Feature Home - Chocolate Box Perfect

feature home, interior design ideas, contemporary decorating ideas, 

This week’s feature home is a perfect study in what to do if you acquire a new-build house or flat with rooms that resemble plain white boxes. 

The owner has built in shape and character using an understanding of symmetry and proportion, together with some clever paint techniques.  The result is a home that’s been put together on a tight budget,  but is just chocolate box perfect!

In the sitting room large blocks of cappucino-coloured paint have been used to create a panelled effect and divide the room into regular zones.  This not only warms the atmosphere and grounds the furniture groupings, it also gives the area a sense of rhythm and continuity.  The central light fitting has been re-located to just above the chaise longue to create an ideal relaxing and reading spot. A bland, hand-me-down sofa is made glamorous by the addition of decadent animal print and flokati cushions and a potentially boring archway to the kitchen has been given a dramatic red lining.


The capuccino-coloured panels are continued in the kitchen, this time to ground a 50’s style dining niche. 

Basic 80's kitchen units have been given a more contemporary 'floating' appearance by removing the kickboards and recessing the legs.  The open upper shelving arrangement with its dramatic red lining is again reminiscent of kitchen cabinetry from the 50’s.  A large framed retro poster and a 50’s style corner light complete the ensemble.

The centrepiece of the master bedroom is an enormous antique-style wrought iron sleigh bed, bought cheaply in an end of stock sale.  The room is decorated once again in comforting latte and chocolate colours with small areas of spot colour, heavily textured fabrics and an ornate Italian-style mirror to add interest and depth.  Tiffany and art deco lamps add a retro feel.

The newly remodelled bathroom has a much more 21st century feel, though the colour scheme remains the same.  The central focus of the room is a decadent free-standing bath with a lavish central pouring spout. 

Limestone floor tiles and Jerusalem stone mosaic wall tiles create a restful and practical basic shell.  Just like the wrapping on a chocolate, however, a silver and beige foil feature wallpaper adds an unexpected  touch of whimsy and luxury.   Two walls have been painted in a rich scarlet and the same delicious colour has been used around the room in various objets d’art.