A COLOURFUL LIVING ROOM IN TEAL AND RUST

Client: Carol O’Meara, who lives with her family of three and her dog, Pepper, in a two story country home.

Brief: To create a modern, grown up living room that sympathises with Carol’s existing collection of antique furniture.

“Carol’s brief was very simple,“ says Lead Designer Geri O’Toole Glynn. “Once it was clear the antiques were there to stay, she gave me free run to come up with some ideas for transforming the space. We decided early on that grey would not complement the warm tones of the antiques so I knew we just had to inject some colour into the redesign.”

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Carol was inclined to use the space more frequently in the evenings so Geri began the creative process by researching a colour theme that would enhance a cosy feel.

“I knew that I needed colours that were modern, warm, grown up and suited the darker tones of Carol’s existing furniture,” says Geri. “Teal complements mahogany beautifully, giving richness that muted tones such as greys and magnolias, for example, sometimes lack. The rust accent similarly suited the dark wood, while also ensuring that the room did not become too bland.”

From there, Geri started looking through the vast collection of fabric and wallpaper books at the Browsers Design Studio, specifically for wallpapers and fabrics with added texture

“Velvet is in high demand at the moment, and rightly so. It creates beautiful clean lines when used in upholstery but still retains a sumptuous softness that reflects soft light and tactility. I juxtaposed this softness with high quality printed linen from the Zoffany Edo collection for the curtains.”

The four seat sofa is from the Bespoke by Browsers collection; designed by Geri herself and, along with the cushions, handmade in Ireland using a solid beech wood frame and a fibre, foam and feather filling, to create the optimum comfort and longevity.

The floors area washed oak plank from Neptune, laid diagonally and the original pitched pine ceiling was painted a muted shade of Limestone, by the Little Greene Paint Company.

Geri used her knowledge of international designers to select the perfect accompaniments to her colourful scheme. The black occasional furniture, geometric rug, framed prints, muted ceramics and unusual faux florals all added a touch more modernity.

“I believe I have created a soothing, relaxed space for Carol, her family and guests to enjoy for many years to come,” says Geri. “I thoroughly enjoyed working on this space and it was a fun process for all those involved!”

Geri is available for consultation by appointment only, please call 086 814 8002 or email geri@geridesigns.ie You can follow Geri’s work on Instagram at @geri_designs