Periscope House draws light into a young family’s home, adding thoughtful solutions and flexible spaces to 1950s Art Deco foundations. Our clients engaged us to undertake a considered extension to their character-rich home in Malvern East. They wanted to celebrate their home’s history while adapting it to the needs of their family, and future-proofing it for decades to come. The extension’s form meets with and continues the existing roofline, politely emerging at the rear of the house. The tones of the original white render and red brick are reflected in the extension, informing its white Colorbond exterior and selective pops of red throughout. Inside, the original home’s layout has been reimagined to better suit a growing family. Once closed-in formal dining and lounge rooms were converted into children’s bedrooms, supplementing the main bedroom and a versatile fourth room. Grouping these rooms together has created a subtle definition of zones: private spaces are nestled to the front, while the rear extension opens up to shared living areas. A tailored response to the site, the extension’s ground floor addresses the western back garden, and first floor (AKA the periscope) faces the northern sun. Sitting above the open plan living areas, the periscope is a mezzanine that nimbly sidesteps the harsh afternoon light synonymous with a western facing back yard. It features a solid wall to the west and a glass wall to the north, emulating the rotation of a periscope to draw gentle light into the extension. Beneath the mezzanine, the kitchen, dining, living and outdoor spaces effortlessly overlap. Also accessible via an informal back door for friends and family, this generous communal area provides our clients with the functionality, spatial cohesion and connection to the outdoors they were missing. Melding modern and heritage elements, Periscope House honours the history of our clients’ home while creating light-filled shared spaces – all through a periscopic lens that opens the home to the garden.

Glendale Sun Room

Robert Koch Designs

Meridian, Idaho Clark Falls Modern Farmhouse

Gardner Homes

Light hardwood floors flow from room to room on the first level. Stained wooden beams contrast beautifully with the crisp white tongue and groove ceiling. The natural light floods this spacious living room and flows into adjoining kitchen and office/homework nook. The massive brick fireplace adds rustic charm and warmth to the crisp interior colors.

Maplewood Estates Living Room

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Imoto Photography

Somers Residence

Highland Builders LLC

The white brick and shiplap fireplace is the focal point of this space. Wrap around white oak box mantle ties in with the ceiling beams and live sawn oak floor. Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist is a soft contrast to the Pure white trim and fireplace.

Hargrave

Jubilee Interiors

Living room furnishing and remodel

Living Room Facelift

Grayscale Homes Designs

Fall Home Styling

Home Setup by Sarah Eaves

Living Room

Acadia Building Company

From kitchen looking in to the great room.

Rustic Coastal Farmhouse

Southern Grace Interiors

Manhattan Penthouse

BrickFarm

Highland Park Gray Transitional Home

Traci Connell Interiors

The grouping of 4 mirrors on a large back wall help to open up the space with their reflection. A grey-blue open floor plan home that incorporates feminine touch to this transitional space. The kitchen and family room remodel transformed the home into a new, fresh space with a great backbone for clean lined furnishings and modern accessories.

Coswick Flooring in an Architect Designed Modern Bungalow!

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The Nest, Hugo MN

Mid-century Re-modern

SHKS Architects

The original double-sided fireplace anchors and connects the living and dining spaces. The owner’s carefully selected modern furnishings are arranged on a new hardwood floor. Photo Credit: Dale Lang

Hollywood Chic Living Room

John Kraemer & Sons

Living Room Photography: Landmark Photography

Reclaimed Brick Modern French Country

Wyrick Residential Design

Hill Street Main Floor Design

Essence Designs

This powder room is one of our favourite spaces in this home! It is fun, youthful, bright and colourful. The tile pattern layout is so stunning – it’s such a beautiful bathroom and definitely evoked a statement when you enter this space for the first time. the Joy MZ tile collection from Euro Tile & Stone is a tribute to the classic print known as diamond plaid found in Scottish high-end fashion since the seventeenth century. The cheerful collection features distinct diamond motifs with the irregular texture of watercolour paper to emphasize the intensity and transparency of colour. The powder room would be complete without pairing these colourful tiles with gold accents found in the cabinet handles, lavatory faucet, mini-pendant light, and bathroom accessories

Hargrave

Jubilee Interiors

Living room furnishing and remodel

Roslyn Home

D&G Construction

Beautiful built in cabinetry in the family room.

Wrottesley Road, London, NW10

Marsh & Parsons

Beige Living Design Ideas with a Brick Fireplace Surround

The best room for gathering with your family and friends in a cosy environment is your living room or family room. You want to hang out where the lounge furniture is the most comfortable and sofas or chairs create a sense of homeliness. Filling this important space with cheap furniture is unlikely to bring you the same long-lasting comfort as a quality chaise lounge or a couch. These choices will directly affect the quality of your evenings as you wind down from the daily grind. While planning a renovation or redesign, weigh up the priorities of seating, heating, an entertainment unit and bookcases. Identify your main activity in the room and and design around that. Many living rooms aren't complete without a fireplace, but if you can't accommodate that, invest in built-in or furniture that suits your home. Common trends include Danish furniture and other kinds of Scandinavian furniture. Plush sofas, recliner chairs and sofa beds will always be popular. Finally, when the big components are planned out, think about what colour scheme and decor will best suit you and your family. If needed, an interior designer can help here.

Should I include a fireplace in my living room or family room?

Depending on your climate, a fireplace might be a great way to add warmth and interest to your living space. Even if your location is warm year-round, you can always add a faux fireplace or nonfunctioning fireplace as part of your decor. There are many options to choose from, so be sure to check them out. A wood-burning fireplace gives an authentic experience, though a gas one still emits heat without the mess. A double-sided or corner unit strays from the ordinary, or you can go with a wood stove fireplace if you're looking for a piece of art. If you want a contemporary touch, veer away from the traditional wood or tile mantel by going with stone, concrete or metal instead.

What kind of built-ins should I add to my living room?

Although it might not seem glamorous, having enough storage is instrumental when it comes to keeping the room organised and practical. Built-in bookcases, shelves and cabinets are a great way to add hidden, functional storage for all the knickknacks you accumulate. Movie and gaming buffs will love a custom entertainment centre, with enough cabinets for movies, speakers and electronic accessories; you can even create a media room with a projector and lounge chairs! If you still have room to spare, include a booth for homework or craft projects.

How do I decorate my home interiors?

When it comes to decorating, neutrals are always the safe option because they look good and never go out of style. They also give any artwork you hang enough breathing space. If you do want to try out a bolder colour scheme, add colour with walls and accessories. That way, if you get sick of a colour, you can quickly repaint the walls and find new knickknacks, instead of having to replace your sofas every time trends change. Popular colours include blue, green and grey, but don't be afraid to try bright colours like red or yellow, even if it's just on an accent wall. Finally, make sure there is plenty of light. Recessed or track lighting are great ways to hit every corner — better yet, add more natural light by installing additional windows or a skylight.