Room Reveal: Purple and grey living room
Here’s my latest idea for a blog post. I’ll find a picture of a room that I feel inspired to talk about and in true The Great Interior Design Challenge style, I’ll judge it and dissect why I think it’s a successful room scheme. I’m going to call it Room Reveal, and will reveal my design tips on why it works…so here we go!
This image from hot new furniture company Perch and Parrow fell into my inbox recently and it perked my eyes up because its predominantly grey and I’m normally not a lover but I adore what the stylist has put with it. Purple. Such a great match. For me purple can be tricky as I lived through the Laurence Llewellyn Bowen era. And then there was the ‘everything aubergine’ phase. Purple runs the risk of looking dated, especially when matched with its partner in crime, velvet. However at the same time it smacks luxury so if you’re out to create that look it’s good to have it in your toolbox. And I’m OB-SESSED with velvet upholstery right now so it can’t do wrong in any colour if I’m honest.
But for me the solemn grey really tones the whole thing down in a positive way. I guess its like wearing a totally over the top tulle skirt and then matching it with sneakers and a sweatshirt. Looks effortlessly cool rather than uncomfortably glam. So if this room was a fashion statement, I think it would be this one. And the easy maintenance style is what I’m all for!
So why this room works…
1 First off what a lovely shade of grey. It has an element of warmth to it, French Grey by Little Grey would be similar. The colour has been taken up and over the picture rail and coving and onto the ceiling. Great idea if you have a period property with these types of details but want a more contemporary look. The glorious window and high skirts have been picked out and highlighted in dark grey. You should always work to make the most of a room’s best feature.
2 The wood floor is a great match- it has a lime-waxed appearance, which knocks back the yellowness of the oak, which would jar with the grey. Yet the warmth of the timber is crucial, helping to add warmth to an otherwise chilly background colour.
3 Let stalk about that sofa. Purple plus velvet equals glamour. But the clean lines keep the look crisp and modern. No scrolly arms!
4 That rug! For me this is the genius addition. By putting an ethnic Kilim rug knocks back the whole look and stops it taking itself too seriously. The geometric pattern adds interest, creating a focal point in the centre of the room. Rugs are essential additions to hard floors in living areas in the northern hemisphere.
5 The armchair and side tables have a nod to mid century chic with tapered legs. If you are hoping for an eclectic look with different style jostling together, it’s a good idea to have some harmony and by picking a few key pieces from the same era helps give this room coherence.
6 Very clever to have a striking decorative pendant light nice and low over the coffee table. This design looks like it with cast a nice highlight over the table and its beautifully styled things.
7 Three is the magic number when it comes to arranging objects. You’ll notice that the ornaments and objects are grouped, with different scale and heights to create a loose yet pleasing display
8 There is plenty of interesting texture in this scheme which gives it richness and depth. From light reflecting velvet, silver guilt, gold and marble to slubby weaves, kilim rugs, rough hewn floorboards and raw linen curtains. If all the fabrics had been shiny shiny this scheme would loose its laid back easy glamour look.
9 There is a drinks cabinet and that has to be the must have accessory for every home.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. No surprise I’d like to see a couple more patterned cushions on that sofa and a lovely piece of artwork hung above the drinks cabinet to punctuate the grey wall. Or at least a coloured shade on that lamp base.
I’d love to know what you think of ths scheme and if you could live with purple. Please leave your comments below. If you’d like your room pulled apart by me then please feel submit a good clear photograph of your pride and joy to me at hello@sophierobinson.co.uk. I promise not to be nasty!
Image Credits: Jay drinks cabinet £825, Paul three-seater chaise in Sloe Lane deepest velvet from £1,400, Joan armchair in Send Rioja flecked cotton from £499, all Perch and Parrow.
