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LIVING ROOMS | ASK THE EXPERTS

Q

How can a bar be easily
incorporated into the living room? Is it worth it – or even possible – to add a
Q cornice to a new-build’s living room?
Using tinted mirrors on the walls as
A back panels will add design flare and Yes! Cornices always enhance an interior.

give the illusion of space. Avoid wall units A You’d never do without a skirting board,
of different heights – they can make the and I’d say it’s the same for a cornice. For a
room feel cluttered. Roy Sweetman, modern room, steer clear of typical period
Town & Country Interiors designs, particularly the ornate patterned ones.
Bold, linear, geometric profiles can create a simple

but stunning finish, and will complement a modern

room. The ‘classic contemporary’ style – derived
from traditional designs – also works very well. David
Fountain, Reproduction Plaster

Fabrics from a selection, POA, Pierre Frey

Built-in storage. Is it better to go for concealed storage or
Q Do hardwearing, beautiful fabrics exist? Q display cabinetry?
The most hardwearing fabrics for daily usage A combination of open and closed storage might be the best
A in the living room are our wool, moquette or A option but, either way, fitted furniture is a fantastic problem-

épinglé fabrics. They will stand the test of time. We solver as it will make use of every inch of available space. Open
often recommend using a plain wool on the front storage – especially when it uses the entire wall space – tricks the
(giving warmth, comfort and practicality) and an eye into thinking the room is bigger, by displaying the wall itself as
embroidered or delicate fabric at the back of the sofa well as giving the illusion of height. But it’s also essential to keep
or armchair (creating a chic and sophisticated room). unsightly wires hidden, along with digital boxes etc – as much as
Woven in our own mill in the north of France, our we want technology in our homes, we don’t want it to dominate
wools can be used for both curtains and upholstery, the room. That’s why many customers request cabinetry that hides
have a very high abrasion resistance, and are treated all the digital tech but which also has open sections where they can
against pilling. Cyrille Bordas, Pierre Frey display their treasures. Alan Borra, Neville Johnson

Living concept, from
, Neville Johnson

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HOMES & INTERIORS SCOTLAND