The Power of Accessorising

Following on from my last post about combining industrial styling with typical Georgian detailing, I have developed the Staff Breakout area further. I’ve added lighting in the form of LED downlighting but also traditional (turned) wooden lampstands. The title of this blog post is a little misleading – lighting doesn’t come under the heading of ‘accessorising’, it’s much too important to be considered an ‘accessory’, but you know this already.

The Georgians were very symmetrical in the arrangement of their rooms and I have taken inspiration from this with the placement of the camelback sofas, the lamps/end tables and the art work. Symmetry within this space provides balance, order and harmony even though it is quite a feast for the eyes because of the contrasting themes, styles and designs. But it’s because of this balance, order and harmony that it works. And don’t forget, that whilst this space is a mish-mash of industrial v Georgian, there are clear remnants of the principles of Georgian design; they have just been tweaked a little so that they are in keeping with a more contemporary theme. Panelling? Check. Camelback? Check. Gold gilding? Check. Mahogany? Check. You get the idea.

In the Georgian era portraits (or the commissioning of portraits) was common among the more affluent in a bid to publicise their wealth and social standing. The result was a painting that appeared quite regal and emphasised the importance of its subject.

So I have replicated this by installing portraits within this space but as per usual in a more creative/quirky way. It just so happens that works by the internationally acclaimed Andy Warhol are currently being exhibited in The MAC, Belfast and I have taken my cue from this exciting event. I have suggested that these works of art are framed in the more traditional gilding to again provide a link to the (Georgian) past. They also refresh and invigorate the space with their injections of colour (which also coincidentally complement the Georgian colour palette).

And lastly, I have included end tables that are contemporary in design (and slightly industrial looking) but also include marble detailing – which was also heavily used in Georgian interiors (fireplaces or floors for example).

Again, thanks to the power of 3D visualisation, this is how the Staff Breakout area could look with the additions of lighting (to add softness and atmospheric qualities), end tables and statement pieces of art. This room epitomises all things Georgian but in a less familiar and more contemporary way.  I’m in love with this design scheme!