox suggests that, before committing to a rich wall tone, you ask yourself how you want to feel in the room and what you’ll do in there, as it will definitely feel darker and more closed in once you’ve added a deep shade.

“If you’ve thought about going dark for more than a few weeks, then my advice is to just do it,” she says. “I’ve never had a client who hasn’t loved their dark space. And, if you do find it’s not for you, it’s just paint, and you can be back over to the light side in a couple of days.

“If you do decide to go dark, don’t leave your ceiling and woodwork pure brilliant white,” she adds.

Knox is proud of this room and how it’s come together. “It really is one of my favourite rooms to have worked on, as I got to mix lots of vintage and antique goodies with modern touches to create a place my client could finally call home,” she says.

“Also, having complete creative control was a dream,” she adds. “I really got to flex my design muscles on this one. I can’t wait to complete the rest of the house!”


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