“There was a bit of back and forth with planning because of the new layout”


with the bespoke cabinetry in the bedrooms where Carley was keen to maximise the limited storage opportunities. “Many of the Edinburgh properties we work on have beautiful high ceilings which are impressive but look ridiculous with average-sized wardrobes. They look like furniture from a doll’s house and it’s a shame to waste all that space especially when many of these properties don’t have an attic or under stair storage.” By going bespoke, Carley was able to build the wardrobes right up to the ceilings and adding a ladder system which hooks on and off when required is a practical and stylish solution. Surprisingly, although the proportions of this period property are what one expects in this part of Edinburgh, the other details were something that this home was sadly lacking. Bizarrely, the ornate features one would expect were nowhere to be seen. All the cornicing, ceiling roses and the beading detailing in the living room and hallway were added by the contractors. “This is unusual for a property of this age and style in Edinburgh. It hadn’t been modernised, yet it had no architectural features of note in it, and we have no idea why.” Carley adds: “We’ve also been inside many of the properties nearby and of course we’ve seen the client’s son’s home which is in the same building, and it has the most beautiful period features.” Bringing back these features did however stand Jeffreys’ Interiors in good stead with the planning department. “There was a bit of back and forth with planning because of the new layout but demonstrating that we were going to upgrade the cornicing and create an apartment


mar/apr 2023


that was more in keeping with the rest of the apartments and how this would improve the overall building certainly helped our case.” There was one original feature that Carley was keen to save but sadly, although the original wooden ooring was also untouched, during the renovations the decision was made to renew it. Carley’s plan had been to retain it, but with the installation of new plumbing and electrics and the relocation of the kitchen it proved impossible. “With all the work that had been carried out, it was beginning to look like a patchwork quilt, and as everything else was brand new we made the decision to replace all the ooring, so it didnt look out of place. Once the structural changes were complete, Carley and her team set to work on the decor – opting for a muted, dark colour scheme to create the cosy but stylish Scottish vibe that the clients had asked for. While this scheme is certainly on trend, it was also chosen to create the appearance of space, as Carley explains: “Keeping the same tones and colour palette throughout helps the rooms ow into each other – nothing jars.” Other ‘designer’s tricks’ were also applied to help this ow such as staining the doors on the kitchen cabinetry to match the sitting room colour scheme and fitting satin brass handles throughout to provide continuity and link the rooms together. The same concept was applied in the principal bedroom and ensuite, where the taps are either satin or brushed brass, and were selected to complement the light fittings and sockets in the bedroom.


“I think one should always spend the same www.sbhonline.co.uk 59


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76