Design Field Notes

Interior spaces

Spanish Steps

My clients wanted a living room that was comfortable and elegant while still suitable for their two teenage daughters. The original room in the 1930s Spanish-revival home was furnished with a modular sofa and a tapestry wingback chair, which blocked the view through the french doors. I opened up the layout and introduced a mix of classic and contemporary pieces in muted tones with handcrafted details.

Symmetry was important and I achieved this with the occasional tables, trays, side chairs and corner lamps. 

The walls are in Porter’s Paints Marzipan and floors in honed limestone to bring modernity to the Spanish-revivial home. The stone washed linen sofa is flanked by side chairs in Dedar Allure in Zebra- a snakeskin- embossed glazed cotton with ebony stitch detail adds a pattern without being dominating. I loved the contrast piping on the armchair, it’s an upholstery detail that can define the silhouette of a piece and ensure the fabric doesn’t overshadow the core shape of the chair. I had the tufted leather ottoman custom made with a firm, deep- buttoned top to ensure its dual use as a foot stool and a coffee table. The dark shell detail and gold legs of the Ichibald side table from Oly at Coco Republic adds an understated glamour to the room too.

For the layered approach I started with the rug. A patchwork kilim rug that doesn’t take away form the ocean views beyond but ensures the space isn’t lacking interest. The elegant furniture placed on top is dressed with cushions and throws that reference the rug’s colours, while the trays match its texture and ethnic feel.

To view more projects by Coco Republic Interior Design click here.

As featured in House and Garden, August 2012.