Willow Bank Project
Note that this project is hypothetical and for entertainment purposes only.
I regularly browse property listings in my local area. I am always keeping my eye out for potential investment opportunities (for when the time comes), but also I just love having a peek inside homes.
Willow Bank is one of a few I have spotted. Every time this particular floorplan has become available I think about how much potential it has. Still, everyone seems to struggle with finding a functional space plan for the main living area. With a sizable bathroom and two bedrooms, this home could suit up to a family of four (two adults and two young kids) if well designed.
Serving as a sitting room, dining room, and kitchen this is a hardworking space but I know it could be equally beautiful as it is functional. If I were redesigning it this is how I would do it.
THE FOUNDATION
Before even thinking about the look of the room, I’d address the flow and anything impeding upon the space's functionality. Two changes that would greatly enhance the room's layout would be removing the existing radiator, relocating the heat source to the opposite wall, and reversing the swing of the internal door. Currently, the radiator and the door limit one of the two available walls in the room. This means a sofa cannot be placed on this wall, which is the best place for it.
Another change I would make that may seem counterintuitive from a square footage perspective is adding a faux chimney breast to house a new electric fireplace. But hear me out because this addition serves multiple purposes! Most obviously, it provides a heat source that is more central to the kitchen and family room. Secondly, it increases the character of the room with the addition of a fireplace. Thirdly, it helps define the dining nook (more on this later) and visually balances a sofa on the opposite wall.
THE CONCEPT
I feel this space would look equally charming in a neutral or colourful scheme. Whatever the colours, the inspiration for the interior design has to be ‘modern cottage’ for me.
To set the tone I would use wood floorboards, and shaker cabinets, and add texture with beadboard paneling and wallpaper on select walls. Then I’d layer in linen, brass, and other natural, or at the very least, nature-inspired materials throughout the space.
THE FINISHES
For this project, I did end up going the neutral route featuring off-whites, subtle greens, and greys. A subdued pallet is the perfect foundation to layer in furnishings, fixtures, and decor.
I would run the same dark oak flooring throughout. Here I have selected Amtico’s Tay Oak as its beautiful, durable, and it may be possible to lay it directly over the existing tile (saving on cost!).
I would paint the ceiling, trim, and most of the walls in Little Greene Paint’s Slaked Lime and wallpaper the longest wall in a neutral-colored toile pattern. Then I would add beadboard painted in Farrow and Ball’s French Grey on the faux fireplace and back kitchen wall.
THE FAMILY ROOM
What I am calling the family room includes both the sitting room and dining nook. This is the room that the occupants will spend most of their time in – together and entertaining friends and family – so it needs to be well considered to perform all its jobs effortlessly.
Remember that I have removed the radiator, added the faux chimney breast and electric fireplace, and rehung the door to open into the connected hall. That sets the foundation for the space plan for this room.
Layout
I would suggest a sofa, armchair, storage cabinet, two side tables, a fitted dining bench, a dining table, and two dining chairs in this room. For all this to fit and function, the proportions of each piece must be correct. We want them to provide ample seating and storage while not overcrowding the space. Cozy is the assignment here.
Lighting
There is currently no light fixture in the family room, but keeping the budget in mind, I would not necessarily recommend an electrical rewire. Instead, I would place two of these rechargeable brass wall sconces on each side of the new faux chimney breast. The light on the left helps define the dining nook while the light on the right makes for a great reading corner – both bring much-needed light to the family room.
The Furnishings
To start, I would choose this IKEA sofa. It comfortably seats two adults without impeding upon the patio door. I would suggest a slipcover in graphite linen to make the piece feel high-end. This combination has the perfect transitional look to suit the ‘modern cottage’ aesthetic.
Then I would add this black and cane armchair to the window corner to create a conversational arrangement with the sofa. I always like to include one or two unexpected elements in a design and I feel this chair is surprising yet at home in this room.
For both the sofa and the chair I would include a side table. Ideally, the larger side table next to the sofa would be vintage or antique to make the room feel more storied. I adore this side table from Zara Home for the armchair.
While the kitchen and other parts of the home have ample storage, the family room is very much lacking in it. To remedy this, I would add a storage cabinet to the right of the new faux chimney breast. This is the perfect spot to hide away board games, puzzles, and books – or display treasured objects.
In the dining nook, I would do a fitted storage bench in the same cabinetry as the kitchen. Whatever finds itself tucked away in these drawers, my aim is to provide seating for two and define the dining area as its own space within the room. The table itself would be another vintage or antique piece, and the same for the two wood dining chairs.
Sofa | Sofa Cover | Armchair | Cabinet | Dining Chair | Side Table
Soft Furnishings
Whether a floor is fitted with wood, tile, or carpet, I always always add an area rug to a space because it adds depth and definition wherever it's laid. For this room, the texture, pattern, and colour of this rug move the design in the desired direction while clearly defining the sitting room – the main stage for gathering in the home.
I would choose to keep the soft furnishings neutral because, in a small space, you don’t want your eye to be pulled in too many directions. I’d focus on layering in cushions and curtains in various textures, instead of colours. By keeping the entire colour scheme subdued the room feels more cohesive and calm.
Area Rug | Striped Cushion | Floral Cushion
THE KITCHEN
The kitchen in this home is good as is. It has plenty of storage and counter space with a neutral colour on the cabinets. However, there are some tweaks I'd make to transform it into an extra special space.
For this project, I’d use IKEA Metod carcasses and interiors with semi-custom doors and sides from Noremax. I like this brand because you can get your fronts finished in any paint colour, including Farrow & Ball and Little Greene Paint.
Layout
The current kitchen doesn't utilize the small nook on the left and uses too much vertical space making it feel cramped. I'd suggest placing a corner unit and a drawer unit in the nook to allow the countertop to extend through the corner and add three sets of open shelves above.
(Note that I don't have the actual dimensions of this nook, but I'm confident one of IKEA’s available widths will work here.)
I'd add a plastered hood to define the central point of the kitchen and run a counter-to-ceiling upper cabinet on the right. This cabinet could hide away small appliances and serve as a larder. I would leave the sink wall open except for the two high cabinets storing the washer/dryer, refrigerator, and freezer next to the dining nook
Left: the new kitchen floorplan. Below: the new kitchen elevations.
Finishes
I'd choose Little Greene Paint’s Slaked Lime Deep for the cabinetry, which is a couple of shades darker than the wall colour notes above. I'd choose a dark stone worktop and brass hardware to complete the look.
Lighting
I would replace the existing ceiling light with this simple brass and opal glass ceiling light and add the same rechargeable brass wall light above the sink to be utilized as a task light.
Carrying elements like the wall light, wallpaper, and beadboard into the kitchen ties the two rooms together seamlessly. *Chef's kiss*
FINAL THOUGHTS
This home has huge potential and could become a beautiful and inviting environment for the occupants.
If I were designing this home for a client, I would take a phased approach. I'd recommend doing any building work, painting, and fitting the kitchen all at once to minimize disruption. Then using the shopping list, they could confidently add new furnishings and fixtures as time and budget allows.
This project was designed with the Virtual Design Service. You can learn more about it below or reach out at hello@bonniemorata.com.
Virtural Design Service
This design-only service offers a more comprehensive experience than a consultation, yet remains more accessible and budget-friendly than traditional full-service design. It’s an ideal solution for clients who want to create a space that feels considered and personal, without the constraints of rigid timelines or large upfront costs.
You’ll be guided through every step of the design process so that you are empowered to make thoughtful decisions that align with your lifestyle, values, and aesthetic preferences. I’ll work closely with you to craft a design plan that is as practical as it is beautiful, ensuring that each element—whether it’s the layout, finishes, or furnishings—complements your life and vision.
I love this approach because it allows for a thoughtful, sustainable way to adorn your home. Whether you're updating a single room or redesigning your whole space, you’ll have everything you need to create a home that truly reflects who you are.
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Mood Board: A curated collection of images, colors, and design elements to inspire your project.
Space Plan & Elevations: A detailed floor plan to enhance flow and functionality, plus interior elevations for implementation.
Finishes Selection: A cohesive selection of finishes—from tiles to fixtures—designed to pull your space together.
Furniture Selection: Handpicked furniture that fits your style and budget, with styling touches to complete the look.
Video Walkthrough: Videos to review your design with your builder or as a reference for ordering products.
Shoppable Item List: A list with links for easy purchasing and implementation on your timeline.
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Design-only means that I will provide a detailed design, but you as the client are responsible for purchasing, arranging delivery, and installing all the elements of your design. This approach empowers you to take charge of the entire implementation process, ensuring that all materials and elements align with your vision. You will have the flexibility to source items over time while adhering to the outlined design plan. It is essential to understand that while I provide comprehensive guidance, the execution and realization of the design rest in your hands.
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The investment starts at €600 per room.
