Page 121 - Homes & Interiors Scotland

panelling as a contemporary touch. These structures, however,
“will alter the loads being transferred on to the existing building,”
warns Brown.
The designs of both mezzanine and ground level should
share similar motifs and an overall theme, as the space will be
viewed as a whole. “Walls will generally all need to be decorated
the same, as it’s hard to find a break point for design between
walls and ceiling unless the mezzanine is a standard room
shape,” advises Renson. “I also tend to use fewer, larger pieces in
open spaces, introducing upholstery to make the space feel lived-
in and homely.”
Each level can then establish its own identity in this context.
Against a unifying white canvas (top right), Studio Job and
Edward van Vilet’s intense violet rug is the focus of the lower
floor, while clashing, mustard storage units puncture the blanched
mezzanine. The idea is to enhance the building you already know
and love, from the ground up. Stockists on page

[Below] This mezzanine had a heavy glass, steel and wood frame and
handrail, which only emphasised its low ceiling, before the team at
Designworks removed the balustrades and designed a semi-concealed steel
frame with single sheets of glass to open up the area and remove any visual
barriers. The result is an inclusive space, connecting both the mezzanine
and the living room below. The ceiling, already at the minimum height
allowed, was then painted white to keep the mezzanine light and spacious.
To prevent hanging lighting interfering with this design decision and its
impact on the room, flush, recessed downlights have been introduced,
ensuring the ceiling remains seamless and that the eye is drawn upwards

HOMES & INTERIORS SCOTLAND