The neglected extension. It is a common feature in Irish homes. We see this room all the time. Sometimes it was a garage, other times a den for teenagers now long fled the nest. It should not be a dumping ground for old furniture or a resting place for golf clubs. Reinvent and rejuvenate it. Give it a reason to be attached to your property.
More often than not this looming room is a headache as it is a room without a purpose – and that is a non starter for us.
For years this room ended up as a room “which had to be used – just because it was there”. In fact it was only called, “The Extension”.Its name alone summoned ideas of banishment and abandonment. It desperately needed a makeover and above all needed to be called something.
Long and linear in shape with fantastic views to the garden, we immediately saw its potential as a garden / entertainment room.We set about making sure it was properly insulated as this is a common cause for underuse of a room. Make it warm and cosy and it will be used.
Adding a modular sofa and choosing a movable ottoman as the last seat we made a modern, usable chaise longue. It is perfect for hanging around with the papers, watching birds in the garden or reading a book. This sofa is from NEXT www.nextdirectory.ie
Replacing the raised hearth with a floor level black granite one from Lamartine , www.lamartine-fireplaces.com , immediately enlivened the room and made it feel much wider. The fire’s chimney was inoperable so we chose to decorate the space with candles and glass stones.
A media unit with pull out storage and a TV on a multi angle arm means that it can all be pushed away when not in use.
The many photographs were rationalised, reframed and grouped onto shallow shelves. More on this in a later post.
We sourced a mahogany circular games table with central spindle and drop down leaves and two very comfy carver chairs from Global Village, www.globalvillage.ie Although seldom used, this table still looks the part. Two rugs of the same design but different sizes tie the room together.
A subtle bamboo green tone is used on the walls and is picked up in the soft furnishings. Leaf and flower motifs are kept to a minimum so as not to overpower.
Terracotta cushions bring the brickwork and green together and is a very subtle but effective accent colour.
Tags: bamboo, colortrend, designer, extension, family photographs, fireplace, garden room, hearth, makeover, modular sofa, NEXT, sofa, terracotta, www.mertondesign.ie
Posted in Interior Design • Will • No Comments »
