Bringing 1930s Elegance Back to Life: A Living Room Transformation
At Callum Woods Joinery & Building, we believe every home has a story to tell, and this living room renovation was all about bringing its 1930s charm back to life. The project focused on creating a space that felt timeless yet functional, blending restored original features with thoughtful modern touches.
Restoring the Heart of the Home
This 1930s living room had so much potential. Many of its original features, including the picture rail and ceiling rose, had been removed by previous owners, leaving the space without its original character. To bring this charm back, we worked closely with the client to understand their vision, using their plans and design boards to guide the project.
The original coving had suffered damage over time, requiring expert restoration to revive its intricate detailing. This task was entrusted to a trusted specialist who used traditional techniques to achieve a seamless finish. The ceiling rose and picture rail were replaced, carefully chosen to complement the home’s character while aligning with the client’s design aspirations.
By collaborating with the homeowner at every step, we ensured the restored and replaced features brought a sense of authenticity and elegance back to the room. These thoughtful touches created a space that honoured the home’s history while fitting beautifully within a modern family setting.
Adding Character and Functionality
To enhance the room’s appeal, bespoke alcove shelving was designed with both style and practicality in mind. These units provided ample hidden storage for family essentials, keeping the space clutter-free, while the open shelving above allowed the homeowners to showcase personal touches like books, photographs, and decorative pieces. This thoughtful combination of closed and open storage ensured that the room remained both functional and beautiful—a space that works for everyday living and entertaining.
French panelling was added to the walls, introducing depth and a sense of elegance. The clean, geometric lines of the panelling complemented the room’s bold colour palette and tied together the traditional and contemporary elements seamlessly. At the centre of it all, the log burner became the heart of the room, radiating warmth and creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere for family gatherings. Every detail was planned with care to balance style and functionality, making the room not just visually stunning but also a joy to use every day.
Tackling Challenges with Precision
Restoring the original plaster coving was no small feat. Over the years, sections of the coving had suffered damage, requiring expert craftsmanship to restore them to their former glory. This intricate work required close collaboration with a specialist who carefully matched the original design and applied traditional techniques to ensure authenticity. From removing damaged sections to seamlessly blending in the new plaster, every step was undertaken with meticulous attention to detail.
This restoration process not only revived a key feature of the room but also preserved an important part of its history. It highlights the importance of combining modern expertise with respect for traditional craftsmanship—a balance that ensured the finished result was both flawless and historically accurate. This level of care reflects our commitment to achieving results that exceed expectations and stand the test of time.
A Striking Colour Palette
The colour scheme for this living room was bold yet timeless. Farrow & Ball’s Stiffkey Blue was the standout choice, enveloping the walls, alcove units, skirting, and woodwork in a deep, sophisticated hue. This dramatic shade added warmth and richness to the space, while also complementing the room’s traditional features. The ceiling and the section of wall above the picture rail were painted in brilliant white, creating a crisp contrast that lifted the overall look and made the space feel open and balanced.
The client’s choice of Stiffkey Blue wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was a deliberate decision to create a room with impact and personality. This colour, paired with the intricate French panelling and the warm glow of the log burner, gave the room a sense of understated luxury. Together, these choices transformed the space into something that feels both elegant and inviting, offering the perfect blend of bold design and timeless style.
“We have been working on renovating our family home in St Annes for the past 10 years, and this living room was our 2024 project. We couldn’t have been happier to have found Callum through a recommendation from our friends who recently had their extension completed by him. His attention to detail, communication, and craftsmanship have been amazing, and it’s been lovely to collaborate with him on our home. He put us in touch with other trusted suppliers for our log burner and shutters and made the whole project stress-free. We would have no hesitation in recommending Callum!”
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the homeowner for trusting us with this special project. It was an absolute pleasure collaborating with them to bring their vision to life, and we’re honoured to have played a role in creating a space that their family can enjoy for years to come. Helping to restore the character of this beautiful home while incorporating their thoughtful design choices was a truly rewarding experience. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey!
Are you inspired by this 1930s living room renovation? Imagine how we could bring out the best in your home. Whether it’s restoring period features, adding bespoke details, or creating a functional space you’ll love, Callum Woods Joinery & Building can help. With over 15 years of experience, Callum takes pride in delivering exceptional craftsmanship and personalised service.
Get in touch today to start planning your own transformation. Let’s create a space you’ll love for years to come.
