When our client approached Ellipsa, they were ready for a complete refresh of their much-loved but tired lounge and dining room. With a growing family and a busy home life, the existing décor no longer reflected how they wanted to live. The spaces lacked cohesion, the storage was insufficient, and the lighting felt dim and dated. Most importantly, the client wanted a timeless design that would remain elegant and functional for the next 10–15 years. They desired something classic, warm and lasting, without slipping into trends that would quickly date.

The Client’s Initial Challenges

During the initial consultation, several clear goals emerged:

1. Update the dated décor

Both rooms had become a patchwork of older furnishings, legacy paint choices and a style that no longer suited the family’s tastes. They wanted a more refined, contemporary aesthetic without losing the warmth of a family home.

2. Create a new focal point for the lounge

The lounge featured a stone fireplace, but the family didn’t use the fire and wanted it removed. Without a strong visual anchor, the layout felt unstructured and the room didn’t feel as inviting as it could.

3. Improve the lighting

Poor lighting was a recurring issue. Shadows collected in corners, the existing fittings offered little ambience, and the rooms felt dull during the afternoon and evenings. The client wanted layered, atmospheric lighting that could adapt to both everyday living and occasional entertaining.

4. Achieve a timeless design

A key requirement was longevity. The client wanted confidence that the design would remain stylish and relevant for at least a decade, avoiding anything overly trend-led or short-lived.

5. Increase storage in both the lounge and dining room

There was little space for storing children’s toys, decorative pieces or practical household items. The dining room, in particular, needed additional closed storage and the lounge needed thoughtfully designed open display space.

6. Create areas for displaying personal items

The client had a collection of ornaments, floral arrangements, framed photos and small sculptures. They wanted these items to be celebrated rather than hidden away.

Our Design Approach

At Ellipsa, our process always begins with precision and planning. For this project, we focused on building a strong technical foundation before moving into creative development.

Accurate Measurements & Scaled Floor Plans

We carried out a detailed site survey, capturing precise measurements of both rooms. These formed the basis of our scaled floor plans, allowing us to explore numerous layout options and ensure every new item would fit perfectly without compromising comfort or flow.

Aerial view of the rooms on the 3D model — *Getting an overview via an aerial view of both rooms on the 3D model*

Developing Optimised Furniture Layouts

Once the scaled plan was established, we reconfigured both rooms to improve functionality and circulation. The new layout created a natural focal point in the lounge, enhancing visibility and balance. In the dining room, the dining table and new wall unit were positioned to maximise usable space, whilst still retaining a clear walkway through to the adjoining conservatory. A new separate seating area was created in the corner of the dining room, ideal for watching the birds in the garden, whilst staying warm inside during colder months.

*Furniture layout plan showing the new electrical fittings too*

Bespoke Joinery with Integrated LED Lighting

To solve the client’s storage challenges and provide elegant display opportunities, we designed two custom-built wall units, one for each room.

These bespoke units offered a mix of open shelves, closed cabinetry and carefully positioned LED accent lighting.
The lighting not only improved ambience but beautifully illuminated personal items, turning them into subtle artwork within the room.

These joinery pieces became key architectural elements that anchor the design and reinforce the timeless brief.

*Bespoke wall unit built-in to the dining room with mains-operated LED lighting under the shelves*

Timeless, Durable Design Concept

The overall concept centred around soft neutrals, warm metallic highlights and textured materials that feel luxurious yet durable.
The palette was purposely designed to age well, with high-quality finishes selected for longevity and resistance to everyday wear, ideal for family life. We introduced classic shapes, balanced proportions and natural textures to ensure the scheme remains relevant for many years.

*The final chosen design concept was based on a light toned selection of neutral tones, lots of textures and small-scale patterns.*

Material & Furnishing Choices

We sourced a full suite of new materials and finishes, including:

New flooring, a combination of wool mix carpet and bamboo hard flooring chosen for durability and warmth.
Wallpaper and paint colours: selected to complement the soft, timeless palette.
Window treatments: we specified double-layer full-length curtains paired with a roman blind to allow flexible light control throughout the day.
New furnishings and accessories: all sourced within the client’s agreed budget, ensuring every item worked cohesively within the refreshed aesthetic.

Natural, neutral luxurious materials board — *The materials chosen for the rooms are 90% neutral, pulling on beige, cream, off-white, taupe, black and a pop of maroon warm accents*

Trade Liaison & Detailed Instructions

To ensure smooth delivery, we instructed all required tradespeople and provided them with comprehensive drawings, elevations and specifications. This included electrical plans for lighting placement, joinery details, decorator paint schedules and installation notes. Clear guidance meant the work progressed efficiently and accurately.

*Detailed instructions drawn up by Ellipsa, to assist tradespeople achieve first-time accuracy*

The Outcome

The completed design has transformed the way the family lives in these rooms. The lounge now boasts a beautiful focal point, enhanced by layered lighting and the soft ambience from the LED-lit joinery. The dining room feels more structured, spacious and refined, with storage solutions that blend seamlessly into the design. Explore the full case study

Luxury Lounge with a neutral palette and layers of textures, built-in LED lighting — *The finished lounge, including the bespoke media wall unit with built-in LED lighting, controlled from the wall mounted dimmer switch*

Luxury dining room with bespoke joinery wall unit — *The finished dining room, with full length wave curtains, bamboo floor, ceramic topped dining table, along with the built-in unit with LED lighting.*

The client expressed how pleased they were with the calm, cohesive feel of both spaces; particularly the fact that everything was completed in time for hosting a family Christmas, when these rooms would be most used and most appreciated. They now enjoy a home that feels not only elegant and contemporary, but one that will remain effortlessly stylish and functional for years to come. Find out more by reading the case study

If you like the idea of an interior designer helping you convert a tired, out-dated space, or if you have just moved into a new home and want to make it your own, get in touch with Ellipsa for an initial no-obligation chat.

Case study: Luxury Lounge & Dining Room