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SITTING ROOM DESIGNStyle inspiration • Sofa buyer’s guide • Fine fireplaces • Elegant accessories

A SUPPLEMENT TO MARCH 2016

The

ENGLISH HOME

Lovingly handmade.Relax on comfy sofas in our showrooms or explore the collection at sofa.com

Chelsea Bath Edinburgh Amsterdam www.sofa.com / 0345 400 2222

There is a danger of designing a sitting room with an overly formal look, in the light of the fact that the space is regularly ‘on display’ to guests. But as a room that is first and foremost a place to relax with family and friends, this would, I think, be a mistake. Comfort is the essential first consideration, closely followed by a design that makes you feel at ease and which reflects your own passions and lifestyle. Nothing should be too perfect – an inviting atmosphere is surely by far the best backdrop

for home life, rather than a showcase of cutting-edge design. William Morris felt that “All rooms ought to look as if they were lived

in, and to have, so to say, a friendly welcome ready for the incomer.” And Coco Chanel is believed to have said “An interior is the natural projection of the soul”, which I find to be a truly insightful way to approach decorating a home.

I do hope you find that this sitting-room style guide achieves a good balance of insight, education and inspiration to set you on your way.

With warmest regards,

Kerryn Harper-Cuss, Editor

EDITOR’S LETTER CONTENTS4 WHAT MAKES A BEAUTIFUL SITTING ROOM? Interiors consultant Mary Carroll considers the key ingredients for a well-designed space, highlighting some inspirational projects from interior designers.

12 TAKE A SEAT Our buyer’s guide to sofas offers insight into assessing scale, design and construction.

17 SITTING PRETTY A selection of neatly shaped armchairs to complement your sitting room.

18 FOCUS OF ATTENTION A fireplace is a useful feature around which to plan a sitting-room layout; we reveal both practical and aesthetic considerations.

24 DESIGN DIRECTIONS A curation of stylish ideas for interior decoration, from unexpected colour combinations to mirrored wall panelling.

32 FINAL FLOURISHES From footstools to console tables, we suggest alluring buys to create a layered look for this key living space.

34 STYLE DIRECTORY Our comprehensive list of resources to create an elegant sitting room.

Editor Kerryn Harper-CussDeputy Editor Jill ShearerAssociate Editor Sarah FeeleyArt Editors Claire Hicks, Frances WallaceContributing Sub Editors Deborah Gray, Veronica PeerlessDecorating Editor Katy McleanLifestyle & Shopping Editor Suzanna Le Grove M

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During the many years I have spent working in the world of interiors, observing interior designers, has given me the most incredible

insight into creating not just beautiful homes, but homes which work on every level. Each decorating idea and buying consideration combines as a whole to give a layering of texture, colour and warmth for a timeless, comfortable living space. Add to this the careful choosing of detail upon detail born out of experience, and you have a home which is a pleasure to live in.

In the following pages I hope to share some of these ideas by looking at interior designers’ finished work and also by pinpointing concepts which can act as a starting point for creating a truly stylish room.

CONFIGURING THE FURNITURE The sitting room is often the starting point when transforming a home, as it is where most have a clear idea of what they are looking for. It is a place to relax in, to feel utterly comfortable in, and also the room in which to enjoy the company of others, so it needs to be leisurely and sociable. The furniture chosen and the configuration of the pieces plays an important part. The room needs a focus, be it a fireplace or a large footstool or coffee table around which furniture can be arranged. And the furniture needs to feel that it is in the right place, allowing for an easy walk around it.

I cannot emphasise enough the importance of comfort in the furniture decision making. Avoid buying any furniture without trying it first. In many cases, feather-filled sofa and chair cushions have been superseded by cushions made from high-quality foam wrapped with wadding to provide a cushion which holds its shape yet has a soft bounce to it. Ask about the filling so you know what to expect. Choose feathers for a more traditional, soft, squashy feel, although both the back and seat cushion will have a more relaxed look about them. For a smart look from the furniture, order the seat cushions in a wrapped foam, and then specify feather for the back cushions. Selecting a sofa or chair company which can customise to such preferences will be the most successful. If using an interior designer, their experience in sourcing will have created a core collection of furniture chosen to supply the comfort and style of their client’s aspirations.

In large sitting rooms two sofas facing each other can work well, although pairs of single chairs also work well opposite one sofa. It is surprising how

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Interiors consultant Mary Carroll has worked with innumerable interior practices. Here she highlights

key elements designers use when creating an elegantly conceived sitting room

WHAT MAKES A…beautifulSITTING ROOM?

beautiful

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP A gorgeous choice of fabrics and a lesson in furniture configuration from Melissa Wyndham. There are plenty of options for sitting, all with tables to easily set down a glass.This winning colour scheme is achieved with a combination of modern art and traditional furnishings by Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam.Stephanie Dunning uses the configuration of two sublimely comfortable sofas to provide ample seating, linked by the consistency of some cushions from one sofa to another.

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much space ample-sized, comfortable armchairs require. Study the measurements carefully and mark them out on the floor of the room to truly get a feel for the size. If the room cannot accommodate large furniture, go for styles where the arms are not overpowering, as these can take up much needed seating space.

There is every good reason to introduce a mix of styles and fabrics to give the room an established feel. Even when the aim is for a tonal approach, using different textures and weaves for the different pieces of furniture will create interest in how the final scheme looks and feels. William Yeoward’s amazing eye for detail leads him to use contrasting piping on many pieces in his furniture collection. This cleverly accentuates the shape of the furniture and adds colour and attention to detail in a truly subtle way.

ENTERTAINING CONSIDERATIONS It is wise to ensure enough seats are provided for entertaining; the last thing you want is to squash several people on a small sofa – you are aiming for comfort and a congenial arrangement, making it easy for everyone to converse.

An elegant stool tucked into a verandah door space can provide additional seating when needed, as does an occasional chair

carefully positioned at a desk or to one side of a display cabinet.

With regard to smaller pieces of furniture, side tables can work double time. Guests need easy-to-reach places to put a drink down, whilst side-tables also provide a place to arrange favourite decorative objects, which can be viewed more intimately at eye level once seated. Conventional four-legged side tables are not the only option. Search out china barrel seats and sophisticated drum tables, which can be moved around very easily when more surfaces are needed and tuck away nicely in a corner when not required.

I am going to mention televisions at this point. There is no getting away from it; TVs and music systems have their place and for most families, integrating technology into the sitting room is a must. It is best to find a position whereby the furniture configuration is not arranged around it. The television should not be the centre of attention upon entering the room. Plan to position it on a simple table or unit to one side of the room and work out whether there is enough furniture to view it from comfortably. There is not always an easy answer, although careful consideration at the early stage of room design will provide the most conducive position both aesthetically and practically.

TOP LEFT Helen Turkington creates interest in a calm and serene scheme with a pair of chairs in different fabrics, whilst a pair of show chairs are cleverly tucked against the window for extra seating when required. The patterned curtains, swept elegantly over impressive holdbacks, add a sense of drama to the expanse of verandah doors.

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LOUISE JONES“The brief from the clients in the project above was to create an updated English country-house look. We had to work with colour, texture, pattern and antiques, in a light and delicate manner. We used a Chelsea Textiles hand-embroidered fabric for the curtains, but instead of using one of their traditional, richly coloured fabrics, we chose one with a

tone-on-tone pattern to give a more twenty-first-century feel. The carpet was handwoven by Parsua, and coloured by

ourselves to complement the palette of the house, which was largely stone colours and celadons, with hints of reds and

browns. We colour washed the walls in a casein paint. This was undertaken by Sterling Studios and the colour was hand mixed on site. It has a chalky quality to it, which is soft on the eye, compared with emulsion, and glistens slightly with the light. I love to use it in country houses, as it takes away the newness of a room immediately.

The coffee table, painted chairs, chandelier and mirror all came from Charles Saunders on Fulham Road in Chelsea. He specialises in producing furniture and works of art which look timeless. I do not often buy so many pieces for one room from a single dealer, but his look and feel fit this room perfectly. I also think that the scale of his pieces adds a touch of grandeur to this room. Ultimately, I try to create rooms which look as though they have developed over time, are incredibly inviting, and comfortable to live in.”

Louise Jones commissioned hand-mixed casein paint to use as a colour wash for the walls in this sitting room. The chalky finish takes away the newness of a room instantly.

THE LAYERING PROCESSNow I would like to talk about interior decoration. You want to create an environment which is warm and inviting, so everyone wants to linger and enjoy the atmosphere. This is created through a series of layering and starts with the backdrop of decoration. For many, paint is the go-to decorating tool, but it is really worth thinking about wallpaper. So many advances have been made in wallpaper production, with a vogue for beautiful figurative wallpaper collections. That said, some of the more subtle wallpaper ideas get overlooked, such as silk or grasscloth paper. Interior designers love to use these unpatterned yet textural wallpapers. This style of wallpaper cuts down on sound, adds warmth to the walls, and lighting bounces off the surface to provide an extra dimension to the room in evening light. Artwork also appears more luxurious on a silk, sisal, linen or grasscloth backdrop.

If you are new to this concept and making a transition from traditional paint, choose a paper with a fine surface weave as the joins will be less noticeable from one drop to the next. Whether preference is for colour or a neutral palette, adding layers of texture is so important. Working from a chosen wall treatment, start to think through the other layers of texture with regard to furniture, fabric and accessory choices.

WARMTH & LUXURY UNDERFOOT Just as the walls are an important factor, so is the floor. Take time to consider how your family lives and what the traffic is like through the sitting room. Wall-to-wall carpet is luxurious and feels even more so layered with a rug. If heavy footfall is an issue, the many coirs make a good alternative to conventional wool carpet and again benefit from being topped with an elegant rug. The rug size is important; in an ideal world it should

ABOVE Looking through into this sitting room, by designer by Helen Turkington, shows how the right colour paint can instantly create warmth and atmosphere whilst helping to ground the collection of leather furniture arranged here and offset a gilt frame.

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be large enough to contain your main furniture which makes for a more elegant look and grounds the pieces within the room.

If a wooden floor suits a busy household and perhaps links with other areas of your home, adding layers of other flooring creates the comfort factor and cuts down on sound. Customised rugs work well again. Make sure to order a good quality rug underlay of the same size. Not only will this add thickness and luxury to the rug, but it will stay in place and prevent the rug corners from turning upwards. Ask a good carpet fitter about a top quality underlay – there are some specially made for rugs on carpet and rugs on hard floors. Carpet by the square metre, beautifully trimmed with leather or a decorative braid, is another versatile rug option. There are many exciting plain and textured carpets on the market now which combine wool, silk and viscose for a really luxurious feel underfoot so do

set aside time to ensure you are seeing all the latest developments in your search.

LIGHTING FOR PRACTICALITY AND MOODFor many interior designers, a central pendant light is an intrusion on mood and atmosphere – except for chandeliers. Consider how best you can position table lamps, paired or singly and floor lamps for whenever you want to read in good light. Look for the floor lamps which just skim the top of a sofa or chair with discreet arms so they offer focused lighting yet are not a distraction in the overall scheme. Think about creating pools of light on a desk in one corner or on console tables either side of a fireplace. And it is not just the lampbase you are choosing, but the best or warmest lampshade for ambient light. Parchment shades soften light as do the pleated patterned fabric designs widely available now. And finally ….

ABOVE In a diminutive space, keeping everything small and in proportion is key. In this chic room by Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam, note how the television has been integrated into the shelving unit. Attached to a swing arm, it can be angled and then viewed from any area of the room.

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10 THE ENGLISH HOME THE ENGLISH HOME PBFOR WHERE TO BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOK

SITTING ROOM SUCCESS

• Create a congenial seating arrangement.

• Plan where the television can be positioned sympathetically, and do so early in the decision-making process.

• Research sofas and occasional chairs for maximum comfort and the correct size and scale.

• Wall and floor decoration add layers of texture and colour for a inviting decorating scheme.

• Successful ambient lighting should include a mix of table and floor lamps for flexibility.

• Explore ways to arrange your favourite decorative objects so the room is an interesting reflection of your taste and reflective of your personality.

BE BOLD AND INVENTIVE Creating a beautiful interior is a constant learning curve. Yes, it involves a range of elements, but ultimately you are trying to create a room you really love to live in. So, use your imagination, hone down your ideas and have fun in the choosing; it is so easy to get caught up in what might be right or wrong.

Think of the decorating as a background to your ideas. Casual elements such as a warm throw over a sofa arm create yet another layer of texture, whilst bringing together a group of decorative objects on a side table creates an attractive vignette and demonstrates your sense of style. Glamorous books are pleasing to look at grouped together on a large ottoman or coffee table. Play with the various decorative elements to find arrangements that are a joy to look at. Make a conscious effort to keep flower or plant arrangements looking their best, as these bring life and energy not just to the sitting room, but to every room in the home. n

ABOVE LEFT Strategically placed wall lights and table lamps are a study in excellent lighting skills, from Katharine Pooley. The lighting has opened up the space without losing any of the essential ambient mood. ABOVE RIGHT A set of architechural prints, artfully placed by Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam, adds a feeling of warmth to the cool decoration. The coir flooring adds simplicity.

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Whether relaxing with friends and family, or simply curling up with a good book, sofas great and small take centre stage in all our social spaces, and the key to

their success lies in wise investment for lasting style, comfort and versatility

TAKE A SEAT

Removable covers make for an easy life in busy social spaces; this can also apply to formal, fitted designs.Long Island Large Sofa, in Tuscany, £2,129, Multiyork

From the high-sided Knole and elegant Georgian, to the low-armed Howard and curvaceous chesterfield, Britain has a proud

history of crafting fine upholstered furniture and, today, there is a plethora of traditional and modern designs on offer. Any successful purchase, however, will ultimately begin with the task of measuring the space available, along with all access points. Look to outgoing pieces for reference, or, “use paper templates to establish how much floor space a piece will take up within the room,” suggests Alison Griffiths, of Wesley Barrell. Those with access issues may wish to consider companies such as Sofa Workshop which offer removable sections.

DESIGNS ON STYLE “Seating inspired by classic English period styles should prove less likely to date and offers timeless appeal,” continues Griffiths.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT A graduated back gives this sofa a distinctive silhouette. Charles sofa in Buckwheat, £2,340, Neptune Try teaming dark mahogany with floral fabric. Bonnie sofa, Justin Van Breda, £3,600; fabric from JVB English Fabric Collection available at Tissus d’Hélène Here a bench-style single cushion maximises available seating space. Rubens Sofa, from £1,810, The Sofa & Chair Company Make a statement with a bright fabric. Regency sofa, £3,773, covered in Paprika basketweave linen, £82 a metre, George Smith This tailored profile can be upholstered to suit. Deep Dream sofa in Garden Bloom, £3,695, Graham and Green

Do not dismiss contemporary designs outright though, as these can also work well in the traditional home, with many tending to reference historical pieces.

When deciding upon the style “consider the function of the room and how many people you will be seating,” advises Donna Bellingham, of Parker Knoll, who proposes the use of “a fixed or formal back to add a tailored touch to occasional spaces, and in often-used family rooms, pillow-backs for a more casual look.”

In terms of shape and size, compact styles, with slender arms and upright backs inevitably suit smaller rooms, as these occupy minimal floor space without reducing seat dimensions. Favouring legs over fabric skirts can also help open up a room. Alternatively, “sofas with lower backs create an illusion of space when paired with a low ceiling,” says Bellingham. At the opposite end of the spectrum, high back designs and grandiose proportions

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some will prefer to sink into seating, and others sit upright, the common denominator is to be able to sit back in the seat, with feet flat on the floor.

When it comes to quality and longevity, investment will be rewarded in the condition and finish of the sofa. Those unable to find appropriate pieces, may also want to consider opting for bespoke items, as these tend to be handmade, thus allowing for finishes, proportion and fabric to be tailored to requirements. This option may be, “particularly useful if you are taller or shorter than average, or looking for something to perfectly fit a particular

help define larger rooms and complement high ceilings, whilst Griffiths champions, “flexible modular sofas in open-plan spaces, to maximise seating possibilities.”

TAILORED APPROACHIrrespective of style, it always pays to try before you buy, “as depth, width and height are key comfort factors that vary for every person,” says Andrew Cussins, of Sofas & Stuff. Ideally, test early in the day before fatigue dictates comfort and “consider how you like to sit or recline, and how much back, neck and arm support is required,” he advises. And whilst

space,” points out Cussins. Take the time to do a little research, and you will discover that many made-to-order items, offered by both high street and specialist companies, can usually be customised for a small fee.

James Cook, managing director of the Odd Chair Company explains that although sofa makers continue to offer customers a wide range of standard sizes, “we often make a sofa to a specific size for a client and this helps to achieve a finished look where the room and the furniture within it work together to create a seamlessly layered look and a beautifully complete interior.” For those favouring a truly bespoke service, however, Beaumont & Fletcher can design and build unique pieces, complete with couture fabrics and trims.

A GOOD FOUNDATIONOf course, superior construction and materials are at the heart of all quality seating. For durability, Charlie Marshall, of Loaf, recommends “a solid-beech frame that is held together with screws and dowels.” Additionally, a fully coil-sprung seat will ensure long-term comfort, and generous padding, in the form of hand-tied natural layers, greater resilience and shape retention.

Quality indicators include weight –“the heavier the better”, according to Griffiths – whilst pressing along armrests and back edges should result in no frame being felt through the padding. Kate Tansley, of Multiyork, recommends, “a long-term

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP This style of sofa is ideal for a reception or more confined area. English walnut hall sofa, £6,738, Titchmarsh & Goodwin This timeless deep-seated design remains a perennial favourite. Hinton, from £2,690, Wesley-Barrell Glynbourne three-seater sofa, from £3,224.00 plus fabric, The Odd Chair Company BELOW Eye-catching button sides add detail to this smart sofa. Winston sofa, from £2,895 for a 1.5 seater, The Sofa & Chair Company

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guarantee, such as the one from Multiyork offering up to 15 years.”

When it comes to seat and cushion fillings, feathers are usually considered the premier choice for comfort, however their cosy, inviting, relaxed look will require regular plumping to maintain, whereas quality maintenance-free foam can provide a more resilient, supportive, and formally, tailored finish.

THE FABRIC FACTORIt is also worth noting that fabric choice will not only determine style, but also lifespan, so ideally look to stain-resistant finishes and enquire about Martindale rub tests, as this indicates how many times a fabric can be rubbed before showing signs of wear. General domestic upholstery requires a figure in excess of 20,000, with cotton, linen, wool and velvet all good candidates for covers. More luxurious silk,

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT This distinctive sofa combines antiqued water buffalo hide, with kilim chenille-covered seat cushions and soft tactile scatters. Eastwood sofa, £3,947 Tetrad The modern curves of this sofa have an air of classic simplicity. Gosfield Medium Sofa by Multiyork covered in Linwood Clever Linen, Pink Gin, £2,599; Global Grande buttoned footstool in Linwood Ollaberry, Turla, £509, all Multiyork Antiques expert, Max Rollitt’s bespoke sofa range includes the Katszic – based on an original design dating from 1790. Katszic sofa in Yellow, £6,336, Max Rollitt

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by contrast, is only really suited to light wear. Alternatively, easy-clean leather is a durable material.

Neutrals and plains inevitably provide enduring style, as do classic prints or stripes, whilst lovers of bolder designs, “should consider timeless options such as Liberty Art Fabrics”, says Cussins. Check that “all patterns are matched at the seams,” advises Griffiths, and consider buying versatile, changeable covers so that it is possible to alter the look easily, and spread the wear.

From a practical viewpoint, loose fabric covers will also prove easier to clean, however, if their relaxed look, complete with floor skimming skirt, is not appealing, then those preferring a more tailored, and usually fully-fitted finish, will be pleased to learn that companies, such as Sofa Workshop and Multiyork, offer a range of detachable formal, fitted covers. n

MORE BRITISH-MADE DESIGNS

• Delcor Established in 1967, and flying the flag for British manufacturing ever since, Delcor’s sofas of distinction are made to last a lifetime. Every sofa is handmade in Northumberland to each customer’s specifications by a master craftsman who has more than 20 years’ experience. Styles available range from modern to classic. delcor.co.uk

• Parker & Farr ”English, elegant and exclusive” sums up Parker & Farr’s sofa-making philosophy. This company has been handcrafting luxury furniture for the past 66 years, and is still using the same traditional techniques to the same standards. Bespoke options are also available. parkerandfarr.co.uk

• Beaumont & Fletcher Each piece is hand-built by an individual craftsman in workshops in Kent. The company’s aim is to employ the same skills as a Victorian upholsterer, using hand-tied springs and horsehair of the finest quality. The range includes sofas, armchairs and ottomans as well as dining chairs and barstools. beaumontandfletcher.com

• Parker Knoll Dating back to 1869, comfort and timeless design are the watchwords for Derbyshire-based Parker Knoll. Its elegant handmade sofas are covered in fabrics and leathers from around the world. With a close eye on innovation, its founder’s goal, to transform the everyday sitting experience, still holds true today. parkerknoll.co.uk

To experience furniture at its finest visit us in store 0191 237 1303 WWW.DELCOR.CO.UK

NORTHUMBERLAND | LONDON | LINCOLNSHIRE | CHESHIRE

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Alderney armchair in Wisteria, £635, Sofa.com

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SITTING PRETTY Sinking into the comforting ‘hug’ of a deep and luxurious armchair is one of life’s simple pleasures. The huge breadth of choice available encompasses wing-back, button detailing, rolled arms, nail-head trim, turned legs, castors, bolsters, statement fabrics, contrasting panels, sumptuous textures

and more. Bespoke options give customers the ultimate in flexibility, with many companies offering a range of shapes and fabrics from which to choose.

Palmer chair, £1,949, William Yeoward

Swirly Wing chair, £3,555, Dudgeon

Till chair, £2,589, William Yeoward

Crinoline chair in Meadow, £1,469,

John Sankey

Bloomsbury library chair in Verdure, £1,350, Pentreath & Hall

Juliette chair in Carrera Heather and Lime,

£1,142, Parker Knoll

The Huntsman chair in Old Bard leather and

Harris Tweed Loden, from £995, SofaWorkshop.com

The fireplace is perhaps the most important factor in setting the tone of a room. In a period property, it is safest to opt for a fireplace design from the same era. A Victorian fireplace, for example, will have been

designed with the proportion of the sash windows and style of the cornices and skirting in mind. If used with care, a slightly later style of fire surround can work in such a context, but anything from an earlier period, compared to the architecture of the room, would look out of place.

“Fireplace styles can and do cross historic periods,” says Will Fisher, founder and owner of Jamb. “One of the most charming aspects of a country house’s interior is the aesthetic journey it takes as the interior evolves over the centuries. That said, cornicing, mouldings and scale all play a part in choosing the surround. Each room may have been adapted at a different point in a house’s history, and this could be the point to return to. With listed properties, the detail of the listing can be crucial.”

Dedicated fireplace retailers will have a variety of fireplaces on offer, either original restorations or reproductions, from Tudor times up to the present day. Specialists, such as Stuart Interiors and Arttus, can create exact replicas from historic drawings.

It is not always necessary for a fireplace to be in proportion to the opening, however, it is important to select the correct scale of fireplace for the room. “As the main focal point in the room, a fireplace sets the tone for all other fixtures and fittings,’ says Eve Iravani, co-founder of Montpellier Marble. “A small room would call for a smaller, more restrained design; a room with large proportions and high ceilings would need a larger, more ornate chimneypiece.”

“A general guide to proportion, is to size the fireplace height no taller than half of the room height, and no lower than a third of the room height,” advises Mark Smart, Chesney’s sales director. “Ideally, there should also be at least five centimetres clearance between the end of the mantel shelf and the edge of the chimney breast, and the hearth should generally be set at the same width as the mantel shelf,” adds Matt Kisler, product manager at Dimplex.

“It is not just the size of the room that needs to be considered when choosing the size of your fireplace,” states Mike Johnson, managing director of English Fireplaces. “Consider what else is in the room. If it is likely to be very full, opt for a slightly smaller surround relative to the chimney breast.”

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Whatever the season, a well proportioned fireplace, appropriate to the interior, creates a welcoming focal point

FOCUS OF

A fireplace is best styled with components and tools in keeping with the period of the surround. A Regency hearth should have a Regency-style fire basket, screen and accessories; if the fireplace is Victorian, look for Victorian accessories.

Even though the fireplace is generally no longer the main heat source in a room, do not let it play second fiddle to the television. It is tempting to place the television above the room’s natural focal point, but this is very jarring. To style the scene appropriately, place a mirror or painting on the wall above the mantelpiece and arrange the key seating to face it. Keep a television screen hidden within a cabinet when not in use. If the fireplace is the first thing your eyes naturally focus on when you entering the room, everything should be in perfect harmony.

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This Arts & Crafts style fireplace has beautifully simple, organic detailing, very much in keeping with the style of the room in which it is situated. Even when the fire is not in use, its hearth remains full of attractively arranged logs, as even on a hot summer day, a bare hearth can make a room feel cold and empty. The traditional artwork on the walls, the simple earthenware on display, and the basic, basket-style fireguard all fit in with the Arts &Crafts styling. Spelsbury three-seater sofa in Zoffany Kalamkari, £5,120, Wesley Barrell

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Placing a traditional gilt mirror above a mantelpiece was once de rigueur, allowing those sitting around the

fire to look up and be able to see everyone in the room. It also helps to seal the fireplace’s status as the

centre of the room. Whilst a cast-iron insert does work with other surrounds, cast-iron mantelpieces and

surrounds look lovely teamed with a cast-iron insert, as shown here.

Adelaide insert, £922 and William IV cast-iron mantel, £1,749, Stovax

REFLECTED GLORY

A carved stone, mid-eighteenth-century surround, such as this one, lends itself particularly well to a townhouse home, filled with antique furniture and accessories from the same era. The same surround would not work, for example, with a modern fitted carpet, but this antique-style rug complements it perfectly. The barrel-shaped frieze features garlands of oak leaves and acorns, representing peace, prosperity and longevity. Dyrham stone fireplace, £6,480, Jamb

As wood-burning stoves are not native to the UK, unlike Scandinavia where they have a tradition of

stoves going back hundreds of years, stoves suit rooms where it would once have been appropriate to see an

oven in the hearth, such as a kitchen or relaxed dining area, and rooms with a more informal feel. The Morsø

2110 Panther stove is a double-door multi-fuel stove with large stay-clean glass panels which provide

an excellent view of the fire. 2110 Panther multi-fuel stove £1,714, Morsø

ECHO THE ERA

PERFECT PLACEMENT

IN HARMONY

To be the focal point of a room, the fireplace does not need to be surrounded by furniture. It can provide a quiet reflective space in a hallway or library. This fireplace is a replica of a model designed in 1777 for the 3rd Duke of Roxburghe, which was located in the library of his house in London’s Hanover Square. It is part of the Adam Collection, comprising six chimneypieces designed from drawings from the office of architectural greats, Robert and James Adam. Roxburghe fireplace from £13,800, Chesney’s

LESS IS MORE

Carved stone surrounds tend to have an imposing formal air, but can be

toned down by leaving the fireplace insert as bare brick. Here, the classic

Champagne Marble Milano surround is teamed with an ornate cast-iron

fire basket set within the bare brick of the chimney breast.

Milano 57” in Bianco Persiano from £1,990, Montpellier Marble

TEMPERED FORMALITYTHE CASE FOR STOVESWood and smokeless fuel-burning stoves are becoming increasingly popular, as they can add an instant period feel to a room and they are easier to start and clean than a traditional open fire. Stoves also allow more control over the flame size and heat output, and are more efficient at sending heat directly into the room.

“If you are looking for the experience of a real fire, but with more efficiency, a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove is the preferred option,” says Iravani at Montpellier Marble. “An open fire is wonderfully romantic, but much of the heat from this escapes up the chimney, whereas a stove, being an enclosed unit, will contain the heat generated and push it into the room.”

Stoves can burn wood and smokeless fuel, and there are realistic, mock-wood-burning stoves on the market for those wanting a low-maintenance option. Realistic electric stoves are ideal for those trying to recreate a period feel in a chimney-less home, as they do not require a flue.

The Belgrave cast-iron fire surround has a strong, pared-back Edwardian design paired with an imposing straight-edged insert typical of late Georgian style. Whilst the advice is to adhere as closely as possible to the original architectural style of the setting where possible, it is not necessary to be slavishly rigid. The distinctive combination of straight lines and subtle profiling of this surround works beautifully with the simplicity of the Georgian insert.Belgrave surround in full polish, from £525; Royal insert in full polish, £450, both Carron

STATEMENT PIECE

THE ENGLISH HOME 21

Combining modern trends with classic European characteristics, eachfireplace is lovingly designed to make a real statement in your home.

You can find your nearest retailer or request a brochure online at:

www.capitalfireplaces.co.uk

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RECLAIMED SURROUNDS

Buying a reclaimed fireplace from a salvage or reclamation yard, or at an auction, will bring individuality and character into a room. Whilst some enjoy spending hours rummaging around crammed reclamation yards, others go online to source a key piece.

As a rule of thumb, it is fine to choose a fire surround that is older than the home it will be put in, but generally, avoid one from an earlier period.

One important factor to bear in mind is making sure a reclaimed fire surround meets today’s fire safety standards. Another is the material from which the fireplace is made. Cast iron, brass or wood, such as oak, pine and mahogany all have different heat-absorbing properties and age differently, too. Always engage professionals to install fireplaces, for utmost safety.

Companies specialising in reclaimed fireplaces include: Salvo Web (salvo.co.uk), LASSCO (lassco.co.uk), Jamb (jamb.co.uk) and Westland London (westlandlondon.com). n

Whilst traditionally, British fireplace surrounds have always tended to stick to the architectural rules of form

and proportion, French surrounds are more ornate with detailed carving. They became popular in Britain

from the early 19th century onwards and can look spectacular in large, high-ceilinged rooms

built during this period. Versaille fireplace in travertine with a slate hearth, from

£1,750, English Fireplaces

VIVE LA DIFFÉRENCE

Traditional, wood-burning stoves look most at home in bare, brick alcoves, with their simple, rustic feel. Look for a model that has a large window through which to see the real flames, for atmosphere. Whether it is electric, gas or burning smokeless wood pellets, the stove can still be styled with a scuttle of coal to make it look like an authentic real-flame stove. Country 6 Stove, from £830, Charnwood

Many stone or artificial stone fireplaces can be ordered in a variety of different finishes. However, it is advisable to opt for a stone that matches other stone featured in the room. This Louis XV Fireplace with shaped apron, mouldings and shell decoration is available in Portland, Bath, Coade, terracotta and slate colours. From £1,659, Haddonstone

RUSTIC CHARM

SEAMLESS BLEND

The small Convex Globe lantern hand finished in brown bronze, wired for indoor and outdoor use

From our new collection of reproduction lighting, chimneypieces, grates and furniture, available to view online and at our showrooms:

London95–97 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8PHT +44 (0) 20 7730 2122

Los AngelesJasper8525 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood CA 90069 T +1 310 315 3028

www.jamb.co.uk

Furniture for every room in your home.Unique designs, clever storage solutions and a huge selection f beautiful fabrics.

We offer a bespoke element like no other and strive to offer you excellentservice and quality.

To find out more call 01264 365808 for a brochure or visitwww.thedormyhouse.com

To find out more call 01264 365808 for a brochure orvisit www.thedormyhouse.com

Furniture for living and dining rooms, home offices,

hallways, kitchens, bedrooms, kids’ rooms and bathrooms.

Unique designs, clever storage solutions and a huge selection of beautiful fabrics.

We offer a bespoke element like no other and strive to offer you excellent service and quality.

23_EHUK_SUP0316_.indd 134 25/01/2016 16:38

24 THE ENGLISH HOME

Design DIRECTIONS

Whether seeking modern luxury, classic elegance or relaxed country style, this curation of ideas for sitting room aims to inspire

NOTES ON GLAMOUR Although this room does have a fireplace which could have been used as the key focus for the space, the designer has chosen instead to direct all energy and attention into the central point of the room with the use of a glamorous, mirrored coffee table and a dramatically scaled crystal pendant light. The light, although large, does not impede the eyeline when seated and the sparkle of the crystal drops will be magnified by night in the mirrored wall panelling and coffee table.

Silk-velvet upholstery and a silk-velvet rug add additional layers of glamour without feeling overdone. Gilt accessories in the form of side tables and additional circular wall mirrors add warming contrast to the otherwise cooler decorative palette.

Winston three-seater sofa, £3,945 plus fabric; Valera Chair, £1,845 plus fabric; piped scatter cushions, £60 plus fabric, all The Sofa & Chair Company

HARMONY OF HUE Decorating a room in a colour palette limited to graduated tones of one shade or two harmonious hues, is the safest and often most effective of options. It allows a homeowner to be more experimental with pattern-blending, with little fear of error. Most fabric houses launch comprehensive collections with patterns already pre-selected to work together perfectly. The choice, then, is what to use where. Here florals, stripes and plains combine. Using floral curtaining sets a soft mood. Striped curtaining with a floral footstool would also work, but create a crisper, more contemporary alternative. The footstool is also used to double as a coffee table and avoids looking cumbersome with the addition of books and accessories to intrigue the eye.

Cushions in fabrics from the Mayflower Collection, from £39 a metre; sofa upholstered in Darwin, yellow (J624F-21), £49 a metre; stool in Weston Stripe, yellow (J673F-04), £46 a metre; curtains in Rosina, yellow/green (J666F-02), £42 a metre, all Jane Churchill

LOOK TO LAYOUT The automatic default when positioning furniture is to push all pieces firmly against the wall. In family rooms and smaller sitting rooms this may be the only option, but breaking with the obvious layout can pay dividends. Pulling seating inwards can free up space for a bookshelf, console, drinks cabinet or desk on the walls behind and allow attractive display areas to be created, as well as opening up possibilities for a harder-working multi-functional room. A piece of furniture behind a sofa allows for useful placement of table lights. Here, a simple arrangement of photographs, coral fronds and table lamp sits atop a hidden storage cupboard, sacrificing barely any floor space and creating a much more interesting vista.

Olivia medium sofa in pale oat, £2,150; Gabriela scatter cushion in stone, £44; scatter cushions from £44; Aldwych coffee table in snow, £375; Buckingham mirror, £410; Somerton willow log basket £115, all Neptune

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26 THE ENGLISH HOME

RELAXED LIVING In a family room or second sitting room where a less formal atmosphere is preferred, one can decorate in one of two ways depending on taste. The first option is to choose a playful scheme with uplifting colours and lots of pattern. A mishmash of cushions in different fabrics and vibrant curtaining add an uplifting and deliberately unprecious approach. The second is to opt for fuss-free decor – simple window treatments, furniture that is smart but can obviously withstand knocks and bumps; light, airy looks given personality with a display of personal, sentimental items. In this room, the careful choice of accessories lends a coastal vibe which injects a subtle holiday feel and offers homely touches such as family photographs.

Cushions, left to right: Tregony Cushion, £87; Polperro Cushion, £80; Carew Cushion, £87; Flora Chevron Cushion, £87, all GP & J Baker; Bamboo ceramic vase, £59 to £90, Piet Hein Eek; Picture frames by Linley; Faegan storm light, £175 to £215, Flamant Home Interiors, all Amara

SYMPATHETIC STYLING (RIGHT) Taking a lead from the beamed ceiling and fabulous stone windows, this sitting room has been decorated with a strong woodland theme befitting its country location. A blend of patterned fabrics held together with a soft colour palette adds informality, as does the focal-point coffee table – chosen specifically for its heavily distressed and chunky wooden design. Accessories are not overtly rustic and are kept to a tightly tailored selection. A sophisticated glass lamp base and shapely glass bowl add polish to the setting and complement the rather smart outlines of the sofa.

Curtains in Chestnut Tree, £56 a metre; sofa upholstered in Ruskin, £66 a metre; cushions on sofa, from left: Magnolia & Pomegranate, £46 a metre; Portland, £81 a metre; Woodland Berries, £56 a metre, Chenies, £39 a metre; chairs, from left, upholstered in: Luynes, £58 a metre; Squirrel & Hedgehog, £56 a metre; walls in Birch White, from £19.50 a litre, all Sanderson

OPEN-PLAN LAYOUTIn large open-plan spaces that incorporate sitting, dining and kitchen areas, the delineation of space by function has to be achieved with careful furniture layout. In this barn conversion, the addition of a prominently placed wood-burning stove has been fundamental to creating a focus for the sitting area. It would be tempting to place one sofa directly opposite the fire, with its back towards the rest of the room, but this more carefully-conceived layout ensures that the view of the fire remains open to the rest of the room, and the homeowners can easily move from area to area in the open-place space.

Natural Berber twist carpet, £28 a square metre, Cormar Carpets. For similar sofa, try Multiyork; for a similar cylindrical wood-burning stove try Morsø

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28 THE ENGLISH HOME

THE ENGLISH HOME 29

SYMMETRY & SCALE This elegantly pretty sitting room is firmly anchored around the dramatic stone fireplace which ascends to ceiling height. Its lovely position – equidistant between two pairs of French windows – has been wisely used to centre a pleasing symmetrical layout.

Pink and grey form a lovely colour partnership but to avoid a too-feminine feel, the combination is given gravitas with a good dollop of black. The handsome pair of floor-standing lamps are used, unusually, to frame the fireplace. These could look too strident – and it is the addition of the pair of vases on the mantel which makes them feel balanced and connected.

The substantial black coffee table, could also dominate but is softened with a tablescape of glossy books, accessories and an exuberantly scaled vase of fresh flowers. The grey-and-white toile upholstery on the sofas adds subtle pattern and chimes with the shapely French-inspired dining chairs. The window treatments are kept spare. Finally, using a natural textured flooring adds another unexpected note that helps the room connect with its country location.

Walls painted in Fruit Shake (2088-60), from £20 for 0.94L Aura Matte, Benjamin Moore. For similar sofa upholstery, consider Pompadour Toile, £52 a metre, Sarah Hardaker. For similar dining chairs try Oka, Sweetpea & Willow or The French Bedroom Company

LIGHT & SHADE The predominant style of this light-filled sitting room is an ethereal elegance. This is achieved by the use of ivory upholstery, white painted furniture, a delicate blue trellis design wallpaper and a simple mirror. The addition of a few black accents, however, adds bite and verve. The lacquered coffee table punctuates the space, and echoes the black stain on the sofa legs. And where a solid, rectangular table would have overstepped the intention, this shapely, leggy design retains a suitable note of delicacy.

Allison wallpaper in Light Blue, £51 a roll, Geometric Resource by Thibaut. For a similar sofa, try the Somerville buttoned sofa by George Smith. For a similar Chinoserie table, look to 1stdibs

BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE Although a sitting room is primarily a space for relaxing companionably with family, it is lovely to create a vignette in one corner for reading alone.

In this setting, the addition of a decorative folding screen creates a comforting backdrop, whilst a rug which extends into the area makes the reading area feel completely integrated into the room.

Cooper Rug, 152x244cm, £314, Dash and Albert. For a similar screen, try Guinevere

30 THE ENGLISH HOME

SOFTLY MODERN This room combines English styling with French flavours and a gentle colour palette to create a room which successfully clashes elegant and rustic ingredients. The rustic boards add an informal flavour and are echoed by antique-effect wood lamp bases and the substantial coffee table. The upholstered seating feels more tailored, whilst the mirror, chandelier and mirrored candle votives add subtle romance and glamour. The end result is a pretty, clutter-free space ideal for a family home where practicality is key but parents do not wish to compromise their style ideals.

Craven Grand Sofa, £1,859; Enmore Chair in Velvet, £1,135; Versaille reclaimed-pine coffee table, £715; Impression Rug 150 x 230cm, £550; Block-wood table lamp with shade, £85; Magna glass-and-copper vase, £20; small, round Bali mirror, £89; Munro medium glass votive holders, £16, all Barker and Stonehouse

CITY HAVEN (RIGHT) Graphite, ecru, sand and burnt red hues combine to add a smart and somewhat more masculine edge in this city sitting room. The same room with plain upholstered items could be bland, but here, the blend of geometric weaves, printed and woven stripes and sumptuous velvet, offers a masterclass in mixing and matching pattern and texture.

Daria armchair, £2,925 plus fabric; Percy Sofa, £5,735 plus fabric, both William Yeoward

PERFECT VIEWIf a sitting room benefits from low, deep window ledges, it offers a wonderful opportunity to create a window seat, replete with thick seat pad and cosseting cushions. Bolster cushions placed at either corner of the window help to frame the seat with echoes of sofa styling. A mix of patterned fabrics adds lively country charm – just take care that the seat pad and cushions sit proud of the glazing; not simply to avoid pressure upon glass, for safety reasons, but also for possible dampness caused by condensation.

Selection of fabrics, £55 a metre, The Hermitage collection, Charlotte Gaisford

IN GOOD COMPANY Who could help but feel drawn to sit and chat by the fireside in this cosy setting? Here, two good-sized chairs are perfectly place for conversation. One might be tempted to use small seats in a room with a lower ceiling, but, as this space shows, an upright chair – particularly a wing chair – can lift rather than dominate a smaller space. Shelving filled with books sets an evocative, informal mood – far more inviting than a stiff display. n

Fabrics from the Manton collection by William Yeoward, Designers Guild

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32 THE ENGLISH HOME

FINAL FLOURISHESCarefully chosen pieces of furniture and exquisite accessories make a sitting room a comfortable haven that is a delight to come home to. Finishing touches make all the difference – a delicately fragranced candle to burn whilst curling up with a novel, a handcrafted, useful log rack and a set of fire tools to sit beside the fire, a beautifully upholstered footstool for extra comfort – and even a lovely receptacle in which to keep long matches for lighting the fire. Soothing tones and flashes of gold will complete a cosseting mood.

1 Linen and weathered-oak Portman ottoman, £965, Oka 2 Kew Sweet Pea candle, £20, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 3 Biscuit footstool, £325, Loaf 4 Ebury giant match holder in ivory ostrich leather, £175, Linley 5 Cerulean Prisms lampshade, £78, Anthropologie 6 Eclipse side table, £175, Loaf (available from late February) 7 Kingsland coffee table, £735.25, Sweetpea & Willow 8 Drift three-door sideboard in cream, £799, John Lewis 9 Chappel log basket, £104; Peyton fire dogs with grate, £328; forged companion set, £167.50; all Jim Lawrence 10 Distressed Sunburst round mirror, £199, Marks & Spencer 11 Alexandra side table, £156, Sweetpea & Willow 12 Grand Tour Stool Peacock, £115, India Jane 13 Avignon weathered oak console table, £495, Oka

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STYLE DIRECTORY OF SHOPPING RESOURCES

1stdibs 1stdibs.com

A dam CarpetsTel 01562 822247

adamcarpets.com Amara Tel 0800 587 7645 amara.com Artisans of Devizes Tel 01380 720007 artisansofdevizes.comAxminster Carpets Tel 01297 32244 axminster-carpets.co.uk

B arker and Stonehouse

Tel 0333 355 9272 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Beaumont & Fletcher Tel 020 7352 5594 beaumontandfletcher.com Benjamin MooreTel 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.ukBrintonsTel 01562 820000 brintons.co.uk

C arronTel 01324 638321

carron.com Charles Saunders Tel 020 7351 5242 charlessaunders.co Charlotte Gaisford Tel 01434 689583 charlottegainsford.co.uk Charnwood Tel 01983 537777 charnwood.com Chelsea Textiles Tel 020 7584 0111 chelseatextiles.com Chesney’s Tel 020 7627 1410 chesneys.co.ukCormar Carpets cormarcarpets.co.uk

D ash and Albertdashandalbert

europe.com DelcorTel 01912 371303 delcor.co.uk Designers GuildTel 020 7351 5775 designersguild.com DimplexTel 0844 879 3588 dimplex.co.uk Dudgeon SofasTel 020 7589 0322 dudgeonsofas.com

E nglish FireplacesTel 01730 887204

englishfireplaces.co.uk

F rench BedroomCompany

Tel 01444 415430 frenchbedroom company.co.uk

G eorge Smith Tel 020 7384

1004 georgesmith.co.uk Graham and GreenTel 020 8987 3700 grahamandgreen.co.uk GuinevereTel 020 7736 2917 guinevere.co.uk

H addonstoneTel 01604

770711 haddonstone.com Helen Turkington Tel 020 7228 9435 helenturkington.com

I ndia JaneTel 020 879 97166

indiajane.co.ukIndigenous Tel 01993 824200 indigenous.co.uk

J ambTel 020 7730 2122

jamb.co.uk

STYLE DIRECTORY OF SHOPPING RESOURCES

Jane ChurchillTel 020 7244 7427 janechurchill.com Jim LawrenceTel 01473 826685 jim-lawrence.co.uk Joanna PlantTel 020 8993 4695 joannaplantinteriors.com John LewisTel 0345 604 9049 johnlewis.com John SankeyTel 01159 462121 johnsankey.co.uk JunckersTel 01376 534700 junckers.co.uk Justin Van BredaTel 020 7349 7089 j-v-b.com

K atharine PooleyTel 020 7584

3223 katharinepooley.com Kersaint CobbTel 01675 430430 kersaintcobb.co.uk KewTel 020 8332 3123 shop.kew.org

L inwoodTel 01425 461176

linwoodfabric.com LoafTel 0845 468 0697 loaf.com Louise JonesTel 020 7351 6858 louisejonesinteriors.com

M andarin StoneTel 01932

849642 mandarinstone.comMarks & Spencer Tel 0333 014 8000 marksandspencer.comMartin Moore Stone Tel 01372 478955 martinmoorestone.com

Max Rollitt Tel 01962 791124 maxrollitt.com Melissa Wyndham Tel 020 7352 2874 melissawyndham.com Montpellier Marble Tel 01242 582777 montpellier.co.ukMorsø morso.co.ukMultiyork Tel 0333 3583 567 multiyork.co.uk

N atural Wood Floor Company

Tel 020 8871 9771 naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

O dd Chair Company, The

Tel 01772 691777 theoddchaircompany.com Oka Tel 0844 815 7380 okadirect.com

P aolo Moschinofor Nicholas

Haslam Tel 020 77308623 nicholashaslam.com Parker & Farr Tel 01159 730300 parkerandfarr.co.uk Parker Knoll Tel 01773 604121 parkerknoll.co.uk Parsua Tel 020 7493 5288 cbparsua.com Pentreath & Hall Tel 020 7430 2526 pentreath-hall.com

R oger OatesTel 020 7351

2288 rogeroates.com

S andersonTel 0844 543

9500 sanderson-uk.com

Sarah Hardaker Tel 07975 982885 sarahhardaker.co.ukThe Sofa & Chair Company Tel 020 8993 4415 thesofaandchair.co.uk Sofa Workshop Tel 0800 230 0048 sofaworkshop.com Sofa.com Tel 0345 400 2222 sofa.com Sofas & Stuff Tel 0808 178 3211 sofasandstuff.com Stephanie Dunning Tel 01722 710608 stephaniedunning interiordesign.com

T etradTel 01772

792936 tetrad.co.uk Thibaut Tel 020 7737 6555 thibautdesign.comTissus d’Hélène Tel 020 7352 9977 tissusdhelene.co.uk Titchmarsh & Goodwin Tel 01473 252158titchmarsh-goodwin.co.uk

U lster CarpetsTel 028 3833

4433 ulstercarpets.com

V ictoria CarpetsTel 01562

749300 victoriacarpets.com

W esley BarrellTel 020 7629

2019 wesley-barrell.co.uk William YeowardTel 020 7349 7828 williamyeoward.com

THE ENGLISH HOME 35

261 Fulham Road, London SW3 6HY 020 7352 5594sales@beaumontandfletcher.com www.beaumontandfletcher.com

Edgar sofa covered in Troilus - flint blueFelicia and Rossini hand embroidered cushionsPisa wall light

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