While photographing a project is a really exciting part of the design process, it’s also very sad as we’re saying goodbye to something that has absorbed our thoughts, our energy and our hearts. In some cases, we have been involved in the process for several years as the project evolves and grows from the original brief to an original home. One such is our West Sussex project that we have just finished photographing.
As we edit the photographs, which we will be sharing with you on our Portfolio pages in the not too distant future, as well as admiring our interior architecture, design planning and finishes it is reassuring to recognise the practical design details that the Falchi team have brought to this project.
So now, here’s a taster of what’s to come and a highlight of just what an interior designer can bring to a project, if you were ever in any doubt.
As is so often the case, solving a ‘problem’ results in something creative. We were concerned that the living space needed an element of warmth and something to unite all the different areas. Metal rods in the ceiling of the entrance needed disguising: the conclusion was to clad them to look like ceiling beams and then use this device to link all the main rooms together.
This sitting room was overly large and we wanted to give it a more intimate feeling. We came up with the concept of creating the impression of another room at the far end and the idea of a library was born. The sliding doors are fake, inviting exploration into another area. Extra storage cupboards are discreetly hidden on either side of the bookcase.
This home consisted of three buildings that needed to be linked together. The pool room was a major challenge involving stairs, a sloped ceiling and the need to co-ordinate it with the more formal room to which it was linked. We wanted to make what could have been a dull space a feature and add flow between the two rooms. Shelves were the solution. From the top room, they draw the eye around the corner and down the stairs. We then decided to increase the area of the stairs so that they became part of the installation with the bookcase rather than just a practical feature.
Pocket doors are great when there’s not a lot of space available and we used them in the master suite, pictured left, to keep the space feeling open and “softer” as they do not intrude into the room. When a door is required to be discreet a jib door, such as the one on the right which blends into the tongue and groove panelling of the pool room, is perfect.
Privacy panels in bathrooms are becoming a more frequent request from our clients. In this instance, the brief was for a bathroom that felt as though it was in an hotel and we think this marble finish delivered! Using reeded glass for the privacy screen kept the feeling open and spacious.
Our aim in the pool room was to keep the view of the pool area as uncluttered as possible. However it was also necessary to be able to close off this view when required. Recessed curtains were the solution.
Pitched ceilings, eaves and alcoves created a challenge for wardrobing. In order to utilise the space best, we chose to fit bespoke wardrobes which made the best use of space available and suited the requirements of our clients, particularly in the master bedroom where a lot of room for hanging shirts was a requirement . In each bedroom the wardrobes are built into an alcove to streamline space.
Fitting out a small ensuite can be a challenge. We made the most of the stud wall space above the recessed cistern for storage and chose to have an open vanity to increase the sense of space.
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