The home is located on a leafy residential road in Highgate, a desirable residential area of North London. Although the house was in reasonable condition, the joinery and fittings throughout the house were dated, had been well used, and looked tired. Many of the period features had been stripped out and those that remained had not been maximized.

LLI Design felt that more could be made of the period features, enhancing some and reinstating others to bring out more of the Victorian feel of the property. The goal was to create a warm, comfortable, and welcoming home referencing and emphasizing the house’s Victorian past while adding some more contemporary elements to bring the home into the present.

THE ENTRY

Although the entrance hallway was a good size it lacked character. Reinstated stained glass in the fan light window above the front door and side window, in a bespoke design, brings light, color and texture into the hallway.

The original tile floor had long been removed in the entrance hall, so the design team chose to re-tile in crisp black and white period tiles with a border pattern. This immediately visually increased the size and lightness of the hall area.

Nigel Tyas Ironwork was commissioned to produce a dramatic copper and glass pendant light in the stairwell that hung from the top floor ceiling down to the ground floor, giving a visual connection and really creating a wow factor. 

THE LIVING + DINING

The living and dining room redesign includes new light greyed oak parquet floors and traditional white marble fireplaces, one of which includes a wood burning stove.

Bespoke pale grey lacquer joinery was designed and installed either side of the fireplaces in both rooms, incorporating plenty of storage, with asymmetrical shelving which was lit with individual accent in joinery spotlights.

THE KITCHEN

The existing kitchen was redesigned to create a bespoke joinery kitchen in lacquer with walnut drawers and interiors. The styling is contemporary classic in soft colors with plenty of storage.

Bespoke metal brackets were designed to suspend 3 glass pendant lights which hover over the island below the glass skylight.

The new kitchen includes a lovely farmhouse sink from Shaws of Darwen along with a composite countertop and a pop of color with ceramic deep blue tiles as a back splash.

THE SUNROOM

The kitchen extension, although a good size, was rather dark, with a wall of folding sliding doors on one side at the back overlooking the garden. The architectural style was traditional and in keeping with the architecture of the house.

The existing rear extension was enhanced by adopting a contemporary aesthetic, installing folding sliding doors in dark grey aluminum on 2 sides, which allowed in copious amounts of light and gave a real sense of connection with the garden.

A Peek Inside: A Victorian Townhouse Remodel by LLI Design

Nothing says “Hello!” like a cheery coral front door. Paired with seafood green, and tropical touches, this is a coastal home’s dream entry.

Enliven your living space with a coral accent wall. Keep the rest neutral!

Tone down coral by decreasing its color value to create a more traditional vibe.

Did we mention we love a coral front door? Paired with a colorful eclectic rug, this entryway sings.

If you weren’t convinced yet, a coral door looks just as chic from the outside.

Spice up your powder room with a cheery coral vanity and this fantastic wallpaper.

Add a pop of coral to your bedroom with a chic painted dresser.

While we’re on the subject of painted furniture – this coral island is EVERYTHING. And those floors!

A buzzy coral dining room is perfect entertaining. Natural wood and a black and white palette keep it balanced.

Add a pop of coral to your living space with a velvety upholstered chair. So luxe!

An accent wall of coral in this monochromatic bathroom adds just the right amount of color.

A coral rattan bed is enough to say “stay a while”. The decor patterns and textural touches are exquisite.

Is this coral wallpaper too “on the nose”? We don’t think so.

How about this sea creature combo? How fun!

Ok, so not technically “home” decor, but this coral booth in an analogous color scheme was too good to pass up. Mod breakfast nook anyone?

15 Ways to Use Coral in Your Home

So, without further ado, feast your eyes on Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year — Living Coral. (16-1546)

Isn’t it lovely? Isn’t it lively?  I have the feeling we will be seeing this one for a while.

This years color choice offers a deeper dive into color psychology, claiming that “Living Coral emits the desired, familiar, and energizing aspects of color found in nature…in reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression.”

Off the cuff, this seems like a load of marketing fluff….but, however coincidentally, as I sit writing this I am staring at a coral-drenched sunset sky, and I cannot help but feel energized. The coral hues wash my surroundings with bright orange, red, and pink, and eventually give way to the blues and purples of twilight. Crickets chirp incessantly. A sense of interconnectedness abounds.  When I think back to other times I’ve experienced these colors in nature, I immediately think of a coral reef. Glowing beneath the ocean surface in the mottled sunlight, buzzing with life and activity. I think of walking through a rose garden full of fresh blooms of pink, or opening up a ripe grapefruit to reveal the sour-sweet center, and I get it. This color IS exactly as described – lively, energizing, connecting, authentic, immersive, intimate.

Described as “an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge”

Considering the ways in which we naturally experience coral colors in the world, its no wonder that the hue is said to make us feel happier. In fact, when considering where coral lies on the color wheel, color theory and psychology would suggest that this tertiary color is the perfect balance between stimulating red and revitalizing orange. The addition of yellow adds warmth and and air of lighthearted fun. Studies have shown that color, much like music, does in fact impact our mood and behavior, so it is important to consider this when choosing where to include coral in your home.

The color wheel along with basic color psychology

Living Coral’s ability to be both stimulating and soothing make it a perfect color to use in any room that needs an extra boost of life. This color is said to enliven conversation, spark joy, encourage interaction, and aid in digestion. Think dining rooms, entry ways, and powder rooms. Coral is also a very universally flattering color, so if you’re looking to surround yourself with color that places you in the best light, this may be a good choice. Slight tweaks to the hue, depending on your skin tone will do the trick- think more pink/red  coral for cool skin tones, and more orange/yellow coral for those on the warm end of the spectrum.

Living Coral Analogous Color Swatch

Pairing coral with other colors throughout the home can be tricky. Remember to keep it simple, and stick with complimentary, split-complimentary, and analogous colors for fantastic results. Check out some great uses for this exquisite color here. Happy Hue-ing!

Why we love Pantone’s Color of the Year 2019

 A coastal chic attic den complete with shiplap

CONSIDER THE STRUCTURE

The foremost detail that cannot be overlooked is the existing structure of your home. Consult with an architect or structural engineer to determine whether your project is feasible. Items such as roof trusses (which can get in the way of that open space of your dreams) may mean costly structural retrofitting or complete re-roofing is necessary. The foundation of your home will also need to be considered, as the extra load of a finished attic may be more than your joists or foundation walls can bear.

The exposed trusses here offer enough headroom for the space to work

CONSIDER THE ACCESS

The next detail to be considered is the staircase. A stair takes up more space than you might think, and it can be tricky to find the right placement in a home with already limited space. Luckily, there are a number of online retailers who specialize in staircase design and manufacturing, such as Fontanot Shop, that provide endless design solutions. Rather than attempting to plan and design a custom staircase to code, you might consider the abundance of wood staircases for sale online. Many of these are designed to meet all required building and safety codes and can easily be customized to your project’s required rise and run. Whether you choose a spiral staircase to save space or a straight-run stair to tuck against a wall, you’re sure to find a solution that fits your space.

This intricate spiral stair is both a statement and a space-saver

A straight-run stair tucked against a wall and screened with wood slats creates a lovely backdrop for your living room seating

A well designed wood and steel stair detail can pack a punch in a modern home

CONSIDER THE CEILING

An architect or contractor can likely help you determine the local code requirements for head-clearance and insulation, which can be an issue in an attic space.  Keep in mind that adding the required insulation to the roof will likely bring the floor-to-ceiling height down significantly, which may make it too low to meet code. A good rule of thumb for head clearance is something called the “rule of 7s”, which says that at least half of the finished attic must be 7 feet high, a minimum of 7 feet wide, and 70 square feet. However, this varies by jurisdiction. Adding dormers, skylights, spray foam insulation, or re-roofing with SIP panels on the exterior are all great ways to save or add some height while still getting the required insulation R-values.

A dormer adds light and extra headroom

Skylights tucked in between roof rafters add light and height

Also keep in mind that the ceiling finish will affect the height of the space as well as the overall aesthetic.

Leaving the rafters exposed affords the most head height, but you might have to re-roof to add insulation to the exterior

Its hard to go wrong with white painted shiplap! (just ask Joanna Gaines)

Smooth white drywall creates a more modern look

Inspired yet? We hope you are! Now you can tackle that attic renovation with courage and confidence.

How to Finish Your Attic Space Like a Pro

Modern and Minimalist – tinsel included!

Why have one tree when you can have THREE?

A Botanical Masterpiece

Black and Gold

Ditch the traditional skirt for a chic basket!

The Kate Spade inspired tree

Modern Farmhouse Chic complete with frosted pinecones

Glam never looked so good

A closer look at these ornaments reveal feathers, roses, and various animals — so whimsical yet tasteful.

And for the minimalists among us…

Happy Decorating!

10 Ways to Decorate your Christmas Tree Like a Designer

A modern kitchen with exposed brick splash

I mean, just LOOK at that kitchen! I see nothing tacky our outdated about it. When done correctly, a natural brick wall can do wonders for a space. Natural brick may add visual interest, texture, color, and a cool urban vibe, a modern farmhouse look, or midcentury modern feel to a home.

The inside-outside effect done right with brick

Painted or stained brick can also add depth and color to a space, but that’s a post for another day. Today we will focus on the “au natural” method. This can be done successfully bearing in mind a few rules of thumb:

RULE #1: NO FAUX

Got an old turn-of-century home made of double-withe brick walls covered by plaster? By all means, expose away! Removing some of the plaster to reveal the brick wall behind is a great way to showcase the history of a home while adding a bit of visual interest. However, if you live in a newer construction wood framed home that clearly has no brick to be seen for miles, for the love of god, do NOT add faux brick to your walls! Nothing looks cheesier.

So much added character here! you can almost feel the history of this room

A modern farmhouselook — historical yet refined

RULE #2 : USE IN MODERATION

When determining which wall(s) to expose, bear in mind the old Mies van der Rohe coined adage “less is more”.  Stick with one wall that will add a little drama without taking over the space.

 Two or three adjacent walls exposed here create the feeling of a “room within a room” which defines the dining area

 A single brick wall here defines the living room area and creates visual interest behind the sofa

RULE #3 : K.I.S.S.

For the biggest impact, you want the brick wall to be the focal point. For this reason, keep other accent walls to a minimum.  An exposed natural brick wall surrounded by minimal, crisp white (or lightly colored) walls maintains a clean look and lets the brick be the star. Keep other decor items to a minimum.

 The crisp white, modern surroundings balance the busy brick pattern

A simple neutral color palette keeps the busyness at bay in a more eclectic space

So there you have it! Thinking of exposing a brick wall? Follow these simple rules and expose with confidence.

Recently exposed a brick wall? How did it turn out?  Add your comments/stories/questions below.

Exposed Brick Walls – You’re Doing it Wrong

via brepurposed

via tinyhousegiantlife

via zsazsabellagio

via rafterhouse

4 Eye-catching Geometric Entry Designs

Coastal Chic Bedroom

The Original Irresistible

The “Irresistible Stair” concept is actually a throwback to a time before elevators were prevalent — a time when stairs were the primary mode of transportation between floors. During this period, the stair was celebrated as a design feature and usually took front and center stage in the entry of a building.

The Ritz Paris newly renovated staircase via Andreas Meichsner for The New York Times
This kind of stair was a place to see and be seen. It was an integral part of the user experience of the building. Stairs of this time often cascaded from one floor to the next creating a grand spiral that was in itself a work of art when viewed from below. This was the kind of stair that begged to be taken and promised to take its users on a journey whilst providing a service. It was irresistible. 

The Ritz Paris newly renovated staircase via Andreas Meichsner for The New York Times
With the invention of the elevator and high rise buildings, the Irresistible Stair fell to the wayside and the elevator became the preferred method of travel between floors. This became the new, cool user experience and elevator design was all the rage.

via Fogarty Finger Architecture
Up until recently, elevators remained the primary mode of transit for many building users. Even for short trips from the first to second level of a building, people would pile into elevators for a quick, convenient, and lets face it, usually awkward mode of transportation.

The Important Irresistible

While the elevator remains a constant and necessary feature of most buildings,  today’s designers and staircase manufacturers understand the need to provide stairs that entice building occupants into using them. According to the EPA, humans spend approximately 90% of our day indoors. This statistic, coupled with the fact that obesity, heart disease, and other health issues are on the rise, charge designers to find new ways to get building occupants moving.

There is also an environmental impact associated with opting to take the stairs rather than the elevator. Increased stair usage means decreased elevator electricity usage. Sustainable design means fabulous stair design, plain and simple.

The New Irresistible

Today, armed with a new found sense of responsibility for public and environmental health, designers are opting to bring the staircase back to its former glory. The new and cutting edge Irresistible Stair is changing the paradigm for people thinking of modern staircases UK or Europe. European building codes allow for much more interesting and extreme stair forms than would be allowed here in the US. However, US residential codes allow home owners to get away with a lot more in a home stair, so check these out and get inspired!

A Floating Stair via ArchDaily

An interesting railing via beppe brancato

Petal-like stairs via DesignMilk

Black and White Tile Stair via Sarah Akwisombe | Interior design and styling

The Rise of the Irresistible Stair

test

Robot vacuum cleaners, automatic door locks and smart home consoles aren’t some distant future technology, you can actually buy them today at a reasonable price. But you don’t want some boxy robot scooting around your house or an eyesore of a block on the deadbolt of your door. So what are the best and most fashionable smart home products? Here’s a look at some of the most innovative and stylish smart home gadgets on the market.

Control Center

Before you go out and grab the latest and greatest smart home products, you need a way to monetize control of all of them. While Samsung’s Smartthings is discreet and user friendly, and the IRIS by Lowe’s is focused on customization, the Amazon Echo has taken the lion’s share of the smart home control center market. The Amazon Echo connects all your smart home products in one place and, unlike other smart home hubs, doesn’t beg to be hidden behind a bookshelf or TV. The Amazon Echo’s sleek, cylindrical design and user-friendly voice command encourages you to keep this product in a central place where you can easily speak with it. Not only does the Amazon Echo act as a control center for other devices, it can also be used to search for information. Whether you need a recipe for dinner or your son or daughter needs help with their homework, the Amazon Echo is a stylish, state of the art smart home hub that’s sure to come in handy.

Remote Control

At home, you control everything through Echo, but how do you control your smart home while away? Well, many smart home products sync with your smartphone so you have control from anywhere. Take Belkin outlets, for instance. Belkin outlets are a WiFi enabled outlet you can control with your smartphone. Schedule times for lights, TVs or anything else you plug in. Another example is Nest, a smart thermostat that links with your central heat system. Nest learns your habits and schedules the rise and fall of temperature in your home to coincide with your schedule. If you think you’ll arrive home early, just boost the heat on your smartphone so that the house is toasty warm by the time you get there. Nest is a non-obtrusive dial device that goes in the same place of your old thermostat. Lastly, Withings Aura Smart Sleep System is a cutting edge, smart wellness system that uses light, sounds and sensors to track your sleep cycle. This smart sleep technology pairs best with top of the line smartphones like the iPhone 6s Plus due to its larger screen size, which creates a more user-friendly experience.

Home Security

Smart home products don’t only help you keep your home comfortable, they also help you keep it safe. The August smart lock is a simple and sleek device you place on the deadbolt of your door. Don’t worry, it isn’t an eyesore. It resembles a smaller, rounder Amazon Echo, and with the touch of a button on your smartphone, you can lock and unlock your door. You can also grant access to neighbors if you go out of town. If you have a dog walker, just enable them access on the August app and they can take your pooch out for a walk without a physical key that could be lost or stolen.

The Smart Home of The Future, Today

Kitchen organization is crucial for an enjoyable cooking experience. A good system saves time, money and space.

If your overflowing kitchen cabinets are a major source of stress, or they are more hindrance than help when you’re trying to use your kitchen, try organizing a different way. Turn your cabinets into a fun project that transforms your cluttered kitchen into a streamlined work center. It may just become your favorite room in the house.

Prep Your Cabinets

Start by emptying out your cabinets and drawers and prepping them for organizational success. Wipe out any crumbs or dirt and place drawer liners or spare wallpaper on the shelves to make them easier to clean. This is the time to throw out any broken kitchen tools and donate any gadgets you don’t use anymore. Angie’s List recommends getting rid of mismatched containers, multiple mugs and old pots and pans with crumbling coating. Toss stained Tupperware and chipped dishes. If you haven’t used your food processor in 20 years and don’t have any plans to, donate it and make better use of that storage space.

Create Extra Shelf Space

You’re not limited to the current space in your kitchen cabinets. Create even more shelf space by adding a small lazy Susan for seasonings and other small items. A lazy Susan can help transform an awkward corner cabinet into an efficient storage space. SFGate offers a great guide to install one. Next, use small stacking shelves. Place them inside your cabinets to store napkins, small plates and flat items that can easily be tucked away.

Maximize Your Existing Shelf Space

Are you storing spatulas and kitchen utensils in your cabinets? Add a hanging shelf with magnetic strips to the side of your cabinets for spices or teas. Store your knives on a magnetic strip instead of in a knife block, which tend to be counter space hogs. Check out the Kitchn’s suggestions of where to place a knife strip.

Install hooks to hang containers filled with plastic spatulas and wooden spoons. If your pots and pans aren’t suited for your current cabinet space, suspended them above the stove or island. For even more space, roll an open-shelved island underneath your new hanging shelf. Use the open shelves to relocate even more of your cabinets’ contents and use the top shelf as a prep station for dinner.

Repurpose Your Organizational Tools

Take a look at the organizational tools you already have around your house. Use a magazine holder on the inside of a cabinet door to hold cutting boards or foil and plastic wrap. Use a hanging shoe bag (cut down to size) under your sink to store sponges, rags and cleaning supplies. Turn a desk file organizer into a baking sheet separator. Those bamboo baskets in your living room can be tucked on top of your cabinets to store items you don’t need on a daily basis like tablecloths and napkin rings.

Transform Your Cabinets

Give your kitchen more depth and dimension by removing a cabinet door. Add vertical dividers and use the space to store cutting boards and baking sheets. Want to give your kitchen a brand new style? Remove all of your doors and turn your kitchen into an airy, open room. Display your favorite plates, dishes and colorful vases and tuck away your supplies in bottom cabinets with doors or a side pantry

5 Great Ways to Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets