Every home tells a story, and every project begins with listening. When my Kingston-based client reached out, she wanted a complete rethink of her living room and conservatory — two spaces she used daily, yet which no longer reflected her life, hobbies, or needs.
Her brief was simple but powerful: “I want my home to feel contemporary, comfortable, and truly mine.”
The challenge? Each room came with its own quirks: A long, all-white living room lacking warmth, flow, and personality. A sun-drenched conservatory that overheated in summer, leaving furniture faded and comfort compromised. This was more than just a makeover — it was about creating a home that nurtures, inspires, and adapts.
The floor plan with the proposed redesign. |
The living room: A cocoon for evenings & hobbies
The living room was first and foremost an evening retreat. My client loves reading, playing the piano, and cross-stitching — quiet, introspective pastimes that deserved their own thoughtful corners.Key Design Moves
- Zoning for purpose: Instead of one large, undefined space, I created distinct areas — a cosy sofa zone, a piano corner, and a reading/stitching nook.
- Colour and warmth: Moving away from stark white, we introduced a layered palette of soft mineral tones and textural accents, anchored by a bold, colourful rug.
- Bespoke details: Dark wood shelving with integrated LED lighting added depth and a sense of permanence, while a console behind the sofa grounded the layout.
- Personal touches: A gallery wall of her cross-stitch pieces and a large artwork referencing St Jean de Luz infused the space with story and memory.
The result is a room that feels inviting, personal, and cocoon-like — the perfect backdrop for quiet evenings or welcoming a close friend for tea.
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The conservatory: from faded to flourishing
The conservatory posed a different challenge. Bathed in sunlight by day and moonlight by night, it had become uncomfortable and impractical — with furniture visibly suffering from exposure.
Key Design Moves
- Reversed zoning: We placed a large round dining table in the curved section, making it a convivial space for 8–10 guests, while moving the reception seating to the rectangular end for balance.
- Resilient materials: Outdoor-grade furniture and performance fabrics were chosen to withstand UV and heat, without sacrificing style.
- Light control: UV-protective window film, soft curtains, and jute blinds now manage glare and temperature, with the option of external sails or an awning for peak summer.
- Green abundance: A selection of conservatory-friendly plants creates an indoor garden feel, blurring boundaries between inside and out.
- Lighting for ambience: Picture lights, reading lamps, and a sideboard with lamps provide layers of illumination, making the space equally enjoyable by night.
Now, the conservatory flows effortlessly from day to evening, supporting both hosting and quiet enjoyment — a vibrant, resilient space full of life.
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A client’s perspective
Perhaps the best part of this project was my client’s response:
“From our first discussion, I felt that Alexandra ‘got’ me: understanding what I wanted, despite my own lack of firm ideas. She came up with imaginative and innovative solutions and I am delighted with the results… Overall, it was a great experience, and I recommend her wholeheartedly.”
Her words capture exactly what drives my approach: to understand, to translate vision into reality, and to make the process as seamless and joyful as possible.
Styling, detail & the designer’s touch
The final stages were about styling — assembling furniture in the conservatory heat, unrolling rugs, hanging artwork, and arranging plants and cherished objects so that every detail felt intentional. Along the way, there were the usual twists: a dining set that felt too big after delivery, an afternoon spent sourcing alternatives, and decisions about the finishing touches.
That’s the essence of my comprehensive interior design service: not just creating concepts, but managing delivery, problem-solving, and styling until the home feels just right.
Belle & Cosy Interior Design: creating spaces that makes you feel
This Kingston project is a reminder that good design is not only about aesthetics — it’s about how a space makes you feel. The living room now offers calm, warmth, and inspiration — a cocoon for personal hobbies and evening rest. The conservatory has become a flourishing indoor garden and a hub for entertaining, resilient against light and heat. Together, these two rooms tell a new chapter in my client’s life: contemporary, personal, and deeply lived-in.
Thinking about transforming your own home too? My role is to listen, guide, and deliver — so you can fall in love with your home all over again.
