It’s rare to be able to share a client’s completed home project, as many people (understandably) prefer to keep their homes private. Additionally, the challenges posed by the Epidemic Lockdown have made in-person visits and photo shoots nearly impossible, so you can imagine how excited I am to show off one of my favorite home designs to date. This project was designed for Triz of @theclinicalhome and it was such a pleasure to see it come to life.
Triz lives in Bristol and we’ve been following each other on Instagram for a while now. So I was thrilled when she asked me for help with her living room makeover. She chose Zera’s Whole House Package, which provides clients with a fully customized design – including mood boards, floor plans, visuals, and clickable shopping lists – allowing them to realize their vision at their own pace. After an hour-long initial consultation (although Zoom is very useful for non-local clients, this program is still a face-to-face consultation), I began to develop a plan based on Triz’s style, space, and budget. Seeing the finished room in person was the icing on the cake.
As her Instagram account name suggests, Triz is a minimalist. She created a dreamy blank canvas with white walls and gorgeous oak floors to give the space a bright and airy feel. Her goal was to maintain that lightness while introducing a sense of warmth, adding much-needed storage, and adding some key pieces of furniture. She also wanted to optimize the layout to better accommodate the room’s multifunctional use-relaxing, entertaining, dining, and occasional work.
Drawing inspiration from Triz’s love of subdued neutrals and her minimalist aesthetic, I created a sophisticated scheme featuring soft beige and rich walnut tones, with touches of gray and black for contrast and depth. The mid-century style is carried throughout and is complemented by recurring circular, curved and arched motifs to balance the clean lines. Below, you will see mood boards and visuals I created during the design process.
Considering the compact size of the room and the variety of uses, versatility was a primary consideration. I used multifunctional furniture that could be adapted to meet different needs, and given that Triz and her husband plan to move in within the next few years, I focused on designing timeless modular furniture that could be reconfigured or expanded to meet the needs of the home in the future.
For example, Triz often works out in the space and didn’t want a bulky coffee table to get in her way. For this reason, I left the center floor area empty and placed String bookshelves next to the sofa to serve as a countertop for drinks and candles. Integrated cabinets with sliding doors maximize storage without taking up space in the room, while a side table with built-in magazine storage adds utility to the other end of the sofa. I also designed a sitting pier with removable cushions that can be used as either an extra table or additional seating for guests, in addition to a lightweight and easy-to-carry table that can be moved around as needed.
On the other side of the room, a walnut TV stand with a gray top pairs well with the cushioned stools, while the dining area functions as both a dining and work space. A round bistro-style table hugs the sloping ceiling created by the staircase above, and elegant Pavilion chairs from & Tradition add understated sophistication to the space.
Lighting was another key consideration. Two multi-functional lamps (one of which is still in transit due to shipping delays, so it is visible in the rendering but not in the final photographs) adjust the brightness to suit different moods, while a wool rug adds texture and warmth. The search for the perfect rug was particularly difficult; it had to be large enough to fit under the sofa but small enough not to get in the way of the hallway door that opens inwards. After much searching, I found the ideal rug, which really ties the room together.
This project was a very successful collaboration and it was great to see Triz bring the design to life. Not only is the space functional and stylish, but it fits perfectly with her and her husband’s lifestyle. If you’re curious about how to create a functional space in a compact space, these tips on how to maximize the potential of your space may be helpful.
I worked with Zera to craft a harmonious and inviting living space that perfectly reflects the homeowner’s personality and lifestyle. The design revolves around a timeless yet modern aesthetic, using a soft neutral palette of gray, beige, and off-white with touches of brass to add warmth and depth. one of Zera’s beautiful rugs serves as the focal point of the room, and carefully selected accessories and art prints in complementary tones tie the scheme together. Many of these pieces work perfectly with items already in the homeowner’s possession, ensuring that the space is authentic and personalized.
The end result is a room with a great sense of balance and, more importantly, one that the homeowners love. It was particularly pleasing to see that they took my advice and transformed the space to make it more in line with their personal style. For example, they added a high-backed chair, perfect for reading, showing that design can evolve to meet changing needs. My goal has always been to provide a solid foundation for interiors that are both functional and inspiring, and I feel honored to be able to help people create spaces that make them feel happy and at home.
It is immensely satisfying to play a part in bringing pleasure and comfort to a room. I am so grateful to have been trusted with this project and encourage you to explore how Zera can help make your interior space truly unique.