This dining room/snug needed to remain classic to enhance the natural beauty and show off the features within this Edwardian property. I had to keep the costs down and there was no budget for new furniture, so I knew I had to play it safe when choosing the colour scheme. Bespoke floor to ceiling cabinets were built to gain more storage which Edwardian properties can lack. When I designed the cabinets I matched the style of the original shaker cabinet next to the fireplace so that the design flowed through both rooms.

Farrow & Ball was used for all paintwork, Elephants Breath was used on the walls, the cabinets and picture rail I chose Skimming Stone and the doors and skirting boards I chose Pointing. the ceiling and coving I kept to a standard white. This colour scheme allows this beautiful part of the house to show off its natural elegance in a stylish classy way. Although the colour suite I’ve used is very similar, there is enough of a subtle shift between them to make the features of the room stand out.

When your budget is tight, opt for neutral in the areas you’re investing most of your money, which in this case was the decorating. You can make your mark by adding splashes of colour with soft furnishings, sofas, cushions, throws and lamps. This is the fun bit, when you feel the need for a change these can be replaced easily but the essence of the room remains timeless.