The inviting study

Oxford Gardens, The Finished Project

The Inviting Study

We gained this room by extending into the side return of the property, so when it came to decorating, I was starting from scratch.

• It's a small room, around 10 ft by 7 ft, but it serves me perfectly for what I need. I could have extended further along the side return, but this felt unnecessary and I'm pleased I didn't.
• I opted for a Dutch door, which can be opened as both a window and door, and allows for direct access when people come for meetings.
• Rather than spend thousands on joinery for the hallway that leads to this room, I decided instead to conceal the storage with curtains which works really well.
• Be wary of designing the quirks out of a space - not everything needs to be exactly centred or symmetrical, and there is much more intrigue to be found when things are a little off.
• Try not to be too specific when looking for furniture, and be open to unexpected items that you may not previously have thought to use.
• If you have employed an architect on a project, make the most of their skills and use them to help with the more nuanced and detailed elements of a room design - you will really notice the difference they can make to the overall finish of a project.
• As it's a smaller space, I wanted to avoid installing a door - instead a curtain offers privacy without taking up the footprint of a door.

Sourcebook

Walls and curtains in Ronnie fabric, designed by Rita Konig for Schumacher

Desk from Quindry

Curtains in hallway in Terry fabric, designed by Rita Konig for Schumacher

Vitsoe shelving

Bookcase from Foster and Gane

Rug sourced on a trip to Morocco