Interior refresh for a characterful family home
The client had lived in her period home for many years. While the house had plenty of space and served her well, the interiors had evolved eclectically over time. Now ready for a cohesive revival, she approached Feioi looking for guidance on paint colours, lighting and window furnishings that would lift the everyday spaces
SERVICES
Interior design consultancy
Colour scheme development
Lighting design
Window furnishings specification
Paint and finish specification
Fabric sourcing
THE CHALLENGE
The charming heritage home had accumulated a practical mix of furniture and finishes over the years. The lighting, particularly in the kitchen and dining room, was functional but uninspiring. Window furnishings showed signs of wear and the overall palette felt tired.
While the client liked most of her existing furniture, they wanted someone with a professional eye to help them reimagine these spaces with fresh paint and considered details. The brief was clear: create a more intentional interior, without starting from scratch.
OUR DESIGN APPROACH
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In the TV room, red bookcases and patterned upholstery needed a backdrop that could balance this vibrancy without competing. I selected a distinctive green-blue that brings calm to a room filled with visual interest. The colour shifts beautifully throughout the day, appearing bright in morning sunlight while developing a cosy moodiness for evening relaxation.
The kitchen-dining area felt heavy with an existing dark red accent wall. Replacing this with a warm neutral unified the space and brought much-needed light to the darker side of the house.
Meanwhile, the entrance hall received a soft pink with earthy yellow undertones. This same shade continues along the landing upstairs, establishing flow between levels. This warmth works beautifully with the stone floors and wood finishes, creating a welcoming feeling the moment you step inside.
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Even utilitarian areas can create joy. The back entrance to the kitchen is purely practical, somewhere to pass through rather than linger. Drawing inspiration from the client's moodboard, I introduced bright blue on the exposed brickwork paired with a vibrant orange cabinet. The combination gives this unloved area strong personality and brings a smile with every glimpse.
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Beyond colour, lighting made a significant difference to the function of the family rooms. New pendants over the kitchen table and subtle accent lighting to highlight artwork transformed previously flat spaces into something more considered.
Small but mighty additional details included a sofa professionally reupholstered in fresh fabric, and a cabinet refreshed with new paint, updated handles and new bronze light switches and sockets. Window furnishings were carefully selected to complement each room's palette and the client’s unique style.
Every specification was documented in detail, making implementation straightforward for the project manager and decorating team.
THE TRANSFORMATION
The client was delighted with how the refresh brought her home together. She hadn't anticipated how much difference thoughtful colour choices and upgraded lighting could make to rooms she had lived with for many years. This historic family home proves that the right colours, lighting and considered details can transform a well-loved space without dramatic upheaval.
Photography by: Laura Marin Rupolo