Contemporary Georgian Sitting Room
Striking a balance between tradition and modernity
This contemporary Georgian sitting room design needed to champion the stunning historic features in a contemporary way. The client approached me after they had struggled to find examples of Georgian interiors that weren’t in a classic or country house style. They wanted a fusion of old and new – a comfortable family friendly room that celebrated the architectural detailing while having a calm, layered feel about it.
The property was grade II listed so the design focused on furniture layouts and achieving a mix of old and new to create the right feel.
Using a large L shaped sofa immediately made the space feel more contemporary as well as being practical. The overmantle mirror was a TV, so the client could view in comfort.
We sourced a club fender for the fireplace, a cosy touch for winter as well as additional seating. A pair of antique Bergère chairs brought texture and age while being a suitably light presence in the room.
The Georgian paneling was painted in Edward Bulmer’s Pearl colour; a nuanced off-white with yellow and blue tones that has a captivating play of shades in varying lights.As the room had beautiful wooden shutters which both we and the client loved, we advised not to add curtains.
Placing the sofa in line with middle window bay also created a lovely entrance into the room. A small side table behind the sofa held some of the clients design books while a Thonet rocking chair was framed in the window.
Our lookbook for the room showing the key furnishings together. Simplifying the elements in this room and playing with forms, materiality and scale played a key role in striking the desired balance between the old and newer elements, while also accentuating the exquisite Georgian features.
kind words
We've worked with Gemma three times now, initially on tricky heritage projects. She was so good - positive, creative, reliable - that we engaged her again when working on our own home, a II* listed building, which again required thought and sensitivity. Gemma is great, not only does she have good instincts when it comes to design, but is also knowledgable and practical.
Gemma is amazing! In a short space of time she made recommendations for our interior decor that were perfect. Her plans were detailed and we followed everything - the results are brilliant. I recommend her highly!
Working with Gemma has been a wonderful collaborative experience and our first ever project engaging the services of an interior designer.
From an initial relaxed discussion developing our thoughts and ideas, Gemma came up with a cohesive design utilising some of the items we already owned, to transform both the look and the feel of the bedroom in our georgian flat in Bath.
The whole process gave us the confidence to go bolder than we perhaps otherwise would have, particularly with colour, and Gemma also assisted with sourcing some excellent tradespeople to execute the work required, thus ensuring a smooth ‘journey’ along the way.
I would have no hesitation in recommending her services.
From an initial relaxed discussion developing our thoughts and ideas, Gemma came up with a cohesive design utilising some of the items we already owned, to transform both the look and the feel of the bedroom in our georgian flat in Bath.
The whole process gave us the confidence to go bolder than we perhaps otherwise would have, particularly with colour, and Gemma also assisted with sourcing some excellent tradespeople to execute the work required, thus ensuring a smooth ‘journey’ along the way.
I would have no hesitation in recommending her services.
Gemma was really professional and helpful with our kitchen renovation.
We were feeling very overwhelmed with decisions. Gemma was able to help us compartmentalize our ideas and give us the confidence to make brave decisions. We learnt alot along the way and Gemma's contacts and recommendations were all super useful!
We would definitely use Gemma again and highly recommend!
We were feeling very overwhelmed with decisions. Gemma was able to help us compartmentalize our ideas and give us the confidence to make brave decisions. We learnt alot along the way and Gemma's contacts and recommendations were all super useful!
We would definitely use Gemma again and highly recommend!
We had never used an interior designer before and I wasn’t entirely sure we needed one. However, having seen everything that Gemma has added to our project, I would now always recommend people consider using an interior designer when undertaking a building project of any substance.
We chose to use Gemma as she clearly understood the result that we wanted to achieve and we seemed to be on the same page when it came to design. She took what was quite a broad brief and narrowed it down to a coherent overarching vision. She then supported us throughout the decision-making process, providing a sensible number of options for us to choose from in each instance. The completed project provides everything we wanted, both from a functional and a design perspective.
Gemma liaised really well with our builders, ensuring that nothing slipped through the gap in the construction phase. She provided detailed design drawings to the builders, sourced and procured furniture and fittings and picked up on details we wouldn’t even have considered, which added a huge amount of value. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Gemma; she was great to work with.
We chose to use Gemma as she clearly understood the result that we wanted to achieve and we seemed to be on the same page when it came to design. She took what was quite a broad brief and narrowed it down to a coherent overarching vision. She then supported us throughout the decision-making process, providing a sensible number of options for us to choose from in each instance. The completed project provides everything we wanted, both from a functional and a design perspective.
Gemma liaised really well with our builders, ensuring that nothing slipped through the gap in the construction phase. She provided detailed design drawings to the builders, sourced and procured furniture and fittings and picked up on details we wouldn’t even have considered, which added a huge amount of value. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Gemma; she was great to work with.
Gemma has been a wonderful help in the renovation of my central Bath apartment. The Georgian features of the apartment dictated somewhat the style the apartment needed. It was quite daunting for me, as I wasn’t used to this period and so I approached Gemma to help.
Gemma has been professionally trained which I specifically wanted, as I had already interior design experience but needed some extra expert guidance.
There were several space planning issues and her spatial planning was brilliant, so I had the confidence to buy furniture items that I knew would fit.
Gemma sourced some AMAZING PIECES that I would never have found on my own. One of these was a rug that brought my whole scheme together brilliantly. I think that is a special talent to find something that integrates with all of someone’s personal items . The living space just looked fantastic after she added the rug!
Gemma was good at giving honest opinions on my choices. She wasn’t afraid of saying things wouldn't work and instead gave some good alternatives . She was especially good at suggesting decorative lighting. She also introduced some contemporary items that blended seamlessly with the Georgian features, so creating a really gorgeous, eclectic space.
Gemma was super friendly and approachable and it was a real joy to work with her. She maintains a professional manner though in her work, maintains deadlines and you can tell she really cares about getting an excellent result.
I’m looking forward to working with Gemma on future home projects and would highly recommend her to anyone!
Thanks so much Gemma!
Gemma has been professionally trained which I specifically wanted, as I had already interior design experience but needed some extra expert guidance.
There were several space planning issues and her spatial planning was brilliant, so I had the confidence to buy furniture items that I knew would fit.
Gemma sourced some AMAZING PIECES that I would never have found on my own. One of these was a rug that brought my whole scheme together brilliantly. I think that is a special talent to find something that integrates with all of someone’s personal items . The living space just looked fantastic after she added the rug!
Gemma was good at giving honest opinions on my choices. She wasn’t afraid of saying things wouldn't work and instead gave some good alternatives . She was especially good at suggesting decorative lighting. She also introduced some contemporary items that blended seamlessly with the Georgian features, so creating a really gorgeous, eclectic space.
Gemma was super friendly and approachable and it was a real joy to work with her. She maintains a professional manner though in her work, maintains deadlines and you can tell she really cares about getting an excellent result.
I’m looking forward to working with Gemma on future home projects and would highly recommend her to anyone!
Thanks so much Gemma!
Working with Gemma on this project helped take the stress out of this large renovation and got me to view the house as a whole rather than looking at one thing at a time. Everything was really clear and organised which helped a lot with the builders. Gemma had great ideas and a lot of creative solutions which really helped me get the most out of my budget. Everyone who visits has such lovely things to say. I am so delighted with the outcome and still can’t quite believe this is my house!
I asked Gemma for help designing my sitting room and hall wall. I already had some ideas of what I wanted which she really helped me develop, giving me the confidence to take things further with colour and styles. She also had some really creative and practical ideas as to how to transform a relatively dark space into a welcoming entrance for my home. Gemma understood what I needed and I’m delighted with the outcome.
Would definitely recommend.
Would definitely recommend.
