Good Design Stirs Our Emotions

This month’s Have Your Say asks ‘How can design evoke emotion?’ so Style Library Contract have shared three projects which show how colour and design effects ambience and emotion in an interior space.

It’s true – good design stirs our emotions. We’ve all felt that sense of awe when entering a perfectly designed space. At Style Library Contract, they experience first-hand how interior design can awaken the senses and create a good feel factor across commercial sectors. 

THE GRAND, BRIGHTON

Situated on Brighton’s famous seafront, The Grand is a luxury Victorian hotel, designed and built in 1864. Restoration of this treasured icon began in autumn 2016 and Carly Gordon of Park Grove Design Ltd shares how they approached the interior design.

‘The inspiration for the new Victoria Terrace tea rooms at The Grand came by researching the history of conservatories in a beach setting. We discovered the first iron and glass conservatory was the Athenium, just down the beach and built around the same time as the hotel. We took this as our theme and there is a Victorian conservatory image on one wall with contemporary furnishings in strong Victorian colours. The Harlequin Amazilia Velvet fabric was the starting point for the colour scheme and used as a feature to the back of custom made lounge chairs. Hotel guests apparently keep asking to buy the chairs…the ultimate compliment!’

The end result is an uplifting interior which retains its Victorian heritage in a refreshed and relaxed way, a perfect place for afternoon tea. The feeling created in the main lounge is of luxury and refinement. Carly Gordon explains,

‘In the main lounge and bar we took our inspiration from an original pair of paintings of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert which we had restored. They’re perfect for the period of the building but to make a contemporary statement we situated them within a large grid of very small gold frames on a back-drop of dark blue textured wallpaper. The Zoffany Tespi Velvets range was the perfect upholstery for this area in gold and blue colour ways, adding the touch of glamour these spaces demand.’

315 SPA, YORKSHIRE

Located in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire countryside outside Huddersfield, 315 Spa was added to this already successful retreat. The combination of a restaurant, bar and eighteen luxurious rooms in a contemporary and stylish setting makes for a perfect getaway. Joan Webb of JW Design explains why they chose to work with Style Library Contract brands, selecting wallpaper from Zoffany and throws and cushions from Anthology.

‘When choosing the fabrics and wall coverings it was important that the schemes reflected the tranquil woodland setting, combined with the feeling of movement, softness and luxury associated with a spa and water. Our aim was to create an elegant, sophisticated interior using the latest designs and technology.’

SOMERSET CARE – COOKSON COURT, YEOVIL

Cookson Court is a purpose-built care home situated in a quiet residential area of Yeovil. This modern, architect designed building is set in attractive landscaped grounds, being a care home it was essential to create welcoming feel in this contemporary space. Diana Celella of The Drawing Room Interiors explains how they used colour and design to create a friendly stimulating interior.

‘The bistro area in reception is used by both residents and visitors. We wanted a contemporary design to fit in with new modern building that was vibrant, warm and inviting. We chose the Nia design from Harlequin for the upholstery in a fiery orange paired with cool grey to create an energetic, conversational atmosphere.’

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Do you know a space where design evokes emotion? Have your say in the comments below or on Twitter @DesignInsiderLive