Let the light in – an uncluttered aesthetic part 1

A recent renovation of a traditional Glasgow townhouse became an exercise in paring back, in monochrome and in minimalism – letting the bones of the house show through and the beautiful period features tell their own story.

Before…

First impressions count

When you have a building as beautiful as this to work with, it’s not difficult to make a memorable first impression for all the right reasons. The life of a period house is a journey – a journey that gives the different generations that live there the chance to put their individual stamp upon the property. A sensitive renovation is not an attempt to replicate history or create a slavish pastiche, but rather the perfect opportunity to show the house in a new and compelling light.

Making an entrance

This was exactly the spirit in which Jane Nelson Interiors approached the Glasgow townhouse. Even before the work started, the entrance hall spoke for itself; plenty of glass in the door – flanked by stained glass lead astraglled windows – reflected the pure Glasgow light and drove the uncluttered aesthetic from the start.

In the entrance hall, the period panelling and moulded staircase (a later addition) were stripped back and painted in timeless Farrow and Ball All White, complemented by Farrow and Ball De Nimes above the picture rail, and a tonal choice of stair carpet setting off the striking black and white Heritage Karndean floor tiles to perfection.

An entrance hall like this needs little embellishment. Diffused with light, which brings the stunning stained glass infills to life, the only furniture is a sleek, black bench, which sits opposite the modern black fire surround. A symmetrical pair of candle holders on the mantel, Moroccan style lanterns and silver door handles with a further nod to modernity complete the picture.

After…

Welcome

If you’re lucky enough to have an entrance hall, consider carefully how it makes you feel, how it makes your visitors feel and how it leads you in to the rest of your home. Your own property, possessions and aesthetic mean that there’s no right way to create the right impression. It’s the way that you bring it all together which is unique to you, which lets the light in and leads you, your family and your friends into the rest of your home.

Come on in

Check back soon to read how the townhouse renovation progressed, once the right aesthetic was established.

And if you need any help with your own renovation project – big or small – don’t hesitate to contact Jane Nelson Interiors +44 (0) 7769 676595, jane@janenelsoninteriors.com